The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The objective of this program is to provide students with a thorough background in modern biochemistry and molecular biology. This theoretical background provides the fundamental knowledge necessary for an understanding of the life sciences at the molecular level.
The doctoral program prepares students for a career in independent research or teaching in academia, government, or industry. Doctoral students are introduced to laboratory research early in their course of study. Research opportunities in the department are in the areas of protein structure and function, enzyme reaction mechanisms, regulation of gene expression, mechanism of hormone action and cell signaling, enzymology and mechanisms of DNA replication and repair, cell cycle regulation, control of cell growth, molecular biology of the cancer process, molecular neurobiology, and the genetics and biochemistry of bacterial and viral pathogens. A common theme of the research programs is the application of modern recombinant DNA technology to the study of gene regulation and protein structure-function relationships. Specific admission requirements for the Ph.D. include: one year each of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics at the undergraduate levels. A year of physical chemistry is also recommended.
Students may enter the Ph.D. program in one of three ways: (1) via our Integrated Ph.D. Program (IPP), which does not require a declaration of a major until the second year of study, (2) with advanced standing following the completion of one of the Graduate School’s Master’s programs, or (3) highly motivated and talented students from NYMC’s School of Medicine may be admitted to the dual-degree M.D./Ph.D. program.
Departmental Seminar and Journal Club (BCHM 8020) should be taken each semester. Research Techniques (BCHM 9200) is taken each semester after completing all research rotations until candidacy is achieved. Doctoral Dissertation Research (BCHM 9900) should be taken each semester after achieving candidacy. All Ph.D. students are required and expected to attend departmental seminars. These seminars include those presented by students and invited speakers. View the course descriptions here.
The course requirements for students entering through the Integrated Ph.D. program or with Advanced Standing are the same. Advanced Standing students will add to the courses taken as an NYMC Master's student to complete their Ph.D. degree requirements.
The M.D./Ph.D. program overview can be found in the M.D./Ph.D. section of our website.
Program Director:
Victor A. Fried, Ph.D.
Basic Sciences Building - Room 236
victor_fried@nymc.edu
(914) 594-4005
