Program Overview

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Biochemistry, Biophysics, & Structural Biology, PhD

The Biochemistry, Biophysics, & Structural Biology Program is a graduate training program at Washington University in St. Louis, housed under the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences (DBBS). This program brings together scientists who aim to understand biological systems ranging from single molecules to whole organisms at the level of chemical transformations and molecular interactions.

Program Description

Students in this program investigate diverse topics including protein dynamics, the molecular mechanisms of nucleic acid and cytoskeletal motors, membrane-bound ion channels, metabolic enzymes, immunological signaling, and much more. The program encompasses three interrelated research areas:

• Biochemistry uses the concepts and approaches of chemistry to understand the molecular basis of biological processes.
• Biophysics brings together elements of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to describe and understand biological processes.
• Structural Biology seeks a mechanistic understanding of macromolecular function through molecular structure and dynamics.

Degree Requirements

• Total Units Required: 36 credits
• Degree Length: 7 years
• Grade Requirement: Students are expected to maintain a B average in graduate courses.
• Required Courses:
  • DBBS Required Courses:
    • BIOL 5098 Graduate Research Fundamentals
    • BIOL 5011 Ethics and Research Science
  • BBSB Specific Requirements:
    • BIOL 5357 Chemistry and Physics of Biomolecules
    • Four semesters of BIOL 5469 Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Seminar
  • 9 Credit Hours of Advanced Electives
  • Three Journal Clubs

Laboratory Rotations

Students usually participate in three lab rotations during their first year. Additional rotations can be arranged, and rotation lengths are flexible. Students usually begin their thesis research by the end of their first year.

Scientific Scholarship

The Division offers many ways to stay current with scientific developments, including weekly biology seminars, annual symposia, and journal clubs.

Qualifying Examinations

Progress toward the PhD is contingent upon the student passing examinations. The qualifying process varies according to the program. In the Biochemistry, Biophysics, & Structural Biology Program, after taking the first year of classes and selecting a laboratory, students will develop and defend an independent research project of their own design in the qualifying exam (QE).

Mentored Experience Requirements

Doctoral students at Washington University must complete a department-defined Mentored Experience. The Mentored Experience Requirement is a doctoral degree requirement that is notated on the student’s transcript when complete.

The Doctoral Dissertation

A Research Advisory Committee (RAC) must be created no later than the end of the student's third year. Each candidate must complete a dissertation that is approved by their RAC.

The Dissertation Defense

Approval of the written dissertation by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) is strongly recommended before the student can orally defend the dissertation. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee that examines the student during the defense consists of at least five members.

Submission of the Dissertation

After the defense, the student must submit an electronic copy of the dissertation online to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences.

Mentored Experience Requirements (MERs)

The Mentored Experience Implementation Plan (MEIP) is the written articulation of a program-defined degree requirement for PhD students to engage in mentored teaching activities and/or mentored professional activities.

Philosophy of Teaching

Effective communication of information and concepts is a critical skill for biomedical research scientists. The required Mentored Teaching Experience (MTE) aims to provide students with fundamental instruction in and experience with pedagogy principles.

Preparatory Engagement

Preparatory Engagement activities are those that represent an introduction to the foundational skills associated with teaching or communication. Prior to beginning their MTE, students will be required to complete the Graduate Student Teaching Orientation and two additional teaching workshops offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Mentored Teaching Experiences (MTEs)

An Assistant in Instruction (AI) is a PhD student who is directly engaged in the organization, instruction, and/or support of a semester-long course primarily taught by a faculty member. DBBS students will serve as mentored AIs in courses approved by the Associate Dean.

Optional Activity: Professional Intensive Pathway (PIP)

The PIP is an optional pathway for those students whose career interests lie outside of academia or who want to benefit from mentored professional experiences (MPEs). An MPE is an unpaid professional experience for PhD students that allows students to develop skills and experiences relevant to their intended career outcomes.