The biochemistry program seeks excellence in teaching and research through a program tailored to the development of the individual student. The core curriculum is broad and students are expected to specialize through appropriate choice of advanced courses from the many offerings taught by faculty in their areas of research expertise. A strong seminar program involves presentations by eminent visiting scholars from around the world and by the faculty of many departments on campus. A graduate student seminar program provides further opportunity for acquiring insights into new developments in the field.

The Graduate Biochemistry  Group administers granting a Ph.D. degree in biochemistry whether the research is conducted within the Department of Biochemistry or in other cooperating departments. The program of study is flexible, accommodating students with a wide range of backgrounds, including genetics, microbiology, physics, and medicine as well as the traditional chemistry, biochemistry, and biology degrees. Students are admitted to the Ph.D. program based on qualifications, which include undergraduate and graduate performance, letters of recommendation, and program of study deficiencies.

Entrance requirements

Admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. requires satisfactory performance in the two core biochemistry courses of the Master’s program, and, early in the second year, preparation and defense of a research proposal on a topic selected by the student in consultation with their supervisory committee. This defense serves as the preliminary examination for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. 

International students

A minimal score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for admission to the Graduate School for any student whose national language is not English. Because beginning graduate students in biochemistry are appointed as combined teaching/research assistants, a Test of Spoken English (TSE) score of 50 of 60 is required by the Board of Regents. The test may be taken here or abroad. Students accepted into the biochemistry program usually have a TOEFL score of >620, or submit a TSE score of 50 of 60 or better with the application.