Program Overview

Ph.D. in Biochemistry

General Info

• Faculty working with students: 31
• Students: 55
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application Terms: Fall
• Application Deadline: December 1

Program Description

Graduate students in the Duke Biochemistry Department engage in faculty-mentored research and graduate coursework that develops an understanding of fundamental concepts in biochemistry, physical biochemistry, as well as the critical analysis of published research. Students choose thesis topics from a wide range of research projects under current study by primary and secondary faculty in the department, which include: enzyme mechanisms, signal transduction, cell cycle control, cytoskeleton structure, prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription, genetic diseases, glycoproteins, DNA partitioning/segregation, plasma membrane receptors, cellular differentiation, gene regulation, mechanisms of DNA repair and DNA repair defects in tumor biology, processing of DNA, RNA modification, mRNA decay and translational control, multidrug resistance and tolerance, membrane vesicle biogenesis, microbial toxin activity, endocytosis, insertion of proteins into membranes, ion channel structure and function, metalloproteins, post translational modification, drug design, analysis and design of protein and RNA structure, and X-ray crystallography and NMR studies on macromolecular structure and folding. The department is located in a large, research-oriented medical center, which is immediately adjacent to the arts and sciences campus, fostering a productive and collaborative scientific community.

Statistics

• Biochemistry: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Biochemistry: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Biochemistry: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Biochemistry: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms and Deadlines

• Application Terms Available: Fall
• Application Deadline: December 1

Graduate School Application Requirements

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores:
  • GRE General: Optional
  • GRE Subject tests (Biology, Chemistry): Optional
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required for applicants whose first language is not English
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements

• Statement of Purpose Guidelines: The mission of the Duke University Biochemistry Graduate program is to educate and mentor students from diverse backgrounds in the fundamentals of biochemical principles and practice through courses and research by (1) guiding students in their thesis research project, and (2) preparing them for a career in research, education, or other disciplines. The program promotes a commitment to excellence in research scholarship and fosters a spirit of creativity, service, and respect, within an environment that is ethical, inclusive, and diverse.
• Writing Sample: None required
• Additional Components: Optional Video Essay: How would a Duke PhD training experience help you achieve your academic and professional goals? Max video length 2 minutes.