Applying to the Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Graduate Program AND First-Year Requirements:

Faculty and students from seven basic science departments in the College of Medicine joined together to develop an integrated first-year curriculum in the biomedical sciences at the University of Kentucky.  All entering graduate students pursuing doctoral degrees in these programs are now admitted through the Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) program, an undifferentiated first-year core curriculum designed to provide:

• exposure to cellular and molecular concepts in the biomedical sciences,

• development of interdisciplinary approaches essential to innovative research, and

• flexibility in choosing a PhD mentor among 186 faculty in the seven basic science departments:

  • Anatomy and Neurobiology

  • Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences

  • Graduate Center for Toxicology

  • Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

  • Molecular and Biomedical Pharmacology

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

  • Physiology

Each IBS course — Biomolecules and Metabolism, Biomolecules and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Cell Signaling and Experimental Genetics — presents concepts central to understanding advances in the biomedical sciences.  The final course, Integrated Biomedical Sciences, builds upon cellular and molecular biology to develop, at an organismal level, an integrative appreciation of biologic systems.  During the IBS year, students also complete three or four laboratory rotations and participate in research seminars.  At the conclusion of IBS, students select doctoral programs based on research interests and mentoring relationships in one of the seven basic science departments.

The IBS Curriculum is designed for students beginning graduate studies in the fall semester.  However, the flexibility exists to accommodate students beginning in the spring.  Students with an M.S. degree or prior graduate studies will be offered the opportunity to tailor an individual academic program reflecting coursework completed and prior research experience.

Entrance Requirements

The graduate program in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry is able to accommodate students with diverse backgrounds and wide ranges of interests.  Students with undergraduate degrees in the biological, biochemical, or physical sciences who have a strong desire to pursue a research career in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and structural biology are encouraged to apply.  Academic preparation in calculus, physics, biology, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry is recommended.  For students with demonstrated abilities, course deficiencies can be corrected after enrollment.  Evaluation of prospective students will be based on academic record, letters of recommendation, GRE scores (verbal and quantitative), and the applicant's statement of personal goals.  For more information, send us an email.

Course Requirements

Because backgrounds and interests of students differ, courses to be taken will vary somewhat.  Courses required of all students fall into two general areas: general biochemistry and advanced courses of biochemistry and related areas.  All graduate students also present at least one seminar each year.

Laboratory Rotations and Dissertation Research

New graduate students rotate through four different research laboratories during their first academic year.  The purpose of these rotations is to acquaint students with a variety of research techniques and to allow them to select an advisor for their dissertation research.  By the end of the second year, the typical student will have passed the qualifying examination and made a good start on his or her thesis project.  Subsequent years will then be devoted to the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that will constitute the student's PhD dissertation.  Click here for facilities.

Policies, Customs & Procedural Guidelines

• PhD Program

• Qualifying Exam

• MD/PhD Program

• Procedural Guidelines for Dissertation and PhD Defense

• Committee Meeting Report

Student Seminars and Scientific Meetings

All graduate students in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry present at least one seminar per year. These seminars, which are attended by the entire department, are designed to develop the ability of each student to critically evaluate and present scientific data. In addition, students attend national meetings to present the results of their own research to the scientific community.

Financial Assistance

A number of competitive fellowships and research assistantships are awarded each year.  All students accepted into the graduate program to study for the PhD are supported financially.  In addition, all tuition and fees are paid.  Out-of-state tuition scholarships are available for qualified non-residents.  Financial assistance is contingent upon maintenance of good academic standing.