Biological Chemistry Ph.D. Program Summary

Research Areas

Biological Chemistry faculty pursue research in diverse areas of Biochemistry, Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, Chemical and Structural Biology, and Neurobiology. The common theme in our research is an interest in understanding biological phenomena at the molecular and mechanistic level.

Course Requirements

  • Biolchem 550 (Macromolecular Structure and Function) OR Biolchem 501 Chemical Biology I
  • Biolchem 597 (Critical Analysis)
  • Biolchem 711 (seminar course) during 2 nd and 3 rd years
  • CDB 530 (Cell Biology) OR Hum Gen 541 (Molecular Genetics)
  • 6 hours of elective credits (not including short courses or seminar courses)
  • (Electives are chosen in consultation with one of the faculty advisors and/or the Ph.D. mentor)

Teaching

Ph.D. students in Biological Chemistry receive teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants for two half-terms during the second and/or third years.

Ph.D. Qualifying Exam

During the winter/spring of the second year, students in Biological Chemistry write and defend orally an in-depth research proposal in an area of their choosing, which can include the general area of the student's dissertation research. A faculty preliminary examination committee works closely with the student in a step-by-step process from selection of a topic to the definition of specific aims and production of the final written proposal. Through this mechanism, students gain valuable experience in the preparation of a competitive research proposal and in the development of independence in scientific reasoning.

Outcomes

Students in the Ph.D. program in Biological Chemistry typically receive their Ph.D. within 5 to 6 years (the average is less than 6 years, which is also the average for Ph.D. programs in biological sciences at the University). Most of our Ph.D. graduates, who include two Nobel Prize winners and numerous others in major academic and industrial positions, pursue scientific careers. From 2002 to 2007, 46 students received the Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry. Of these, 7 have faculty positions, 31 are doing postdoctoral work, 7 are research scientists in industry, and 1 is in a medical residency program.

Selected Special Events

  • Retreat.   The student-organized Biological Chemistry retreat, held at the beginning of the Fall semester at the Kellogg Biological Station on Gull Lake in Western Michigan, provides students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty an opportunity to present and discuss research in a relaxed and informal setting. Students and postdocs give oral presentations, and all members of the department are invited to give poster presentations describing their research. All 1st year PIBS and MSTP students are invited to attend.
  • Seminar Program. The Department of Biological Chemistry sponsors a weekly seminar program that attracts speakers of international reputation. Students can participate in the selection, invitation and hosting of speakers for this seminar series.
  • Poster Session for Rotation Students.   Rotation students in Biological Chemistry labs have the opportunity to present their research at poster sessions held at the end of the Fall and Winter terms.  
  • Student Research Seminar.   A bi-monthly research seminar organized by students (and for students only- with lunch provided by the department) provides an opportunity for students to keep in touch with their colleagues and to share scientific expertise and advice.
  • Social Events.   Purely social events include the Bio Chem Picnic honoring students who have completed their qualifying exams and the year-end holiday party and student skit.

How to Apply

Biological Chemistry applications are through the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS), which allows you access to most of the bioscience PhD programs at the University of Michigan during your first year, including Biological Chemistry.  You need only apply to PIBS, and specify Biological Chemistry as a PhD program of interest. This will allow you to either focus primarily on Biological Chemistry as soon as you enter, or test your research interests more broadly during your first year as you decide on your final PhD program.

A complete description of the PIBS gateway program can be found at PIBS