Mar 29, 2024  
Graduate Record 2017-2018 
    
Graduate Record 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics


Prerequisites


Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics usually have a baccalaureate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology, and have taken courses in introductory biochemistry, calculus, physical and organic chemistry, and physics. Prospective students should apply for admission through the Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) Graduate Program.

Degree Requirements


Ph.D. Requirements


First Semester

Most students will complete our required foundational core course: BIMS 6000 Core Course in Integrative Biosciences

Second Semester and Beyond

Training in Responsible Conduct of Research is required and provided through BIMS 7100 Research Ethics.

All students will be expected to gain additional knowledge and experience through completion of research rotations. Students should register for up to 18 credits of BIMS 8995 during their first year of graduate work.

In addition, two modules of advanced and specialty courses are required post-BIMS 6000. These courses are available in a wide range of areas, including biophysics, computational biology, cancer biology, epigenetics, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, proteins structure, statistics, and many others. Students are expected to enrich their knowledge by selection of modules based on their interests and advisor recommendations.

Most students will complete 24 topical credit hours of course work by the end of their first year. Thus, the requirements of the School of Medicine will be fulfilled and students will devote the vast majority of the remaining portions of their graduate studies to dissertation research, seminars and journal club. During all years of the graduate program, students are also required to attend the departmental faculty research seminar series, as well as Journal Club.

Students generally complete a minimum of three research rotations during their first year. Laboratory rotations are chosen in consultation with the Graduate Advisor. Students are expected to choose an advisor and dissertation project during the second semester of their first year. Experimental work in the mentor’s laboratory leads to the writing of the dissertation and its defense before the Dissertation Committee and the rest of the Department.

Research for the dissertation is regarded as the candidate’s major training. The final examination for the Ph.D. is devoted entirely to a defense of the dissertation by the candidate. Generally the degree program is completed in five years.

All BMG students must complete a minimum of 72 hours of graduate credit. A minimum of 24 out of the 72 credit hours must be graded coursework.

Additional Information


Pinn Hall
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 800733
Charlottesville, VA 22908-0733
(434) 924-1997 Fax: (434) 924-5069
biochem@virginia.edu
www.virginia.edu/bmg