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LIFE SCIENCES - SCHOOL OF
MEDICINE
www.biomed.miami.edu
BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - Dept. Code: BMB
molbio.med.miami.edu
The aim of graduate education in this department is to prepare
students for careers in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
This training provides the student with a broad knowledge
in the various aspects of Modern Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology. Independent laboratory research is emphasized at
all stages of the student’s career.
Some of the Biochemistry faculty are affiliated with: other
departments in the University, the VA hospital, the Sylvester
Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, and the Brahman Breast
Cancer Institute. Thus, research facilities for a large variety
of specialties are available to our students. Some of the
graduate students participate in the combined M.D.-Ph.D. Program.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All students are admitted through the Program in Biomedical
Sciences (PIBS) for the PhD programs in: Biochemistry &
Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Human Genetics & Genomics,
Microbiology & Immunology, Molecular Cell & Developmental
Biology, Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, Neuroscience,
and Physiology & Biophysics. The PIBS Admissions Committee
will review and make decisions on applications after December
15th.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a biological
or related discipline (e.g., psychology, chemistry, engineering,
physics). Although there are no absolute prerequisites, courses
in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus, general
physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry
are encouraged.
Strong candidates will have research experience in a laboratory
setting (including publications of abstracts and/or papers),
an excellent academic record and GRE scores, excellent letters
of recommendation from scientists who know the candidate well,
and the motivation to pursue state-of-the-art biomedical research.
In the first year all students take a common curriculum to
build a solid foundation in biomedical science. The core coursework
in the fall ranges from molecules to cells to systems of human
physiology. Lectures are balanced by breakout sessions, in
which faculty members discuss the primary literature with
students in small groups. The core curriculum also offers
critical learning opportunities in biostatistics and in using
genomic and other databases, as well as education in ethics.
Students also meet several times in small groups with experienced
faculty mentors to discuss important issues of faculty development.
Specific coursework relating to the individual graduate programs
is done largely in the second and third semesters of study.
The first year is also focused on choosing a program and
a dissertation mentor. All students are initially mentored
by a senior student and a faculty member to facilitate this
process. In the 1st year, students rotate through at least
3 laboratories chosen from any of the biomedical sciences
graduate faculty. At the end of the 1st year students choose
mentors and formally enter individual graduate programs.
• Students should apply online at: www.biomed.miami.edu.
DEGREE PROGRAMS
All incoming students will be advised by the Operating Committee.
This committee will assist and mentor students prior to their
selection of a thesis advisor. In addition students will be
provided guidance concerning choices of courses and research
programs. The student should choose a thesis mentor from the
program faculty by the beginning of the second year of graduate
study. The program operating Committee, in consultation with
the mentor, will appoint a thesis committee and set up a tentative
schedule for the remainder of the student’s graduate
studies.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Completion of the Ph.D. degree requires the completion of
36 credits of coursework at the graduate level (including
specific required courses), 24 credits of thesis research,
passing a qualifying exam, and submitting and successfully
defending a dissertation showing results obtained on a research
problem. The degree earned will be Doctor of Philosophy in
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Inquiries should be directed to
Dr. Zafar Nawaz
Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
P. O. Box 016129
Miami, FL 33101
Tel. 305/243-6261
COMBINED M.D.-PH.D. DEGREE.
• The Department participates in the School of Medicine’s
M.D.-Ph.D. Program in which students may obtain both degrees.
• The curriculum will be tailored to the needs of the
individual student.
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