Program: Biochemistry PhD - University at Buffalo

Apr 10, 2025

WORKING 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

The Department of Biochemistry is dedicated to excellence in biochemical research, with faculty members pursuing cutting-edge research in a variety of disciplines with a common theme of “how living cells work.” Our research utilizes modern techniques, including analysis of molecular structure, bioinformatics, high throughput proteomics and genetics to answer basic questions about how biological molecules determine cellular functions. An integral component of the program is one-on-one training from faculty members to graduate students, such that they develop their full potential as scientists.

Curriculum

The PhD degree requires a minimum of 72 credit hours of coursework, including four to five years of laboratory research, the first year in the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS) and subsequent years in the biochemistry department.

PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (first year)

1st Semester (17 credits)

BMS 509TUT - Igpbs Laboratory Credits: 3 - 5
BMS 510TUT - Igpbs Credits: 3 - 5
BMS 514LEC - Introduction to Scientific Investigation and Responsible Conduct Credits: 2
BMS 515LEC - Fundamentals of Biomedical Research I Credits: 4
BMS 516LEC - Fundamentals of Biomedical Research II Credits: 3

2nd Semester (13-15 credits)

Number of credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the elective credits. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 72 minimum total credit hours.

BMS 509TUT - Igpbs Laboratory Credits: 3 - 5
BMS 510TUT - Igpbs Credits: 3 - 5
BMS 511SEM - Fundamentals in Biomedical Sciences-Critiquing Scientific Literature Credits: 1
2 electives from the PPBS curriculum

Required Biochemistry Elective Options

We require you take 2 biochemistry electives from the list below in your second or third semester:

BCH 507LEC - Protein Structure/Function Credits: 2 - 3
BCH 508SEM - Gene Expression Credits: 2
BCH 512SEM - Developmental Genomics and Stem Cell Biology Credits: 3
BCH 519LEC - Bioinformatics & Comp Bio Credits: 3
BCH 603SEM - Signaling in Disease Credits: 2
BCH 607SEM - Dna Replication & Repair Credits: 2
BCH 611LEC - Advanced Microbial Genetics Credits: 2
STB 531LEC - Principles of Protein Production and Molecular Analysis Credits: 3

Biochemistry requirements

The following courses are required for the biochemistry PhD.

BCH 504SEM - Graduate Student Seminar Credits: 1 Every Spring Semester of registration up to 5 semesters/credits
BCH 565TUT - Research Proposal Credits: 2 (taken Spring semester; first year in department)
BCH 701TUT - Thesis Research Credits: 1 - 12
BCH 702TUT - Thesis Research Credits: 1 - 12
BCH 703LEC - Resrch Prog Presentation Credits: 1

Biochemistry Electives

You need 6 credits of electives in a minimum of 2 courses chosen by you in consultation with your mentor. They must be at the 500 to 600 level in science, mathematics or computer science. You can use electives taken in the PPBS or take them after entering the biochemistry department.

Research project

Research projects typically require four to five years of laboratory research with the expectation that this work be published in two or more peer-reviewed journals.

Our PhD candidates have published in:

American Journal of Physiology
Biophysical Journal
Cell
Developmental Biology
Genome Biology
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Journal of Molecular Biology
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Nature
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 to 6 Years

Application Fee

$85

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.

** At least one of the admissions tests are required for admission. Test and score requirements/exceptions vary by program. Contact the department for details.