Ph.D. Program
The Department of Biochemistry offers a Ph.D. program which begins in the Autumn Quarter of each year. The program of study is designed to prepare students for productive careers in biochemistry; its emphasis is training in research, and each student works closely with members of the staff. In addition to the requirement for a Ph.D. dissertation based on original research, students are required to complete six advanced courses in biochemistry and related areas, and at least three of these courses must be taken in the Department of Biochemistry. Selection of these courses is tailored to fit the background and interests of each student. A second requirement involves the submission of two research proposals and one journal club presentation. The research proposals are presented by the student to a small advisory committee of departmental faculty members, who are also responsible for monitoring the progress of student curricular and research programs. All Ph.D. students are expected to participate actively in the department's seminar program and journal club, and students are encouraged to attend and to present papers at regional and national meetings in cellular biochemistry and molecular biology. Teaching experience is an integral part of the Ph.D. curriculum and is required for the degree.
The Department of Biochemistry offers a M.S. degree only to students already enrolled in the Ph.D. program. Students should contact the Graduate Studies adviser for more details.
General University regulations concerning the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are summarized in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin. The department does not offer undergraduate degrees.
The Biosciences have a joint training program and prospective students may apply to any department. Admitted students gain research experience through lab rotations in any of the various departments. The eventual choice of a research adviser determines the department from which the Ph.D. degree is earned. Those applying should have at least a baccalaureate degree and should have completed work in cell and developmental biology, basic biochemistry and molecular biology, and genetics. Also required are: at least one year of university physics; differential and integral calculus; and analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. The department is especially interested in those applicants who have research experience in biology or chemistry. Students must submit an application, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, by December 1, 2009.
Applications will be available online in September at http://gradadmissions.stanford.edu. Applicants may check their application status at http://med.stanford.edu/biosciences/admissions.html.Stanford University requires scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (verbal, quantitative, and analytical), and in addition applicants are recommended to submit scores from the GRE Subject Test in either biochemistry, biology, or chemistry but they are not required. Applicants should take the GRE exam no later than October. The contact person for admissions for the biochemistry department is Joella Ackerman. You may contact her via email at .
All applicants are urged to compete for non-Stanford fellowships or scholarships, and U.S. citizens should complete an application for a National Science Foundation. Students are provided with financial support to cover normal living expenses; Stanford tuition costs are paid.
All applicants for admission to the department are considered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, or marital status.
Postdoctoral research training is available to graduates who hold a Ph.D. or an M.D. degree. Qualified individuals may write to individual faculty members for further information.
