Biochemistry
About the Program
Master of Science: 36.0 - 48.0 semester credits
Doctor of Philosphy: 96.0 semester credits
The graduate program in Biochemistry offers a challenging and broad-based graduate program of research and coursework leading to the MS or PhD degree. The aim of the graduate program is to train scientists to identify, address, and solve biomedical problems at the molecular level. The themes of molecular structure, molecular mechanisms, and molecular regulation are recurrent throughout the diverse research areas represented by the biochemistry faculty.
MS in Biochemistry
A minimum of two years of full-time study is required for an MS degree. Master’s graduates typically look forward to careers in clinical biochemistry, in pharmaceuticals and medical research equipment sales, or as research technicians in university and industrial laboratories.
PhD in Biochemistry
The average duration of study for a PhD degree is 5-6 years. Graduates are well-rounded, independent scientists qualified to pursue careers in research in universities, the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, and government. In addition, PhD scientists may choose to focus on college teaching, research administration, science policy, or patent law.
About the Curriculum
Background courses in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and integrative biology are taken during the first academic year. In addition, every student carries out short research projects in three different laboratories chosen by the student. This exposure to research not only gives the student broad research training, but also helps the student to select a thesis advisor at the end of the first academic year. In the second year, the student begins thesis research and takes several advanced courses, tailored to the student’s individual interests. All students participate in student seminars and are encouraged to attend seminars in the department and University.
Courses Repeatable for Credit
As well as taking all required courses, MS and PhD students may re-enroll in courses having the status “repeatable for credit” (such as journal club, seminar and research courses) for the duration of their program in order to meet the total number of credits required for graduation.
For more information about this program, including scheduling a plan of study, visit the College of Medicine's Biomedical Graduate Studies website.
MS Degree Requirements Non-Thesis Option
MS without Thesis: 36.0 semester credits
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOC 502S | BIOCHEMISTRY 1ST LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| BIOC 503S | BIOCHEMISTRY 2ND LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| BIOC 505S | Biochemical Basis of Disease | 2.0 |
| BIOC 506S | BIOCHEMISTRY JOURNAL CLUB | 1.0 |
| BIOC 507S | BIOCHEMISTRY SEMINAR SERIES | 1.0 |
| BIOC 508S | Experimental Approaches to Biochemical Problems | 3.0 |
| BIOC 603S | SPECIAL TOPICS: BIOCHEM. & NUT | 2.0 |
| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity & Ethics | 2.0 |
| IDPT 501S | BIOSTATISTICS I | 2.0 |
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 |
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 |
| IDPT 850S | Literature Review Non-Thesis MS | 4.0 |
| MCBG 507S | MACROMOLECULAR STRUCT & FUNCTI | 2.0 |
| Suggested Electives * | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2.0-4.0 | |
| BIOCHEMISTRY 2ND LAB ROTATION | ||
| BIOCHEMISTRY 3RD LAB ROTATION | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| ADVANCED CELL BIOLOGY | ||
| MOLEC. MECH. OF MICRO. PATH. | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS IN VIROLOGY | ||
| Graduate Neuroscience II | ||
| Advanced Molecular Biology | ||
| CELL MOL PATHBIO CANCER ANGIOG | ||
| GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
| GRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY | ||
| Drug Discovery and Development I | ||
| Total Credits | 39.0-41.0 | |
| * | Additional courses from the Biomedical Graduate programs may be taken as electives. Students should check with the College of Medicine's Biomedical Graduate Studies programs. |
MS Degree Requirements Thesis Option
MS with thesis: 48.0 semester credits
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOC 502S | BIOCHEMISTRY 1ST LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| BIOC 505S | Biochemical Basis of Disease | 2.0 |
| BIOC 506S | BIOCHEMISTRY JOURNAL CLUB | 1.0 |
| BIOC 507S | BIOCHEMISTRY SEMINAR SERIES | 1.0 |
| BIOC 508S | Experimental Approaches to Biochemical Problems | 3.0 |
| BIOC 600S | BIOCHEMISTRY THESIS RESEARCH | 9.0 |
| BIOC 603S | SPECIAL TOPICS: BIOCHEM. & NUT | 2.0 |
| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity & Ethics | 2.0 |
| IDPT 501S | BIOSTATISTICS I | 2.0 |
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 |
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 |
| IDPT 600S | THESIS DEFENSE | 9.0 |
| MCBG 507S | MACROMOLECULAR STRUCT & FUNCTI | 2.0 |
| Suggested Electives * | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2.0-4.0 | |
| BIOCHEMISTRY 2ND LAB ROTATION | ||
| BIOCHEMISTRY 3RD LAB ROTATION | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| ADVANCED CELL BIOLOGY | ||
