PhD Program: Biological Chemistry

The Biological Chemistry Program (BCP) is a cross-disciplinary graduate program designed for students interested in the study of Biochemistry at the verge of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry. Faculty from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics participate in this training program, as well as many faculty in the Chemistry Department and the Division of Medicinal Chemistry in the College of Pharmacy. Students entering this program may earn a Ph.D. in Biochemistry through any of these three departments by following the coursework and requirements of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.

Biochemistry Research

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics has a history of strong research in a variety of areas of fundamental importance. Research areas include:

Protein Structure and Function
Molecular Genetics
Metabolic Biochemistry

Coursework

To obtain a Ph.D. in Biochemistry through the Biological Chemistry Program, students are required to take four courses offered by the three departments. These courses consist of Proteins & Enzymes (BIOC 565), Nucleic Acids (BIOC 568), Mechanisms of Organic Reactions (CHEM 541), and Proteins and Nucleic Acids as Drug Targets (PCOL 530).

Students are also expected to participate in the Journal Club for the Biological Chemistry Program (BIOC 595C).

BCP Admissions Requirements

Students admitted to the Biological Chemistry Program seeking a Ph.D. in Biochemistry must have an undergraduate degree in biological or physical sciences and have completed course work in mathematics through calculus, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. Students can be admitted with course deficiencies under some circumstances.

Laboratory Rotations

During the first year students in the Biological Chemistry Program complete 3-4 seven-week Research Rotations with any of the participating faculty in at least two of the three departments.

Questions? Contact:
Program Coordinator
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
520-621-9687, 800-541-2775
bcpinfo@email.arizona.edu

Complete Program Information and Application

Biological Sciences West
1041 East Lowell Street
P.O. Box 210088 · Tucson, AZ 85721-0088
Tel: (520) 621-5110
FAX (520) 626-9204

Life Sciences South
1007 East Lowell Street
P.O. Box 210106 · Tucson, AZ 85721-0106
FAX (520) 621-3709