PhD in Biochemistry & Cell Biology/Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS)

General Program Information

Our PhD program is part of a program called the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS). This interdisciplinary “umbrella” program incorporates didactic coursework and biomedical research to prepare our graduates for career advancement. Our biomedical science and professional development curricula are integrated into this program. During the first year in the PiBS program, students take classes and rotate in a number of research laboratories, the latter enabling the selection of a dissertation research laboratory. Students then join the program/department with which the mentor is affiliated and continue advanced studies towards candidacy.

The didactic coursework includes our Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FBS) that incorporates principles of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. Additional course material includes laboratory techniques, statistics, and advanced electives.

In addition to the biomedical science coursework mentioned above, we offer our graduate students a host of professional development opportunities (BU’s BEST and PhD Professional Development Opportunities) to enable them to consider and prepare for careers in a variety of sectors, including research and non-research careers in academia, industry, government, communications, law/compliance, or whichever area they may choose to work.

Our research relies on cutting-edge technologies and experimental systems to address the cellular and molecular mechanisms of biological processes, particularly those that relate broadly to human disease. Our research encompasses the areas of cell biology, development, genomics/genetics, metabolism, neuroscience, and proteomics & glycomics.

Learning Outcomes

Doctoral programs in Graduate Medical Sciences at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine are designed to train scholars to be leaders in their respective fields of biomedical research. Trainees learn professional and scientific skills necessary to benefit society, becoming fluent in their areas of specialization and developing competencies that provide the foundation for lifelong learning and practice in their chosen field. The program objectives are delineated below.

By graduation, a Biochemistry & Cell Biology/PiBS PhD student will:

• Generate an original body of work in the biomedical sciences that reflects critical thinking and independent thought.
• Demonstrate competencies in advanced research skills and critical thinking.
• Develop the ability to communicate within their chosen fields of expertise.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and continued learning in their chosen field.

Financial Support

Financial assistance in the form of tuition and health benefits, as well as a living stipend, is available to all students in good standing in the PhD program.

Course Requirements

The PhD program requires 64 units; some of these units are taken as formal courses and the remainder are taken as research units. The specific course requirements for students are outlined below.

• GMS BI 777 Techniques in Biomedical Research
• GMS FC 708 Professional Development Skills
• GMS FC 711 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences Module I
• GMS FC 712 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences Module II
• GMS FC 713 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences Module III
• GMS FC 714 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences Module IV
• GMS FC 762 Critical Thinking in Biomedical Research
• GMS FC 764 Professional Skills
• Biostatistics
• Advanced electives
• Research units

Qualifying Examinations

Candidates for the PhD must pass both a written qualifying examination and an oral qualifying examination. The oral exam is administered after the spring term of the second year of matriculation into PiBS. The exam is based on journal articles chosen by the examination committee. The written qualifying exam entails preparing and submitting a grant proposal in the fall term of the third year of matriculation into PiBS. 

Dissertation Advisory Committee and Dissertation Defense

PhD candidates present a research proposal to a five-member Dissertation Advisory Committee. The committee is assembled at least once every nine months to discuss the progress of the accepted proposal. Once the committee determines that the research work is complete, the student writes and defends the dissertation.

Admissions

Students applying for acceptance into the PhD program should apply directly to PiBS. More information about the program and the application process can be found on the PiBS and Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology websites.