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Biosciences PhD Program Comparison

The Molecular Biology (MB) Program and Biological Chemistry (BC) Program are two complementary interdepartmental PhD programs at the University of Utah that are housed under the Bioscience PhD Programs umbrella. They are designed to support multidisciplinary science and extensive collaboration among our MB and BC research groups, enriching an already diverse and vibrant PhD student training environment.Science Elevated

The research interests of the faculty in the MB and BC Programs overlap extensively, and this is reflected by the fact that many faculty members participate in both programs.

The Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology PhD Programs offer a variety of course work that provides a grounding in the wide range of scientific disciplines that are critical components on modern research. During the first year course of study, MB and BC students take several core courses focused on the the research objectives of the students as well as their respective program faculty. All first-year MB and BC students begin with a half semester program specific Foundations course and then choose from the same list of Fall Selectives and Spring elective courses, and also participate in the Critical Thinking in Research, and Guided Proposal Preparation courses leading to a written and oral capstone exam.

Some of the most important similarities and differences between the MB and BC Programs are highlighted in the outline below. To avoid confusion and delays in processing applications, students are asked to apply to only one of the two programs.  Students should identify the program that best accommodates their research interests and provides the most appropriate core curriculum. If you have any questions about either program, and/or their relationships to one another and the participating departments, please feel free to contact us.

 

 

Biological Chemistry PhD

Molecular Biology PhD

Director
Bethany Buck Charlie Murtaugh
Research Areas
Enzymology
Biophysical Chemistry
Biophysics
Metabolism
Computational Biology
Bioorganic Chemistry
Structure & Function of Proteins and Nucleic Acids
Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules

Cell Cycle and Signaling
DNA Replication and Recombination
Regulation of Transcription and Translation
Membrane Biology
Cytoskeleton Structure and Function
Gene Expression
Neurobiology
Genomics
Immunology
Virology
Genetics
Developmental Biology
Macromolecular Structure and Function
Molecular Evolution
Bioinformatics

Participating Departments
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Oncological Sciences
Molecular Pharmaceutics
Pharmacology & Toxicology

Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Human Genetics
Microbiology & Immunology, Pathology
Neurobiology
Nutrition & Integrative Physiology
Oncological Sciences

Faculty and Graduate Students

 Active Faculty ~70, Active Students ~75
Total Alumni ~349

Active Faculty ~160, Active Students ~170
Total Alumni ~1010

Typical First Year Curriculum

Foundations of Biological Chemistry (1/2 Semester)
2 Fall Selective Courses (1/2 Semester)
2 Elective Courses  (1/2 Semester)

Ethics in Science Research
Critical Thinking in Research
Guided Proposal Preparation
Written & Oral Capstone Exam

3 laboratory rotations

Foundations of Molecular Biology (1/2 Semester)
2 Fall Selective Courses (1/2 Semester)
2 Elective Courses  (1/2 Semester)
Ethics in Science Research
Critical Thinking in Research
Guided Proposal Preparation
Written & Oral Capstone Exam

3 laboratory rotations

     

  

Last Updated: 8/24/23