Curriculum
The Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics has set up a curriculum geared to challenge students in their pursuit for knowledge. The curriculum is designed to emphasize basic skills and principles, and yet be sufficiently flexible to allow students to focus on different research areas.
During the first year, students complete coursework and rotations in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP). Once the student decides to join a laboratory within the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, he or she chooses a plan of study that aligns with their research interests (Biochemistry track or Biophysics track). In the second year, students complete remaining course requirements and both qualifying examinations. In subsequent years of study, students continue to focus on their dissertation research and then lastly defend their dissertation prior to graduation.
Below is a general plan of study for students interested in our program and admitted through BBSP:
Year One in BBSP | Year One in BBSP |
· Complete Ethics course | · Complete Ethics course |
· Complete 3 Lab Rotations | · Complete 3 Lab Rotations |
· Complete Required BCBP course *BIOC 701 | · Complete Required BCBP course *BIOC 704 |
· Electives from participating BBSP programs Recommend: BIOC 505, 601, 643, and 644 | · Electives from participating BBSP programs Recommend: BIOC 650, 651, 652 |
· Doctoral Dissertation each term: BIOC 994 | · Doctoral Dissertation each term: BIOC 994 |
Year Two | Year Two |
· Complete Required courses: BIOC 712, 715 *And or required course BIOC 701 if not completed in the first year through BBSP | · Complete Required courses: BIOC 712, 715 *And or required course BIOC 704 if not completed in the first year through BBSP |
· Meet remaining Core & Elective requirements | · Meet remaining Core & Elective requirements |
· Doctoral Dissertation each term: BIOC 994 | · Doctoral Dissertation each term: BIOC 994 |
· Oral Comprehensive Exam by mid June | · Oral Comprehensive Exam by mid June |
· Written Comprehensive Exam by mid August | · Written Comprehensive Exam by mid August |
Year Three | Year Three |
· Doctoral Dissertation each term: BIOC 994 | · Doctoral Dissertation each term: BIOC 994 |
Years Four and Five | Years Four and Five |
· Doctoral Dissertation each term: BIOC 994 | · Doctoral Dissertation each term: BIOC 994 |
The following are links to our department course offerings:
Biochemistry and Biophysics - UNC School of Medicine