Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ph.D.
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is part of the graduate program in biomedical sciences at Saint Louis University's School of Medicine. Each year, this multidisciplinary Ph.D. program accepts 10-15 highly qualified candidates with bachelor's degrees. To assist students in deciding which area of biomedical research is right for them, the program provides opportunities to explore research in as many as five diverse disciplines during the first year of graduate training at SLU.
Curriculum Overview
During the first year of study, courses focus on the basic biochemical, molecular, cellular and organismal aspects of the biomedical sciences. This prepares students for more intensive, individualized instruction in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Careers
The program prepares students to be technically skilled and thoughtful scientists who can seek diverse careers in industry, government or as university professors.
Admission Requirements
Students should possess an above-average GPA, sufficient GRE scores and TOEFL scores (for international students) and the equivalent of an undergraduate major in chemistry, biology or a related subject.
Application Requirements
- Application form and fee
- Transcript(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE G scores (GRE S optional)
- Résumé
- Interview
- Professional goal statement
Requirements for International Students
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
- Courses taken and/or lectures attended
- Practical laboratory work
- The maximum and minimum grades attainable
- The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
- Any honors or degrees received.
- WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
- In order to be issued an I-20 for your F-1 visa application, students must submit financial documents. Proof of financial support that must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
Tuition
Tuition | Cost Per Credit |
---|---|
Graduate Tuition | $1,370 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, apply by Feb. 1.
For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
- Graduates will possess an appropriate level of knowledge of current biomedical science as related to biochemistry and molecular biology.
- Graduates will be able to evaluate and critique publications.
- Graduates will be able to identify and select meaningful problems to be addressed in bioscience research, to frame testable/falsifiable hypotheses concerning an important research question.
- Graduates will be able to create and implement experimental protocols with suitable controls to test a scientific hypothesis, and to interpret the results of experiments in light of the hypothesis driving them.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate biomedical research with respect to the content, organization, logical flow, presentation and appropriate use of language incorporating the use of visual aids.
- Graduates will be able to summarize the expectations for responsible conduct of research.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Basic Biomedical Science Courses | ||
BBS 5010 | Basic Biomedical Science I | 5 |
BBS 5020 | Special Topics in Basic Biomedical Sciences I | 4 |
BBS 5030 | Basic Biomedical Science II | 5 |
BBS 5040 | Special Topics in Basic Biomedical Sciences II | 4 |
BBS 5100 | Ethics for Research Scientists | 0 |
BBS 5920 | Basic Biomedical Sciences Colloquium | 2 |
BBS 5970 | Introduction to Basic Biomedical Sciences Research (taken over multiple semesters) | 4 |
BCHM 6280 | Intro to Genomics and Bioinformatics | 2 |
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Courses | ||
BCHM 6230 | Macromolecules: Structure and Function | 4 |
BCHM 6240 | Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
BCHM 6250 | Preparation and Evaluation of Science Research Proposal | 3 |
BCHM 6920 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Colloquium | 1 |
Dissertation Research | ||
BCHM 6990 | Dissertation Research (taken over multiple semesters, 12hrs total) | 0-6 |
Total Credits | 49 |
Additional coursework in chemistry or biology may be required at the discretion of the department chairperson or graduate program director. The program may include courses in one of the fields of preclinical medicine as electives.
Non-Course Requirements
All students are expected to participate in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Journal Club throughout the program.
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.