Biological Chemistry
ATTENTION: NEW CURRICULUM
New 1-Year Didactic Curriculum Begins Fall 2012
Dissertation Research Begins in Second Year
The UT Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is introducing an improved 1-year curriculum for the students entering in the fall of 2012! With the goal of a solid and broad foundation and concentrated powerful focus in a specific field, the system has been redesigned to place the students in their laboratories, fully engaged in dissertation research and preparing for a qualifying examination by the beginning of the second year. More details will be posted soon.
The Biological Chemistry Graduate Program provides state-of-the-art training in biochemistry, synthetic organic chemistry and molecular biology. The courses are designed to prepare students to make significant research contributions at the interface of chemistry and biology. A hallmark of a UT Southwestern education, students in the program benefit from working collaboratively across disciplines to solve complex health challenges.
The Biological Chemistry Graduate Program is designed to train students in the theory and techniques related to the molecular mechanisms that control cellular activities. Faculty members are actively engaged in research topics such as gene regulation, RNA-mediated processes, enzymology, protein interactions, cellular metabolism and synthetic organic chemistry.
An exclusive Chemistry Training Track is offered within the program. Chemistry Track students take a separate chemistry core curriculum in the first year and fulfill special chemistry requirements to complete their degree.
Students interested in joining the Biological Chemistry PhD program apply here to the interdisciplinary umbrella program within the Division of Basic Science. First-year students complete a core curriculum that includes a core course, three or four laboratory rotations, and training in the responsible conduct of research. Students who perform satisfactorily in the first semester Core Course are qualified to enter the Biological Chemistry Graduate Program.
Training
Training is provided through a variety of experiences as listed below.
Required Courses
- 3 Units: Physical Biochemistry I and II, required of all students
- 3 Units: Chosen from among any class registered under Biological Chemistry
- 3 Units: Any class offered by the Division of Basic Science
Works-In-Progress
Each student presents a seminar on his/her own research annually and is required to attend this seminar series on a weekly basis.
Journal Clubs
All students are required to participate in a weekly faculty-mentored Journal Club that covers a broad range of topics in Biochemistry and related fields.