Program Requirements For the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology PhD Degree

Fall 2026

BCH 515 CRITICAL THINKING IN RESEARCH SCIENCE (1)

Students present a history of experimental work leading to their research project. This includes a selection of published and unpublished work from their advisor's lab and other labs in the same field, providing a rationale for the project. Students conclude with a report of their published and preliminary data. Focus will be on interpreting experimental data and engaging student interactions.

BCH 517 Enhanced Learning Through Seminars (1)

Students attend presentations in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Seminar Series. Instructors and students select speakers and read 2-3 publications (suggested by the speaker) in depth. Students present these papers to the class, instructors and the speaker's faculty host in a journal club se[ng prior to the speaker's arrival. Finally, students attend a post-seminar class with the selected speaker.

BCH 521 BIOINFORMATICS FOR LIFE SCIENTISTS (4)

This course will teach scripting in Python and also algorithm design for bioinformatics. It expects no prior knowledge in programming. The class will meet twice a week – once for a traditional lecture and once for a laboratory session.

BCH 570 MULTILAYERED CONTROL OF GENE EXPRESSION

We will meet once per week (1.5 hours/session) for this literature-based course meeting, where students read and discuss research papers describing how, in higher eukaryotes, gene expression is shaped by mulJple and ocen interconnected layers of regulaJon. The instructor has selected recent research papers that illustrate how given regulators may influence different steps of gene expression and how these steps cooperate to robustly control gene expression. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with current models of gene expression and with contemporary research methodologies through student-led discussions of publications in the field. This is an advanced biochemistry course intended for senior undergraduate and graduate students. Students are expected to read the papers before class and participate in the classroom discussion

BIO 422 BIOLOGY OF AGING (4)

This course focuses on molecular mechanisms of aging. We will discuss popular theories of aging, model organisms used in aging research, evolution of aging, relation between aging and cancer, human progeroid syndromes, and interventions to slow aging.

BIO 426 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (4)

This course deals with the cellular and molecular aspects of animal development, with emphasis on processes and underlying mechanisms. Topics include embryonic cleavage, gastrulation, early development of model vertebrates and invertebrates, patterning of cell fates along embryonic axes of Drosophila and vertebrates, organogenesis and stem cells.

CHM 411 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY I (4)

This course covers bonding in inorganic molecules, molecular symmetry, an introduction to solid-state chemistry, coordination chemistry and the properties of transition metal complexes. Two 75 minute lectures per week, 7 workshops, 6 problem sets, three midterm examinations and a final examination.

CHM 415 GROUP THEORY (2)

Development of symmetry and group theory concepts and scope of applications to chemical problems. Applications include molecular orbital theory, ligand field theory and spectroscopy. (Fall, 1st half of semester.)

CHM 423 NMR SPECTROSCOPY (2)

(Formerly CHM 422) - An introduction to NMR spectroscopy. Collection, processing, and interpretation of homonuclear and heteronuclear 1D and multidimensional spectra will be covered. Topics to be discussed include chemical shifts, relaxation, and exchange phenomena. Examples from organic, inorganic, and biological chemistry will be used. (Fall, 1st half of semester).

MBI 473 IMMUNOLOGY (3)

This lecture-based course will cover basic concepts in development and function of the immune system, including innate immunity and inflammation, adaptive T and B lymphocyte responses, immunity to infection, vaccination, tumor immunotherapy, transplantation, allergy, and autoimmunity. Small group meetings will be held weekly to discuss open-ended problems based on recent lectures. Students will be evaluated by three exams.

PHP 403 HUMAN CELL PHYSIOLOGY (4)

This course is aimed at providing an introduction to the fundamental principles of stem cell biology, modern cell physiology, tissue and organ physiology, and intercellular communication. Initially the course will provide the implications of cellular and molecular principles for stem cell biology. Subsequently, the remainder of the course will focus on the integrated physiological responses and intercellular signaling of cells, tissue systems, and intact organs in both healthy and diseased states. The material will include basic concepts, principal research questions, and common methodologies ‐ emphasis will be on a quantitative approach wherever possible. Critical reading and evaluation of recent literature relevant to each major topic will be an integral part of the course. This essential skill, key to the success of any burgeoning research scientist, will be thoroughly assessed through participation in the weekly “Paper” sessions.

