Coursework, Curriculum and Planning

Graduate work in BMMB combines the rigor of advanced study with the flexibility for students to design their own optimum curriculum in consultation with their adviser and dissertation committee. Formal coursework required of BMMB graduate students includes:

 

• BMMB 501 (5 credits) - Core Concepts in Biomolecular Science (Completed fall of the first year)

• BMMB 502 (1 credit) - Critical Analysis of Biochemical, Microbial, and Molecular Biology Scientific Literature (Completed spring of the first year)

• BMMB 507 (2 credits) - Seminar in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology (Completed fall of the first year)

• BMMB 509 (1 credit) - Ethics in Biomedical Science (Completed fall of the first year)
  
   

Students must complete 19 credits of graduate coursework to be eligible to take the comprehensive exam, therefore an additional 10 credits of non-seminar, non-journal club elective courses at the 400, 500, or 800 level must be taken (6 of these credits must be at the 500 or 800 level). These electives are generally chosen from among BMMB, BMB, and Microbiology courses, but students may use courses from other programs with the consent of the Associate Head for Graduate Education, Dissertation adviser and/or PhD Committee. Final approval for coursework is the responsibility of the PhD committee at the time of the comprehensive exam.

 

Students must have the 19 credits of required coursework completed by the end of the spring semester of the second year.

 

NOTE: Students may take additional courses following their second year. However please be aware that in the semester following the successful passing of the comprehensive exam, students may only take up to three additional credits for audit or three additional credits for credit. If you choose to take the coursework for credit, there is an additional tuition charge of at least $845 which the adviser or student will need to pay.

 

Students may divide their 10 elective credits of coursework across three semesters: spring of first year, fall of second year, or spring of second year. Due to the additional research and teaching responsibilities, BMMB recommends students take no more than 2 courses a semester.

 

Students may take courses in BMMB or other areas relevant to their dissertation research. Chemistry and Statistics are the departments offering additional graduate electives most commonly taken by BMMB students. Undergraduate courses at the 400 level may also be taken.

 

Please see LionPATH to search for additional electives.

To assist with planning your coursework, please see the sample class schedule for a BMMB student and a blank copy.