Why Study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology?

In the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology doctoral program, students will learn how to perform novel and fundamental research in biochemistry and molecular biology in a laboratory under the mentorship of an advisor, which is a major requirement of this PhD doctoral program. The student is expected to be trained, during the PhD training, to think critically, communicate effectively and independently perform research. This training is crucial for the success of students in their future professional workplaces, including academia and industry. Graduates from our doctoral program are highly successful in acquiring post-doctoral employment, with several excelling in jobs in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Some go directly into faculty positions at area colleges, but most do post-doctoral work at highly-regarded institutions around the country.

Why Study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UNMC?

There are approximately 45 students in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology doctoral program, with 4-8 students graduating each year with a PhD degree. The program provides training for both research-based and education-oriented careers, with the average time to the degree of being five and a half years. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's primary goal is training future scientists and educators to apply critical reasoning skills to solve problems in modern experimental biology and the classroom.

Prerequisites

Admission to graduate work in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology may be granted to a student with a BS or BA from a recognized college or university. The student should have a comprehensive background in chemistry, general physics, mathematics and general biology. 

We prefer students with one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, mathematics through integral calculus, and one year of biological sciences. A course in biochemistry is highly recommended but is not required, and courses in analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, genetics, and computer applications are helpful. An opportunity to correct course deficiencies is offered during the first year of graduate study.

Careers & Outcomes

During the course of the PhD training, the student is expected to develop the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and perform research in an independent manner. This training is crucial for the success of students in their future professional work places, including academia and industry.

Graduates from our program are highly successful in acquiring post-doctoral employment, with several excelling in jobs in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Some go directly into faculty positions at area colleges, but most do post-doctoral work at highly-regarded institutions around the country, including Harvard Medical School, National Institutes of Health, University of California, Stanford University, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.