Campuses:
This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.
Twin Cities Campus
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics Ph.D.Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, & Biophysics TCBS
Graduate School
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
6-155 Jackson Hall
321 Church St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-6100
Email:
bmbbgp@umn.edu
Website: http://www.cbs.umn.edu/bmbb/graduate
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics (BMBB) graduate program is an interdisciplinary program that is supported by the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) and the Medical School of the University of Minnesota. The program provides a broad research-based education involving faculty from BMBB as well as many faculty members from several other departments in CBS, the Medical School, the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
BMBB focuses on determining the molecular mechanisms that underlie basic biological functions using an integrated approach that encompasses biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, genomics, molecular biology, proteomics, and structural biology. Special emphasis is placed on revealing how biological processes go awry in diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and AIDS. The program has four areas of emphasis: synthetic biology and biotechnology, molecular biology, metabolic and systems biology, and chemical and structural biology. All students are expected to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in these areas but will emphasize the area most related to their thesis project.
While graduate training in a BMBB laboratory involves first-year coursework and associated preliminary examinations, the focal point for graduate education is thesis research. Laboratory-based exploration coupled with journal clubs, seminars, scientific meetings and retreats, career counseling and scientific ethics constitutes the major components of the program. Support for graduate education comes from a variety of sources but is augmented by several NIH and NSF-based training grants. PhD graduates from the University of Minnesota obtain full-time employment immediately after graduation or pursue advanced training in academic or corporate postdoctoral positions.
Students pursuing the PhD are admitted to BMBB under the auspices of Molecular, Cellular and Structural Biology (MCSB), a first year program administered by BMBB and the Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics (MCDB&G) graduate programs. After the first year, students select either BMBB or MCDB&G to complete their degree.
Related Ph.D. and M.S. Programs in BMBB:
As a part of the BMBB program, graduate studies leading to a PhD degree may be pursued on the Duluth Campus. A PhD in BMBB may also be obtained through the Combined MD-PhD Program. Please visit the program website for more information (http://www.med.umn.edu/mdphd/index.htm).
Note: Pursuit of a master's degree in BMBB is not an option at the point of admission. Students are only admitted to the BMBB PhD program. However, the Master of Biological Science (MBS) program is available for working professionals, including scientific staff working at the University of Minnesota. This program is offered through the College of Continuing Education (CCE) and is flexible with respect to time and focus of study. Please visit the program website for more information (http://www.cce.umn.edu/Master-of-Biological-Sciences/index.html).
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The program can accommodate for a variety of educational backgrounds. However, applications from students with an undergraduate degree in the biological, chemical, or physical sciences are encouraged.
The program can accommodate for a variety of educational backgrounds. However, applications from students with an advanced degree in the biological, chemical, or physical sciences are encouraged.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Recommended academic preparation includes one year each of calculus, organic chemistry, and basic biology, including biochemistry and genetics. For students of demonstrated ability, background deficiencies can be made up during the first year of graduate study.
Successful applicants must have previous research experience in an academic or industrial setting in addition to any course-related laboratory experiences. It is important to demonstrate familiarity with an aptitude for basic science research prior to embarking on a graduate career in this program.
Special Application Requirements:
Additionally, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic and research capabilities. A statement of interests and goals, a complete set of transcripts, and official scores from the General Test of the GRE are required. The GRE Subject Test in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, biology, or chemistry is strongly recommended, but not required.
The deadline to submit a completed application is December 1. Completed files are reviewed between January and February. Graduate studies begin fall semester only.
Related Ph.D. and M.S. Programs in BMBB:
As a part of the BMBB program, graduate studies leading to a PhD degree may be pursued on the Duluth Campus. A PhD in BMBB may also be obtained through the Combined MD-PhD Program. Please visit the program website for more information (http://www.med.umn.edu/mdphd/index.htm).
Note: Pursuit of a master's degree in BMBB is not an option at the point of admission. Students are only admitted to the BMBB PhD program. However, the Master of Biological Science (MBS) program is available for working professionals, including scientific staff working at the University of Minnesota. This program is offered through the College of Continuing Education (CCE) and is flexible with respect to time and focus of study. Please visit the program website for more information (http://www.cce.umn.edu/Master-of-Biological-Sciences/index.html).
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
Key to test
abbreviations
(GRE).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
9
credits are required in the major.
15 credits are required outside the major. 24 thesis credits are required.
This program may not be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 3.00
is required for students to remain in good standing.