BST 463 INTRO TO BIOSTATISTICS (4)

Introduction to statistical techniques with emphasis on applications in the health sciences. Summarizing and displaying data; introduction to probability; Bayes' theorem and its application in diagnostic testing; binomial, Poisson, and normal distributions; sampling distributions; estimation, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing involving means and proportions; simple correlation and regression; contingency tables; use of statistical software. 

BST 464 APPLIED LINEAR REGRESSIONS (4)

One-way and two-way analysis of variance; multiple comparisons involving means; fixed and random effects; simple and multiple linear regression; analysis of covariance; interactions; correlation and partial correlation; multicollinearity; model selection; model checking.

PTH 507 CANCER BIOLOGY (3)

The lectures will provide historical perspectives of cancer incidence, treatment, and early scientific inquiry as a foundation for understanding the current state of cancer research. Leading basic and translational scientists will discuss the genetic basis of cancer in both familial cancer syndromes and acquired somatic mutations. Research on the normal cellular functions such as cell cycle control, apoptosis, and signal transduction that become aberrant in cancer progression will also be discussed. Additionally, the mechanism of chemical and viral induction of cancer will also be explored. The second half of the course will focus on clinical identification and treatment of cancer as well as the mechanism of therapeutic action in prevention of carcinogenesis. Lectures from leading clinician scientists will provide insight for cancer treatment with goals of understanding the human impact of the disease and identifying common themes, as well as distinctive characteristics of cancer.

Spring 2027

BIO 415 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF CELL SIGNALLING (4)

This course offers an introduction to cell signaling. We will explore basic molecular mechanisms of signal transduction, and study how these mechanisms are used in different contexts to direct cell fate during development, physiology and disease. The course will draw heavily on experiments from the classic and most recent primary literature.

BIO 453 COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY (4)

An introduction to the history, theory, and practice of using computers to conduct biological research. Topics include the fundamentals of Linux-based computing and perl programming, accessing and storing biological data, alignment of molecular sequences, and computer-based analysis of data.

BPH 411 METHODS IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY (2)

An introduction to the theory and practical application of several major techniques used in the structural characterization of biological macromolecules. These methods include: X-ray crystallography, Small Angle X-ray Scattering, Spectroscopic and Calorimetric Techniques, NMR and Comparative Modeling. The goal is to enable non-specialists to become conversant in the language and principles of the field, as well as to understand the strengths and limitations of various techniques. This course is a prerequisite to the literature-based course BPH592, “Advanced Topics in Biomolecular Diffraction and Scattering”. Non-majors should also consider BCH 412 “Advanced Topics in Biological Macromolecules”. Offered for the first half of the Spring semester.

BPH 509 MOLECULAR PHYSICS (2)

This course is designed to show how physical concepts and techniques are used to explore and understand biological phenomena. A major portion of the term focuses on thermo- dynamics of biological molecules and systems; the remainder covers the structure and physical properties of biological membranes and transport. Students are expected to have had basic courses in physics, chemistry, and biology, with an in-depth background in at least one of these areas. Offered for the second half of the Spring semester.

CHM 440 BIO ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (4)

(Formerly CHM 437) An introduction to bioorganic chemistry and chemical biology. The course will present a survey of how the principles of organic chemistry have been applied to understand and exploit biological phenomena and address fundamental questions in life sciences. The course is primarily based upon the primary literature. Covered topics include the design and mechanism of enzyme mimics and small molecule catalysts (organocatalysts), synthesis and chemical modification of biomolecules (oligonucleotides, proteins, and oligosaccharides), design and application of oligonucleotide and peptide mimetics, and chemical approaches to proteomic and genetic analyses. Not open to freshmen and sophomores.

GEN 507 ADVANCED GENETICS AND GENOMICS (4)

This course offers in-depth discussions of theoretical concepts and experimental strategies in genetics and genomics. Lectures will cover genetically tractable model organisms, including yeast, Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans (a nematode), mouse, and human and their analyses from gene to genome and systems level. Examples of the particular questions that can be addressed with advantage in each genetic model will be presented, and the special genetic approaches feasible in these respective systems will be emphasized. The course builds upon a strong prior background in Mendelian and molecular genetics. Topics covered include the genetic basis of pattern formation, cell-fate determination, control of cell function, structure-function relationships in macromolecules, and searching for genes important in human health. Additional topics incorporated recently into the course include genome structure & evolution, small RNAs & mobile genetic elements, epigenetics and genomics, proteomics, and other studies at the whole genome level.