| MOLEC. MECH. OF MICRO. PATH. | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS IN VIROLOGY | ||
| Advanced Molecular Biology | ||
| Graduate Neuroscience II | ||
| CELL MOL PATHBIO CANCER ANGIOG | ||
| GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
| GRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY | ||
| Drug Discovery and Development I | ||
| Total Credits | 49.0-51.0 | |
| * | Additional courses from the Biomedical Graduate programs may be taken as electives. Students should check with the College of Medicine's Biomedical Graduate Studies programs. |
PhD Requirements
The program requires the completion 96.0 semester credits. During the third year, students develop a plan for their doctoral research in conjunction with their thesis advisor. A formal, written thesis proposal is then presented to the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee. Acceptance of this proposal after oral examination by the Committee leads to the final stage of doctoral training. PhD candidates then spend the majority of their time on thesis research. After concluding their research, they must submit and publicly defend their thesis before the Thesis-Examination Committee.
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOC 502S | BIOCHEMISTRY 1ST LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| BIOC 503S | BIOCHEMISTRY 2ND LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| BIOC 504S | BIOCHEMISTRY 3RD LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| BIOC 505S | Biochemical Basis of Disease | 2.0 |
| BIOC 506S | BIOCHEMISTRY JOURNAL CLUB | 1.0 |
| BIOC 507S | BIOCHEMISTRY SEMINAR SERIES | 1.0 |
| BIOC 508S | Experimental Approaches to Biochemical Problems | 3.0 |
| BIOC 511S | Writing for Researchers: Grants and Papers | 1.0 |
| BIOC 600S | BIOCHEMISTRY THESIS RESEARCH | 9.0 |
| BIOC 603S | SPECIAL TOPICS: BIOCHEM. & NUT | 2.0 |
| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity & Ethics | 2.0 |
| IDPT 501S | BIOSTATISTICS I | 2.0 |
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 |
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 |
| IDPT 600S | THESIS DEFENSE | 9.0 |
| MCBG 507S | MACROMOLECULAR STRUCT & FUNCTI | 2.0 |
| Suggested Electives * | ||
| Students are required to take a minimum of one of the courses from the following list: | 2.0-4.0 | |
| Cancer Biology | ||
| ADVANCED CELL BIOLOGY | ||
| MOLEC. MECH. OF MICRO. PATH. | ||
| Advanced Molecular Biology | ||
| Graduate Neuroscience II | ||
| CELL MOL PATHBIO CANCER ANGIOG | ||
| GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
| GRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY | ||
| Drug Discovery and Development I | ||
| * | Additional courses from the Biomedical Graduate programs may be taken as electives. Students should check with the College of Medicine's Biomedical Graduate Studies program. |
Courses
BIOC 502S BIOCHEMISTRY 1ST LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
First rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during fall, spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 503S BIOCHEMISTRY 2ND LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
Second rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during fall, spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 504S BIOCHEMISTRY 3RD LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
Third rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during fall, spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIOC 505S Biochemical Basis of Disease 2.0 Credits
This is an advanced graduate course designed to explore the biochemical basis of a variety of diverse diseases, ranging from the diabetes to Alzheimer's. The course format consists of student presentations that will be augmented by specialized lecture.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: IDPT 521S [Min Grade: C] and IDPT 526S [Min Grade: C]
BIOC 506S BIOCHEMISTRY JOURNAL CLUB 1.0 Credit
A weekly journal club in which students take turns presenting recent papers from the biomedical literature.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 15 times for 100 credits
BIOC 507S BIOCHEMISTRY SEMINAR SERIES 1.0 Credit
Weekly research seminars on topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Seminar speakers include both scientists from the Drexel faculty and scientists from outside institutions.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 15 times for 100 credits
BIOC 508S Experimental Approaches to Biochemical Problems 3.0 Credits
This course provides the student with a thorough understanding of the principles underlying the exerimental techniques currently used to tackle biochemical problems. A combination of lecture, duscussion, investigation of the primary literature, and demonstrations will be used.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: IDPT 521S [Min Grade: C] and IDPT 526S [Min Grade: C]
BIOC 509S Biochemical Basis of Disease 3.0 Credits