Requirements for the doctoral degree include core coursework, thesis credits, and laboratory experiences taken by all students as well as coursework in one of the four BMBB empahses listed below. To obtain a PhD degree, students must register for a minimum of 24 thesis credits (BioC 8888). Upon completion of the 24 thesis-credit requirement, students are required to register every fall and spring, up through the term they are awarded the Ph.D., for 1 credit of advanced doctoral credits (BioC 8444) in order to maintain full-time, active student status.
Additional requirements for the PhD degree include seminar presentations, examinations, and teaching assignments. BioC 8084 is a weekly student seminar on current literature and research, and students must register for 1 credit of BioC 8084 each term until they have reached Advanced Doctoral Status. Students must attend at least 50% of weekly meetings for BioC 8084 and BioC 8184 which is a Departmental seminar involving prominent national and international scientists. Three examinations for the PhD degree include a written preliminary proposal (4th semester), preliminary oral exam (4th semester), and a final oral exam with thesis defense (typically year 5). Examinations will be conducted by the student's preliminary and graduate committees. Students are also required to complete two semesters of teaching, typically between years 2-4.
Biochemistry Core
To obtain a PhD in BMBB, all students must complete the biochemistry core coursework.
BIOC 8001 - Biochemistry: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism
(3.0 cr)
BIOC 8002 - Molecular Biology and Regulation of Biological Processes
(3.0 cr)
BIOC 8401 - Ethics, Public Policy, and Careers in Molecular and Cellular Biology
(1.0 cr)
Laboratory and Field Course
In August of the first year, all PhD BMBB students must register for this hands-on, intensive lab course which takes place at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. This course will provide first-year students with exposure to a range of modern methods and model systems.
MCDG 8920 - Special Topics
(1.0-4.0 cr)
Electives for Emphases
All students must complete 15 credits of coursework in one of the four BMBB empahses: synthetic biology and biotechnology, molecular biology, metabolic and systems biology, or chemical and structural biology. synthetic biology and biotechnology, molecular biology, metabolic and systems biology, or chemical and structural biology. Courses from disciplines other than BMBB may be used to build an emphasis in consultation with the student's advisor.
BIOC 5352 - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for Biochemists
(3.0 cr)
or
BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics
(3.0 cr)
or
MICA 8002 - Structure, Function, and Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses
(4.0 cr)
or
GCD 8151 - Cellular Biochemistry and Cell Biology
(2.0-4.0 cr)
or
MICA 8003 - Immunity and Immunopathology
(4.0 cr)
or
MICA 8004 - Cellular and Cancer Biology
(4.0 cr)
or
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics
(3.0 cr)
or
GCD 8008 - Mammalian Gene Transfer and Genome Engineering
(2.0 cr)
or
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I
(4.0 cr)
or
SCB 8181 - Stem Cell Biology
(3.0 cr)
or
STAT 5021 - Statistical Analysis
(4.0 cr)
or
MICA 8010 - Microbial Pathogenesis
(3.0 cr)
or
BIOC 5216 - Current Topics in Signal Transduction
(2.0 cr)
or
BIOC 5527 {Inactive}
(4.0 cr)
or
BIOC 5528 - Spectroscopy and Kinetics
(4.0 cr)
or
CHEN 8754 - Systems Analysis of Biological Processes
(3.0 cr)
or
BIOC 5213 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
or
BIOC 5444 - Muscle
(3.0 cr)
or
BIOC 5531 {Inactive}
(1.0 cr)
or
BIOC 5532 {Inactive}
(1.0 cr)
or
CHEM 8011 - Mechanisms of Chemical Reactions
(4.0 cr)
or
CHEM 8021 - Computational Chemistry
(4.0 cr)
or
CHEM 8411 - Introduction to Chemical Biology
(4.0 cr)
or
CHEM 8412 - Chemical Biology of Enzymes
(4.0 cr)
or
CHEM 8735 - Bioinorganic Chemistry
(4.0 cr)
or
PHCL 5111 - Pharmacogenomics
(3.0 cr)
or
PUBH 7445 - Statistics for Human Genetics and Molecular Biology
(3.0 cr)
or
MICA 8013 - Translational Cancer Research
(2.0 cr)
or
GRAD 8101 - Teaching in Higher Education
(3.0 cr)
|
|
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Bioc 8401/GCD 8401 |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -4.0 [max 8.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 5352/MicB 5352 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | GCD 8181/SCB 8181 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 5444/ Phsl 5444 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Chem 8412/MedC 8412 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |