Fields of Study and Research
The Departments of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Physiology jointly provide a program of study leading to the Ph.D. degree. The objective of the Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) program is to provide students with the breadth of knowledge and research training that will prepare them for their own independent and productive careers. Strong emphasis is placed on molecular and cellular approaches to fundamental problems in research areas covered by the participating departments. The focus on a broad background in basic science for all students promotes the study of problems of biomedical importance from a mechanistic perspective. The multi-departmental nature of the program fosters a collaborative environment that is ideal for graduate training, and promotes the extensive interaction and collegiality that is a hallmark of Johns Hopkins science.
Training includes a rigorous and broad-based first year curriculum, research rotations in three different laboratories, a proposal-based qualifying exam (along with a proposal-writing workshop), and thesis research in the laboratory of one of more than 100 participating faculty members. Once they join a laboratory, students establish a departmental affiliation and participate in their departmental journal clubs and seminars. At the same time, students continue to maintain their BCMB identity and affiliation in a number of ways. These include attending the annual BCMB retreat, assisting in the recruitment of new students, hosting a one-day symposium with outside speakers, and participating in a monthly student research colloquium (organized by BCMB students for their peers). There is no formal teaching requirement for BCMB students, but many opportunities for gaining teaching experience are available.
Due to the multidisciplinary focus of the BCMB program, students are very well prepared for the full breadth of modern biomedical science careers. Greater than 90% of students in the BCMB program complete the PhD degree. The average time to degree over the last 10 years is 5.7 years. On average, BCMB students publish 4 research papers with 2 as first author.
To date, there are over 700 BCMB graduates; many hold leadership positions in academia, industry, government and other sectors. At least 97% of graduates in the last 5 years are following career paths in laboratory research, medicine, or research-related careers.
The director of the training program in Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology is Professor Rachel Green.
Facilities
The lecture halls and the research laboratories are located in the Wood Basic Science Building and the adjoining Physiology, Biophysics, Hunterian, Preclinical Teaching, Ross Building, Miller Research, and Rangos Buildings. Modern equipment and state-of-the-art core facilities are available to students. This includes electron microscopes, confocal microscopes, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, mass spectrometers, HPLC and gas-liquid chromatographs, protein sequencers, peptide synthesizers, oligonucleotide synthesizers, X-ray diffraction equipment, as well as instrumentation for microarray analysis and deep sequencing.
Collaborative Facilities
All seven departments enjoy excellent working relationships with other departments in the medical school and with departments at the Homewood campus.
Financial Support
All students accepted into the BCMB program receive full tuition, health and dental insurance, and stipend support for the duration of their studies.