Program Overview

Integrated Molecular and Biophysical Chemistry (Ph.D.)

The Integrated Molecular and Biophysical Chemistry (IMBC) program is designed to train Ph.D.-level biochemists, biophysicists, and chemists for the growing biomedical and life science industry in Texas and the nation.

Program Overview

The IMBC program features interdisciplinary coursework that integrates biochemistry, biophysics, organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, cell biology, biological chemistry, and molecular genetics. Students will develop skills in biochemistry, biophysics, organic chemistry, and molecular biology alongside business, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.

Course Work

IMBC students will be prepared for the growing biomedical and life science industry in Texas and the nation. The program features interdisciplinary coursework that integrates biochemistry, biophysics, organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, cell biology, biological chemistry, and molecular genetics through required and elective courses. Course work is centered on research, with both pre-candidacy graduate research coursework and substantial post-candidacy dissertation research courses.

Program Details

• Degree: Ph.D.
• Course Work: 36 hours
• Dissertation: 36 hours
• Total Hours: 72 hours
• Location: San Marcos

Program Mission

The mission of the IMBC program is to prepare graduates to lead interdisciplinary teams that make impactful advances in the biomedical and life sciences by equipping them with:

• Comprehensive technical knowledge spanning synthesis, biochemistry, and biophysics
• Advanced research skills to allow them to design and implement experiments to test hypotheses and engage in multidisciplinary research in the molecular sciences
• Leadership, innovation, communication, and entrepreneurial skills to prepare them for multiple career environments

Career Options

IMBC graduates can embark on a variety of career paths, including:

• Faculty members in public and private colleges and universities
• Entrepreneurs and founders of start-up companies
• Scientists in private companies, nonprofit, or government agencies
• Intellectual property professionals, consultants, or managers

Program Faculty

The IMBC faculty research areas include:

• DNA damage and repair
• Regulation of gene expression
• Cellular mechanisms of carcinogenesis
• Molecular mechanisms of disease
• Natural products synthesis, drug design and discovery
• Liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins and nucleic acids
• Drug delivery and biosensors
• Research training and education pedagogy
• Enzyme mechanism, chemical catalysis, and inhibition
• Analytical methods development

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below:

• Completed online application
• $55 nonrefundable application fee, or $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• Baccalaureate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline from a regionally accredited university
• Students must have completed at least one year each of biology, organic chemistry, calculus, and physics
• A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
• Competitive GPA in all completed graduate coursework
• Resume/CV outlining education, work experience, scholarships/grants, publications/presentations, other accomplishments
• Statement of purpose outlining the applicant's personal history, goals that are relevant to obtaining this doctoral degree, and how this degree will help the applicant achieve these goals
• Three letters of recommendation evaluating the applicant's skill and potential in this degree program, preferably from academic sources

English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on the exempt countries list:

• Official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
• Official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
• Official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
• Official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
• Official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

Application Deadlines

• Priority Deadline: December 1 for U.S. citizens and December 1 for international students. Ensures full consideration for admission and eligibility for certain funding opportunities.
• Standard Deadline: August 1 for U.S. citizens and June 1 for international students. Represents the last day a complete application can be submitted, but does not guarantee admission consideration.