Research in the department reflects the interdisciplinary nature of biological chemistry, and students have access to diverse investigative opportunities. Projects can be divided into four broad areas that include: 

• Regulation of gene expression 

• Protein folding and processing 

• Macromolecular structure and mechanism 

• Biochemical signaling 

Researchers in Biological Chemistry develop and use a wide range of cutting-edge technologies to address important biomedical questions from a molecular perspective. Close ties and cross-appointments with the Life Sciences Institute, the Center for RNA Biomedicine, the Michigan Neuroscience Institute, the Chemical Biology Program, and the LSA departments of Biology, Biophysics, and Chemistry place Biological Chemistry at the center of the University of Michigan's strong biochemical community. 

Coursework

The graduate program leading to the PhD degree in Biological Chemistry is designed to provide outstanding training for careers in research and scholarship in the broad area of biochemistry and molecular biology. The program exposes students to a spectrum of current research by combining the rigor of advanced study with the flexibility for students to design their own optimal curriculum. PhD students present a research seminar to the department in their fourth year, informally present their research in poster sessions and at the annual retreat, and attend seminars presented by prominent national and international scientists. 

Preliminary Examination

At the end of their first year, PhD students in Biological Chemistry write and orally defend an original research proposal. The written and oral components of the exam assess the student’s understanding of the required course content for the department and the student’s ability to reason analytically and to independently develop ideas and experimental approaches. Students receive specific feedback on the strengths of their performance as well as feedback on areas for growth. 

Teaching Requirement

PhD students gain valuable teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants in Biological Chemistry for one semester. Students may substitute an equivalent mentored or guided experience centered on teaching, scientific communication, and/or public engagement with the approval of the graduate program committee. 

Expected Length of Program

Students in the PhD program in Biological Chemistry typically receive their PhD degree within 5 to 6 years.

Students in the PhD program in Biological Chemistry are involved in activities and organizations that enrich their training experience. 

Annual Retreat
The student-organized Biological Chemistry research retreat, held at the beginning of Fall term at the Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center in Ohio in recent years, provides students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and faculty an opportunity to present and discuss research in a relaxed and informal setting. All first year PIBS students are invited to attend. 

Seminar Program
Biological Chemistry sponsors a weekly seminar program that features speakers with international reputations. Students can participate in the selection, invitation, and hosting of speakers for this seminar series. 

Informal Research Talks
Students in Biological Chemistry meet for lunch, conversation, and an informal research talk. This gathering provides an opportunity for students to connect with their colleagues and to share scientific expertise and advice. 

Science Hours
Students and other members of Biological Chemistry are regularly invited to gather at local establishments in Ann Arbor to enjoy conversation and appetizers. 

Service Opportunities
By contributing their time, energy, and unique perspectives, PhD students in Biological Chemistry provide valuable service to fellow students, the department, and the community. At the department level, students are welcome and encouraged to serve as peer mentors and on committees that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, graduate program initiatives, and student recruitment. 

Recognition
PhD students in Biological Chemistry compete successfully for positions on NIH training grants and for numerous departmental, institutional, regional, and national awards. 

Examples of honors received by Biological Chemistry students: 

• Department Awards 

• U-M Medical School Awards: Graduate Student Awards for Excellence 

• U-M Rackham Graduate School Awards: Barbour Scholarships, Rackham Predoctoral Fellowships, Distinguished Dissertation Awards 

• National awards: the Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award, the P.E.O. Scholar Award, predoctoral fellowships from the American Heart Association, the Ford Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health 

Many graduates of the Biological Chemistry PhD program have gone on to hold major academic, government, and industrial research positions. Graduates have also proceeded to careers in scientific public policy, public health, medicine, dentistry, patent law, and clinical or scientific editing. Two alumni, Stanley Cohen, who discovered epidermal growth factor, and Marshall Nirenberg, who cracked the genetic code, received Nobel Prizes.