Department of Biological Chemistry Graduate Program

PhD Program

Biological Chemistry at Michigan is a particularly distinguished department, dating from the appointment of Victor Vaughan, who was an early member of the National Academy of Sciences and a founder of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, as the first professor of biochemistry in a medical school in this country. The tradition of excellence in research and teaching continues with the present faculty of more than forty-six members with diverse research interests covering modern biochemistry and molecular biology. The faculty includes scientists who have received national and international recognition with honorary degrees and membership in the National Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of London, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Institute of Medicine.

The Ph.D. program provides a broad scientific background along with research specialization that together equip students for outstanding careers. Current areas of research include structural biology, protein biochemistry, enzyme reaction mechanisms, molecular genetics, signal transduction, neurobiology, and cell and developmental biology, along with cooperative research between laboratories or departments. Our Ph.D. graduates include two Nobel Prize winners and numerous others holding major academic positions or responsible positions in research institutes or research-oriented companies.

The First Year

In their first year, graduate students in biological chemistry enroll in an introductory biochemistry course which exposes them to recent advances in protein and nucleic acid structure, gene expression, signal transduction, protein secretion and trafficking and enzyme kinetics. Additionally, students enroll in a course in critical thinking, a course designed to help improve their skills in reading, analyzing and discussing the biochemical literature.

During their first year students can perform research rotations in two to four laboratories of their choice. These research rotations provide students with opportunities to investigate potential laboratories in which to conduct their dissertation research and to become familiar with the range of expertise and research interests within the department. Students may conduct their first research rotation in the summer prior to their entry into the Program in Biomedical Sciences in the fall. Students prepare and present posters on their research rotation, an event that provides a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, staff and faculty to interact informally during lunch to discuss science. Students may select a thesis advisor and begin full-time research in the laboratory upon completion of two research rotations.
The Second Year

Students complete preliminary examinations typically in the spring of their second year. Students in biological chemistry write and defend orally an in-depth research proposal in an area of their choosing. The preliminary examination committee works closely with students 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. Also, in their second year, students develop their teaching abilities by contributing to instructional courses offered by the Department of Biological Chemistry.

Completion of the Ph.D.

The Ph.D. degree is granted upon submission of a written thesis and successful oral defense of the student’s research efforts. This program takes approximately five years to complete. Our graduates have gone on to outstanding positions in both academic and industrial settings.

Financial Aid and Support

All Ph.D. students are supported financially throughout the duration of their Ph.D. studies. Students receive a competitive stipend, comprehensive health benefits and tuition remission. Students are supported by internal and external sources, including an NIH training grant in Cellular Biotechnology, an NIH training grant in Cancer Biology, the Rackham Merit Fellowship, the Regents’ fellowship, university fellowships, and research assistantships.

Admission and Application (PIBS)

The Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) is the gateway for all biomedical science graduate study at the University of Michigan. When applying to PIBS, students specify the departmental programs that they are interested in. PIBS was created to provide flexibility to students in their choice of dissertation mentor and graduate program. PIBS coordinates the first year graduate studies for 13 PhD programs at the University of Michigan. The 13 PhD programs in PIBS include:
Bioinformatics, Biological Chemistry, Biophysics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Human Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology