Program Requirements

Although many students arrive with an idea of which laboratories they are interested in joining, all IPiB students must complete three laboratory rotations in their first semester before being matched with a laboratory in which they complete their Ph.D. research. Each rotation must be with a different faculty member in the program and lasts approximately 4-5 weeks. Lab rotations are monitored by the New Student Orientation Committee. This committee is also available for advice until you join a research lab.

After rotations are completed, students rank their choices and the New Student Orientation Committee assigns each student to a lab they rotated in, making every effort to place students in their first or second choice lab. Final lab assignments consider both your preference and professors’ preferences. The majority of students start their thesis research during their second semester in the program in their first-choice lab.

All IPiB students must meet curriculum requirements to graduate with a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Required coursework and optional selections are determined by the Education and Career Development Committee and the New Student Orientation Committee. A full list of courses offered and course descriptions can be found on our Courses page. Required coursework for all IPiB students includes:

• BIOCHEM/BMOLCHEM 701: Professional Responsibility (1 credit; Fall semester of first year)
• BIOCHEM 719: From Atoms to Molecules (3 credits; Fall semester of first year)
• BMOLCHEM 720: Experimental Design & Paradigms in Cellular Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (3 credits; Spring semester of first year)
• BIOCHEM 721: Biochemical Communication (2 credits; Fall semester of second year)
• Biochemistry Colloquium (in first year)
• A minimum of five 900-level seminars, which must include one in their research area, one outside their research area, and two IPiB seminars.

In addition to the courses listed above, students must complete a minimum of two additional approved graduate level (600 level or above, or that carry the graduate attribute) didactic or laboratory courses to fulfill their breadth requirements. Each course must be a minimum of two credits. A minimum of six total credits is required. Courses must be chosen from at least two of the following categories: physical sciences, biological sciences, quantitative sciences. All coursework must be completed before a student is able to defend their thesis.

Before starting their second year in the program, students form their faculty thesis committee in consultation with their advisors. Committees determine a student’s curriculum, offer advice and guidance, and meet annually to follow students’ progress.

All IPiB students are required to teach for one semester in their second year, and they have the option to either teach for a second semester in their third year or fulfill an equivalent (approximately 60 hours) approved professional development plan. The one-semester teaching requirement and professional development option allow students to gain valuable teaching experience and to receive recognition for their professional development in ways that align with their professional interests. For more information, see Professional Development.

Students must pass a preliminary exam to obtain dissertator status. The preliminary exam is usually completed during the spring semester of a student’s second year in the program. The student prepares a written research proposal based on their thesis project and modeled after an NIH grant application, and defends the proposal orally in front of their thesis committee.

Successful completion of a student’s research program culminates in the written and oral presentation of their work in a public seminar, followed by a closed meeting with their thesis committee. Students generally reach this stage in 5-6 years.

IPiB does not require a minor; instead, we have a breadth requirement that constitutes at least six credits in at least two of three breadth areas (physical, biological, and quantitative sciences). Students who wish to pursue a minor must meet the minor requirements of the home department or program and may be exempt from the breadth requirement with approval of the Education & Career Development Committee. Examples of minor options pursued by some IPiB students are:

• Quantitative Biology for students interested in biophysics, systems biology, bioinformatics, or biostatistics. This interdisciplinary minor includes coursework in quantitative methods, biological science, and integration of quantitative biology.
• Life Sciences Communication for students interested in the social, ethical, and legal implications of emerging technologies.
• Biophysics for students interested in biophysics and chemistry.