Program Overview

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, PhD

The PhD Program in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is designed for students interested in graduate-level preparation for careers in biomedical and health sciences research. Emphasizing molecular studies of multiprotein systems, molecular and cellular biology, and biochemical nutrition, the doctoral students' research has applications to cancer, aging, neurological diseases, and environmentally based diseases.

Introduction

The program is tailored for students seeking advanced research training in biochemistry and molecular biology, with a focus on developing expertise in hypothesis-driven research, critical thinking, and scientific communication.

Program Requirements

• Coursework: A common core curriculum is taken during the first and second years, including courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cellular biology.
• Laboratory Rotations: Students participate in four laboratory rotations during their first year to gain research experience and choose a thesis adviser.
• Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam: Students must pass a written and oral exam based on their thesis project, which includes a research proposal and an oral defense.
• Preliminary Oral Examination: Students must pass a university-administered oral exam to be officially accepted as candidates for the PhD degree.
• Thesis Advisory Committee: A committee is formed to monitor the student's progress on their thesis research.
• Individual Development Plans: Students and their mentors participate in an annual IDP process to discuss career goals, skills, and progress.
• Thesis Preparation and Defense: Students prepare and defend their thesis, which must consist of novel and publishable research findings.

Additional Requirements

• Epidemiology Course: Students must take a course in epidemiology (PH.340.618 Epidemiology: the Basics).
• Coursework Outside BMB: Students must take six credits of coursework outside the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
• Responsible Conduct of Research: Students must complete courses in responsible conduct of research, including PH.550.860 Academic & Research Ethics at BSPH and PH.550.600 Living Science Ethics - Responsible Conduct of Research.

Program Policies

For a full list of program policies, please refer to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's For Current Students page.

Professional Development

The program is committed to students' development as science professionals, including participation in the OPTIONS program offered by the Johns Hopkins Professional Development and Career Office (PDCO) and academic offerings such as the required course Fellowship Grant Writing for Students and Postdoctoral Fellows (120.630).

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, students will have mastered the following competencies:

• Evaluate current and future issues in public health related to one of the leading causes of death, cancer.
• Assemble a research proposal appropriate for an NIH-style fellowship application.
• Defend and support a scientific argument in relevance to scientific literature and presentations.
• Design hypothesis-driven research questions.
• Read and critically evaluate primary research literature in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology.