Ph.D in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology About the Program Typically, Ph.D. trainees enter in the Fall via the ILS portal, rotate in three laboratories from their choice of 14 departments, and take a minimal set of professional development courses (e.g., journal club and ethics) with no formal coursework. Students enroll in the BMB program in January of the first year, and commit to a faculty member’s laboratory. Students select a Dissertation Advisory Committee by the end of their first year, with which they will meet at least annually. The curriculum consists of research and participation in a two-semester course covering topics in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology. In addition, three electives are required in your area of interest from any of the life sciences programs. Students also participate each semester in a journal club and lab meetings, and a weekly professional development course in which 3rd and 4th year students will present their research findings to their peers. Course listings may be found on the online Graduate Bulletin. By the end of their second year, students are required to apply to take a Qualifying Exam to proceed into Candidacy. See Instructions and BMB guidelines for further information. See Graduate Student Handbook for details. Following completion of a research project, a dissertation will be submitted and defended before to the department. Curriculum The publication of scholarly work is the capstone achievement of a Ph.D. dissertation. As a measure of the significance of your research, BMB Ph.D. students are expected to publish a minimum of one peer-reviewed research manuscript or patent application as first- or co-first author. YEAR 1 Learn the background and significance of your project. Identify the knowledge gap you will address. Draft a research plan. Begin forming Advisory Committee if possible. Fall: ILS Directed. Choose BMB Major Professor at the end the semester. Spring: BCMB8113/8114 (half semester courses) (4); BCMB8060 (2); BCMB 8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); Elective(s); BCMB9000 (to 18 hours total). Summer: BCMB8070 (1); BCMB 8080 (1); BCMB9000 (13). Form Advisory Committee. YEAR 2 Serve as a Grader for BMB. Hold first committee meeting to discuss the knowledge gap you are addressing and your research plan. Convert your research plan into a proposal for your qualifying exams. Begin thinking about your project in terms of eventual publications. Complete Qualifying Exam by end of Year 2 (you must schedule your exam with Angie Stockton at least three weeks in advance). Fall: BCMB8213/8214 (half semester courses) (4) BCMB8060 (2); BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); Elective(s); BCMB9000 (to 18 hours total). Spring: BCMB8990 (grant writing; may be waived by GAC if student attempts qualifying exam before March of Spring Semester) (2); BCMB8060 (2); BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); Elective(s); BCMB9000 (to 18 hours total). Complete Qualifying Exam. Summer: BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); BCMB9000 (13). Address any Qualifying Exam requirements and obtain candidacy (consult with Angie Stockton ≥3 weeks in advance). YEAR 3 Complete your first annual advisory committee meeting and assessment. Your committee can help you identify and resolve any remaining roadblocks to publishing your work. Go to scientific meetings to present your pre- or post-publication findings. Fall: BCMB8060 (2); BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); Elective(s); BCMB9000 (to 18 hours total). Present research progress in 8060 and hold Advisory Committee meeting (Fall or Spring). Must advance to Candidacy this semester at the latest. Spring: BCMB8060 (2); BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); Elective(s); BCMB9000 (to 18 hours total). Hold Advisory Committee meeting if not done in Fall. Summer: BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); BCMB9000 (13). Hold Advisory Committee meeting if not done in Fall or Spring. YEAR 4 Complete your annual advisory committee meeting and assessment. With your committee’s help, re-evaluate your publishing plan and make adjustments as necessary. Go to scientific meetings. Fall: BCMB8060 (2); BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); Elective(s); BCMB9000 (to 18 hours total). Hold Advisory Committee meeting (Fall or Spring). Spring: BCMB8060 (2); BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); Elective(s); BCMB9000 (to 18 hours total). Present research progress in 8060 and hold annual Advisory committee meeting if not done in Fall. Summer: BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); BCMB9000 (13). Hold annual Advisory Committee meeting if not done in Fall or Spring YEAR 5 AND BEYOND Complete your annual advisory committee meeting and assessment. Continue making progress towards publications. Go to scientific meetings. Fall/Spring: BCMB8060 (2); BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); Elective(s); BCMB9000 (to 18 hours total). Hold yearly Advisory Committee meeting. Sign up for BCMB9300 (3) in semester of anticipated graduation. Summer: BCMB8070 (1); BCMB8080 (1); BCMB9000 (13). Hold annual Advisory Committee meeting if not done in Fall or Spring. Sign up for BCMB9300 (3) in semester of anticipated graduation. GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK For current information on all rules and policies related to graduate student affairs in the BMB program, please see: Graduate School Handbook STUDENT ASSOCIATION The BMB department supports an active Biochemistry Graduate Student Association (BGSA) that organizes many department events and promotes leadership and professional development. Biochemistry Graduate Student Association (BGSA) Info TRAINING FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Biochemistry and Molecular Graduate Training program is housed within the Graduate School of the University of Georgia, which handles key steps in your progression as a graduate student to include admissions, standing, candidacy, dissertation defense, and graduation. View Training Fellowship Opportunities
