Biochemistry

The Ph.D. in Biochemistry combines a rigorous curriculum in biochemistry and related disciplines with interdisciplinary research opportunities at the frontiers of biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology. Graduates of the program are equipped for leadership positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic and government research laboratories, and successful careers in teaching and research at the college and university level.

Distinctive Features of the Program

• Advanced course offerings include signal transduction pathways, pharmacology, physical biochemistry, proteomics, endocrinology, structural biology, bioinformatics, and cancer biology
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary research training
• Well-equipped research laboratories and core facilities on the UNH campus
• Laboratory rotations upon entry to the program to become familiar with different research laboratories
• Weekly graduate student seminar presentations, as well as a departmental seminar series of invited speakers
• Opportunities to gain teaching experiences as a Graduate Teaching Assistant

Research Opportunities

• Tumor cell biology
• Protein structure, function, and regulation
• Signal transduction pathways
• Molecular neurobiology
• Genomics and bioinformatics
• Proteomics and glycomics

Financial Support

• Students admitted to the Ph.D. Program are typically supported by Research Assistantships or Teaching Assistantships
• Internal summer and academic year fellowships are available to students on a competitive basis.

Career Prospects

• Research directors in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
• Principle investigators of academic research labs and research institutes, state and federal government agencies
• Academic preparation for future teaching roles in a college or university environment

Admission Requirements

• Completion of foundational courses in biology, chemistry (including organic chemistry), physics, and mathematics
  • Otherwise well-qualified applicants can correct academic deficiencies with enrollment in appropriate courses or independent study during the first year of graduate studies
• Applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement, including research interests and two or three potential Biochemistry faculty thesis advisors.

All MCBS graduates will be able to:

• Critically apply theories, methodologies, and knowledge to address fundamental questions in their primary area of study.
• Pursue research of significance in the discipline (or an interdisciplinary or creative project). Students plan and conduct this research (or implement their project) under the guidance of an advisor, while developing intellectual independence that typifies true scholarship.
• Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication sufficient to present and publish work in their field, and to prepare grant proposals.
• Follow the principles of ethics in their field, and in academia.
• Demonstrate, through service, the value of their discipline to the academy and community at large.
• Demonstrate a mastery of skills and knowledge at a level required for college and university undergraduate teaching in their discipline and assessment of student learning.
• Interact productively with individuals from diverse backgrounds in the roles of team members, leaders and mentors with integrity and professionalism.

Graduates of the Biochemistry Ph.D. degree program will be able to:

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of fundamental biochemistry principles and their area of specialization in the field.
• Critically apply theories and methodologies to address fundamental questions in biochemistry through research activities.
• Design and conduct biochemical experiments in their area of specialization, analyze and interpret research data, and draw critical conclusions.
• Communicate biochemical concepts and experimental results effectively in writing and orally both in scientific technical language as well as at an appropriate level tailored for the general audience.