Program Overview

Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Program

The Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Program (CCB) prepares scientists to address problems at the intersection of chemistry and biology. In this program, students build a foundation of knowledge in chemistry and then combine it with the skills to understand and probe complex biological processes at the atomic, molecular, and cellular levels.

Program Overview

The CCB program at UCSF ranks among the top such programs in the nation. UCSF is a highly interdisciplinary educational environment, which fosters collaborations across the clinical, translational, and basic sciences. The CCB program also has strong connections throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, providing exciting opportunities for trainees to pursue teaching, mentorship, entrepreneurship, science communication, consulting, and pharmaceutical experiences.

Faculty

The CCB program brings together about 50 faculty members from many departments across the UCSF campus, including Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Physiology, Otolaryngology, and Radiology. The CCB faculty pursue many types of research projects, but share a common passion for chemistry and chemical biology. CCB faculty are also highly committed to excellence in mentoring and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and are required to complete formal training in these areas.

Sub-disciplines

Faculty in CCB provide training in chemistry and chemical biology, with a focus on six related areas:

• Biological chemistry and synthetic biology
• Chemical synthesis and natural products
• Computational chemistry and biology
• Drug discovery and design
• Macromolecular structure and function
• Protein and cellular engineering

Program Administration

The CCB program is offered by the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, administered by the UCSF School of Pharmacy, and delivered by faculty members in the UCSF schools of pharmacy and medicine.

Program Structure

The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Chemistry and Chemical Biology is part of the broader graduate education offerings at UCSF, which include:

• The Doctor of Philosophy Degree
• The Master’s Degree
• Certificate Programs
• Professional Doctorates
• Summer Research Program

Related Programs

Other PhD programs available at UCSF include:

• Bioengineering
• Biological and Medical Informatics
• Biomedical Sciences Program
• Biophysics
• Computational Precision Health
• Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
• Epidemiology & Translational Science
• Global Health Sciences PhD
• History of Health Sciences PhD
• Medical Anthropology
• Neuroscience
• Nursing PhD
• Oral and Craniofacial Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics
• Rehabilitation Science
• Sociology
• Tetrad

The Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in chemistry and chemical biology, preparing them for careers in research, academia, industry, and beyond. With its strong faculty, interdisciplinary environment, and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the CCB program at UCSF is an excellent choice for students seeking a PhD in this field.