Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics

Table of Contents

Major areas of research

Graduate Studies In Biochemistry And Molecular Biophysics

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics offers a specialized graduate training track in "Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics", which is one of four tracks within the Programs in Basic Cell and Molecular Biology. This program is part of the Coordinated Doctoral Programs in the Biomedical Sciences.
THE FIRST YEAR OF GRADUATE STUDY in the "Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics" track:
The emphasis during the first year is on coursework and on careful consideration of different research laboratories. During this year, students in the this track complete a series of required and elective courses while performing rotations in three laboratories. These three laboratories can be chosen from among the faculty in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, but are not limited to this Department. In the Fall Semester, students complete three required courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Molecular Biophysics and Molecular Genetics. In the Spring Semester, students complete one elective course. A second elective is completed any time during the following year, for a total of six classes. Electives include Diffraction Analysis, NMR Spectroscopy of Macromolecules, Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids, Membrane Receptors and Transport Proteins, and an Advanced Biophysics course. These are each described in the special section on Departmental Courses. The first year is concluded upon completion of a qualifying examination (usually in June) that is designed to evaluate mastery of the coursework and participation in seminars.
SUBSEQUENT YEARS OF GRADUATE STUDY in the "Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics" track:
Research is the central focus of subsequent years of graduate study. After the qualifying exam is completed, students begin conducting research in the laboratory of their choice. The second year is concluded with a presentation of the thesis project to a panel of professors who serve as advisors to the student for the duration of graduate study. Students typically complete their thesis project and obtain a Ph.D. within 5-7 years after beginning the program, which conforms to the national average. Because the major activity of graduate students is research, the Department fosters a remarkable degree of collaboration and interaction between research groups. Students learn not only from members of their own groups, but from individuals in other laboratories. The faculty share many research interests, and because of the broad range of specializations, they share expertise necessary to tackle the most difficult problems. The collegial atmosphere of the Columbia community, the abundance of resources, and the quality of the faculty and students are the major reasons to conduct graduate research in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.
DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES:
Aside from research and coursework, several regular events are also important to the educational development of Departmental graduate students affiliated with the "Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics" track. Each week, the Department hosts two seminars that students are strongly encouraged to attend. The Departmental Seminar is held on Thursdays at 4:00 pm (See Seminars and Special Events) and the Biophysics Seminar takes place on Fridays at noon. Seminars are presented by outstanding researchers in a wide variety of fields, and together with excellent seminars sponsored by other departments such as Microbiology, Pharmacology and Genetics, these are an excellent opportunity to learn about contemporary issues in the biosciences and biomedical research.
The Departmental Retreat is held in the Fall of alternate years, usually at a conference center in the Catskill mountains. Research seminars and posters from each laboratory are presented. In addition, the location allows a variety of other activities, including hiking and sports.
Journal clubs and seminars given by students in a variety of programs provide an additional means for learning and gaining experience in public research presentation.

Table of Contents | Major areas of research