IND 419 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (3)

This is a graduate-level survey course that introduces concepts for the analysis of high volume biological data in the context of important current biological questions. No previous computational experience is required. Course Aims and Objectives: At the end of this course, students should have a deeper understanding of the computational tools involved in the analysis of high volume biological data, focusing on web-based resources but also introducing core approaches in bioinformatics. As an advanced-level course, we will emphasize critical thinking and reading of the primary literature to understand original experiments, rather than abstract facts and memorization. Students’ knowledge, understanding and ability to formulate new ideas will be evaluated through homework and discussions. 

IND 443 EUKARYOTIC GENE REGULATIONS (4)

This advanced course examines mechanisms of chromatin-mediated regulation of gene expression, relating molecular structures, dynamic interactions, nuclear processes, 3-D nuclear organization to biological functions. Topics include DNA structures, packaging and higher order chromatin organization in the nucleus, the transcription machinery, eukaryotic chromosome structure and its modifications, epigenetics and functional genomics, dynamics of nuclear processes, nuclear reprogramming, development and applications of genome manipulation technology. Lectures and readings draw heavily on primary literature both classic and most recent.

IND 447 SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION (4)

Cellular signal transduction is one of the most widely studied topics in the biomedical sciences. Cells have multiple mechanisms for sensing the environment and converting the external signals into intracellular responses that are important for regulation of human physiology. Dysregulation of these processes can result in disease and manipulations of these pathways are the basis for many therapeutics.

MBI 421 MICROBIAL GENETICS (3)

This course provides an in-depth examination of representative genetic systems in bacteria and bacterial viruses. Emphasis is placed on the methods of genetic analysis used to study biological function. The material covered includes: the nature of bacterial variation, processes affecting gene synthesis and integrity, the nature of gene transfer in bacteria, the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and genomic approaches to the study of microbial genetics. (Graduate students register for MBI 521 Seminar).

MBI 456 GENERAL VIROLOGY (4)

Provides an introduction to animal virology, with emphasis on human disease. Topics covered include the following: general properties of viruses, methods in viral research, virus structure, biochemistry of virus replication, virus- host cell interactions, pathogenesis, HIV/AIDS, emerging infections, vaccines, antivirals, and viral vectors and gene therapy. Three exams.

PHP 404 PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACOLOGY (4)

Pharmacology is one of the vital disciplines in biomedical sciences. It employs the multidisciplinary knowledge in biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, genetics, neuroscience, pathology, physiology, toxicology, and clinical medicine, to elucidate the mechanisms of action of drugs in treating human diseases. This course represents a collective endeavor of our faculty to the teaching of graduate and senior undergraduate students in UR. It focuses on the fundamental principles of pharmacology, neuropharmacology, cardiovascular pharmacology, and contemporary approaches to drug discovery and design.

Experience in organizing research data, interpretation of data, synthesis of information from diverse sources, and presentation to an audience of scientific colleagues represents valuable preparation for a career in science, whether in an academic or industrial setting. Therefore, students will be required to present a yearly seminar in the student series beginning in their second year of studies. Thesis committee members should be advised of the scheduled student seminar as soon as the schedule is published (August). The yearly committee meeting should be scheduled at the time of the seminar or within two weeks following the seminar. Prior to this meeting, the student should provide the committee with a brief, written summary of progress, including aims, results, and immediate and longer-term plans.

All students will register for this seminar series each semester: BCH 501 (Fall) and BCH 502 (Spring). Credit will be awarded for presentation of a seminar in the series (once a year, beginning in the second year) and for attendance at 75% of the seminars in each semester (every year). If a student fails to attend 75% of the student seminars in a given semester, they will need to write a 750-word paper for every seminar below attendance.

A yearly progress report (Research Review form) must be submitted to the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Studies by May 31 of each academic year. Students should plan to meet with their thesis advisory committee and file a Graduate Student Research Review form (see appendix) in the Education office during each academic year. In the first year of studies, the laboratory rotation evaluations will be used to fulfill this requirement (see D.1.).

