Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis

Program Information

Degree Offered

Ph.D.- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Program Description:

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers a graduate research program leading to the Ph.D. degree awarded by the Indiana University Graduate School. The program provides rigorous theoretical and experimental preparation for a career in modern biochemistry and molecular biology. The research of the faculty includes signal transduction mechanisms, molecular biology, cellular regulation, genetics, regulation of metabolic processes, and the structure and function of proteins. Extensive research interactions occur with other academic and clinical departments on the Indianapolis campus. Much of the research is of fundamental importance to cancer, diabetes, and alcoholism. Most of the faculty are associated with one or more of the following major research centers: Indiana Alcohol Research Center, I.U. Center for Diabetes Research, I.U. Center for Cancer Research and I.U. Center for Structural Biology. (See Links) The first year of graduate study is devoted principally to advanced course work. However, the student becomes involved in research from the beginning and usually has identified a thesis research project by the end of the first year. Academic requirements are completed after two years, at which point the student may advance as a doctoral candidate and devote full-time to an original investigation culminating in the Ph.D. thesis. The academic minor can be selected in a related discipline (microbiology, pharmacology, physiology), but students may draw from a broad spectrum of graduate courses to compose a coherent interdisciplinary minor in cancer biology, diabetes, life science or physical science. Students accepted into medical school may enroll in a combined M.D./Ph.D. program.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Intensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above