The Graduate Program in the Department of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech prepares students for careers as independent researchers in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, and related areas. Training involves a combination of advanced course work, participation in seminars and journal clubs and laboratory research conducted under the guidance of a faculty committee selected by students and their faculty advisors.
Incoming students participate in three laboratory research rotations to familiarize themselves with faculty and their research. The department has strengths in microbial pathogenesis and infectious disease, cell signaling, proteomics and molecular modeling. The largest cluster of faculty conducts research on infectious diseases with the ultimate aim of developing novel approaches to disease treatment and prevention.
Major milestones for students are completion of an oral qualifying examination, an oral preliminary examination which also requires writing an NSF or NIH-style research proposal, and writing and defense of a research dissertation. Students also present their research at national and international conferences and participate in more informal training opportunities, including university-wide scientific writing and grant proposal preparation workshops. Our students typically complete their Ph.D.s within five years and pursue a variety of careers including positions in academia, industry and state and federal government.
Incoming students participate in three laboratory research rotations to familiarize themselves with faculty and their research. The department has strengths in microbial pathogenesis and infectious disease, cell signaling, proteomics and molecular modeling. The largest cluster of faculty conducts research on infectious diseases with the ultimate aim of developing novel approaches to disease treatment and prevention.
Major milestones for students are completion of an oral qualifying examination, an oral preliminary examination which also requires writing an NSF or NIH-style research proposal, and writing and defense of a research dissertation. Students also present their research at national and international conferences and participate in more informal training opportunities, including university-wide scientific writing and grant proposal preparation workshops. Our students typically complete their Ph.D.s within five years and pursue a variety of careers including positions in academia, industry and state and federal government.
