Structural Biology PhD

The focus of the Department of Structural Biology, is biological form and function at the level of the three-dimensional atomic architecture of biological macromolecules. A hallmark of the department is its thoroughness in teaching the principles and practice of the main methods of structural biology: protein production, purification and crystallization; x-ray diffraction crystallography; and computational structural modeling.

First-Year Curriculum

The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 72 credit hours earned from a combination of coursework taken in the first year of the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS) program and subsequent years in the department, along with four to five years of laboratory research in a faculty member’s research laboratory.

In the second year, you will study core courses in the methods of structural biology, and throughout your program of study you will take part in departmental seminars. By the beginning of their second year, you will choose a thesis or dissertation research topic and faculty adviser, and commence your degree research.

You are required to present and defend orally a written proposal for your research project for admission to degree candidacy.

The doctoral dissertation research must represent an original investigation designed to contribute to new knowledge and understanding of biomolecular form and function or new methodology for research in structural biology. It is expected that the research will normally lead to publication in prominent refereed journals of one or more research papers of which you are the principal author.

1st Semester (17 credits)

BMS 509TUT - PPBS Lab Rotation I Credits: 3-5
BMS 510TUT - PPBS Lab Rotation II 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 (14-15 credits)

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

Recommended Electives

Select 2 from:

BCH 507LEC - Protein Structure/Function Credits: 2-3
STB 531LEC - Protein Prod & Molec Analysis Credits: 3
STB 535LEC - Structural Pharmacology Credits: 3

Second-Year Curriculum

1st Semester (17 credits)

STB 533LEC - Crystallogr.Meth.Str.Bio.1 Credits: 3
STB 612SEM - Structural Biology Sem Credits: 1
STB 700TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 12

2nd Semester (15-16 credits)

BCH 507LEC - Protein Structure/Function Credits: 2-3 *
STB 531LEC - Protein Prod & Molec Analysis Credits: 3 *
STB 535LEC - Structural Pharmacology Credits: 3 *
STB 612SEM - Structural Biology Sem Credits: 1
STB 700TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 12
* If not taken in the second semester of the first year.

You will defend your preliminary research proposal at the end of the departmental second semester. Upon successful completion, you are reclassified as a doctoral candidate in the department.

Third-Year Curriculum and Beyond

STB 612SEM - Structural Biology Sem Credits: 1
STB 700TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 12

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Students will design and implement an original investigation intended to contribute new knowledge and understanding of biomolecular form and function or new methodology for research in structural biology.

2) Students in the Department of Structural Biology are expected to demonstrate proficiency in communication; both oral and written through the preparation and presentation of their own research findings.

3) Students will support the environment of responsible citizenship and responsible research conduct through positive interactions with other students and service on student communities.

4) Students will put into practice an understanding of protein structure biology and its function.

SED Statement

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