The graduate program in the department is designed to consist of independent study and research after completion of required course work. During the first two years, students complete the general biochemistry course, advanced courses in biochemistry, and several advanced courses from other departments within the University Medical Center. In the first year, students also take a course in laboratory techniques and complete laboratory rotations with several faculty in order to assist them in choosing a faculty thesis advisor. After the second academic year, students are normally finished with their course work and are required to take a written comprehensive exam. By the end of the third year, students will have taken oral exams that test their ability to develop and defend a research proposal. Graduation is dependant on the satisfactory completion, written presentation, and defense of an independet research project. In addition, each student must complete a manuscript that is acceptable for publication in a respected peer-reviewed scientific journal. The following courses are offered by the Department of Biochemistry:
- Each Year:
- BCH 710 General Biochemistry (Fall/Winter - 12 hours)
- BCH 740 Methods (Fall - 2 hours)
- BCH 741 Advanced methods (Winter/Spring - 2 hours each quarter)
- BCH 730 Special Topics (Time & hours to be arranged with each instructor)
Advanced Methods is a rotation system for 1st year students, 3 or 4 six week blocks, where each student can see first hand what it is like to be part of different labs. After the spring quarter students choose which lab they wish to join.
- Odd Years:
- BCH 713 Proteins: Chemistry, Structure, and Function (Winter - 3 hours)
- BCH 715 Physical Biochemistry (Winter - 3 hours)
- BCH 711 Mechanisms of Enzyme Action (Spring - 3 hours)
- BCH 742 Molecular Biology Methods (Spring - 3 hours)
- Even Years:
- BCH 743 Cellular Biochemistry I (Winter - 6 hours)
- BCH 744 Cellular Biochemistry II (Spring - 6 hours)
These two courses cover the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, which includes gene expression and its regulation, cell cycle, organelle function, signal transduction, intracellular transport, bioenergetics, and model genetic systems.
To fulfill departmental requirements, at least 15 credit hours must be taken outside the Department of Biochemistry. The following are some of the recommended courses:
- MIC 701 Medical Microbiology
- MIC 702 Viruses
- MIC 725 Microbial Physiology
- MIC 733 Experimental Immunochemistry and Immunobiology
- PHM 712 Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- PHM 731 Principles and Procedures of Radioisotope Methodology
- PRM 740 & 741 Statistics
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