This is an advanced graduate course designed to explore the biochemical basis of a variety of diverse diseases, ranging from the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) to Alzheimer's. The course format consists of specialized lectures that are augmented by student presentation. This course is open to all grad students. May be repeated once for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 1 times for 3 credits
BIOC 510S Cancer Biology 3.0 Credits
This is a comprehensive team-taught course on various aspects of cancer including: transformation, oncogenes and suppresser genes, cell cycle, DNA damage/repair, cell signaling, oncogenesis, metastasis and cancer therapies. Faculty from Fox Chase Cancer Center participates in the teaching.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 511S Writing for Researchers: Grants and Papers 1.0 Credit
This is a course designed to introduce graduate students to the basics of scientific writing. The course will involve both the discussion of reading assignments and writing assignments for the students, which will be discussed and critiqued in class.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 512S Advanced Cancer Biology 2.0 Credits
The main goal of this advanced course is to provide further understanding of the principles of cancer biology. This course will emphasize reading and analyzing primary literature on the most recent advances in cancer research topics including methods to aid students who may carry out thesis work related to cancer research. This course will build upon basic information taught in the cancer biology course and intended for advanced graduate students (2nd year) looking for further understanding in the fields of cancer research.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 513S Biotechnology Practicum I 4.0 Credits
The Biotechnology practicum is designed to provide hands-on experience with the techniques encountered in didactic courses and the Biochemistry seminar series. Laboratories for the practicum will be chosen taking into consideration the interests and career goals of the students. The student will carry out directed research in the lab of a faculty member with expertise in the techniques employed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 514S Biotechnology Practicum II 4.0 Credits
The Biotechnology practicum is designed to provide hands-on experience with the techniques encountered in didactic courses and the Biochemistry seminar series. Laboratories for the practicum will be chose taking into consideration the interests and career goals of the student. The student will carry out directed research in the lab of a faculty member with expertise in the techniques employed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: IDPT 521S [Min Grade: B]
BIOC 515S Biotechnology Practicum III 8.0 Credits
The Biotechnology practicum is designed to provide hands-on experience with the techniques encountered in didactic courses and the Biochemistry seminar series. Laboratories for the practicum will be chosen taking into consideration the interests and career goals of the student. The student will carry out directed research in the lab of a faculty member with expertise in the techniques employed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: IDPT 521S [Min Grade: B] and IDPT 526S [Min Grade: B]
BIOC 516S Biotechnology Practicum IV 4.0 Credits
The Biotechnology practicum is designed to provide hands-on experience with the techniques encountered in didactic courses and the Biochemistry seminar series. Laboratories for the practicum will be chosen taking into consideration the interests and career goals of the student. The student will carry out directed research in the lab of a faculty member with expertise in the techniques employed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: IDPT 521S [Min Grade: B] and IDPT 526S [Min Grade: B]
BIOC 600S BIOCHEMISTRY THESIS RESEARCH 9.0 Credits
Research toward the fulfillment of the dissertation is conducted beginning after successful completion of the qualifing examination. Progress is monitored by the student's advisor and department. Advisory Committee or Thesis Committee.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 15 times for 100 credits
BIOC 603S SPECIAL TOPICS: BIOCHEM. & NUT 2.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 701S MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIOC 702S MEDICAL NUTRITION 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 850S MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 860S MED BIOCHEMISTRY REEXAM 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 970S BIOCHEMISTRY RESEARCH 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 9750S RESEARCH-BIOCHEMISTRY-16 WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 9752S RESEARCH-BIOCHEMISTRY - 2WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 9754S RESEARCH-BIOCHEMISTRY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 0 credits
BIOC 9756S RESEARCH - BIOCHEMISTRY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 9758S RESEARCH-BIOCHEMISTRY- 8WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 0 credits
BIOC 975S STRUCTURAL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 976S BIOCHEMISTRY OF METABOLISM 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIOC 977S PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