The required yearly Research Review form must be completed by the student, and submitted to the committee members, at least two days before the annual student committee meeting (pages 1-3). The form will be sent to the student in an electronic format that will allow it to be typed and saved. The last (Section J, page 4, Committee Report) page of the form will be completed at the meeting. The entire completed form will then be approved by the committee members and the student and forwarded by the advisor to all of the committee members, the student and the Graduate Studies Coordinator (Marianne Arcoraci). The Graduate Studies Coordinator will then forward it to Graduate Education and the Program Director.

This annual meeting with the thesis advisory committee should normally be scheduled on the same day as the student's seminar. It is the students’ responsibility to schedule committee meetings. Note that the student seminar schedule is published in August for the entire academic year and committee meetings should be scheduled at that time.

At the end of the annual thesis committee advisory meeting, the thesis advisor, and any non-voting committee members including, e.g., family members of the advisor, will leave the room to give the student an opportunity to meet privately with the remaining members of the thesis committee. This will give the student the opportunity to obtain mentoring from their committee in the absence of the advisor. The thesis committee members will be responsible for following up on any concerns raised by the student during this time. The graduate program director and the Chair of Biochemistry & Biophysics will help to resolve concerns, and if needed, the University Intercessor will be called in to help.

Guidelines for Annual Student Committee Meeting and Research Review

1. The Annual Research Review form should be sent to student's committee members at least two days before annual student committee meeting (in electronic form). Visit the SMD Forms and Tools Website / Academic Support Section to download Annual Evaluation Form.
2. The student committee meeting should be arranged in advance by the student (complete with a reserved room) and should ideally take place within two weeks after the date of the student seminar. Committee meetings often require up to 2 hours.
3. At the committee meeting, the student should be prepared to:
   • summarize the thesis aims and the progress toward those aims
   • discuss and expand on important points of the seminar, as needed
   • discuss results on other aspects of your thesis work
   • discuss, as necessary, the impact of research in other labs on the ongoing work
   • present and discuss experiments planned in the next year in the context of the overall thesis plan
4. Guidelines for PhD Advisory Committee Meetings and a Syllabus for 595 PhD Research can be found in the appendix.
5. Committee meetings will be limited to faculty attendance only.

Note: Committee meetings are for the student and should be student-driven. Doctoral mentors should refrain from speaking over or for the student and should play an accessory role during the committee meeting.

I. The Committee meeting should be held immediately after the student seminar, or as soon after the seminar as it can be scheduled.

II. The Research Review Form should be distributed to all members of the thesis committee at least two working days prior to the scheduled committee meeting.

III. The purposes of the thesis committee meeting are to:

• determine whether the student is making adequate progress in the lab.
• determine whether the student has accumulated sufficient background knowledge of his or her field to provide a context for the ongoing project
• identify possible deficiencies and strengths of the student’s previous and planned research strategies
• provide technical assistance to help the student overcome roadblocks
• assess the feasibility and goals of the student’s immediate and longer-range research plans
• facilitate the planning and preparation of manuscripts
• establish a timeline for graduation
• provide guidance regarding the student’s post-degree career planning

IV. Meetings should be scheduled for 2 hours with all committee members present (although they can end up being shorter than that). Note: If a faculty member unexpectedly misses the student’s seminar, the student should meet with them individually prior to the committee meeting to apprise them of their progress

    A rough schedule of the agenda for thesis committee meetings is as follows:

1. (~5 minutes) The student will be asked to leave the room to allow the committee to meet with the advisor.
2. (20-60 minutes) The student may present a short (~15-30 min) overview showing data accumulated since the last TAC and summarizing where their research project stands and their plans for continuing the project. The committee may ask about other material presented in the student seminar that requires clarification.
3. (0-30 minutes) The student may present any additional pertinent aspects of their project that were not discussed in the student seminar.
4. (15 minutes) The student will discuss short- and long-range plans for continuing the project and plans for publication.
5. (10 minutes) The student will discuss plans for graduation and solicit input from the committee on post-graduation career planning.
6. (5-10 minutes) The student will be asked to leave the room a second time while the committee decides on the evaluation of progress and discusses suggestions and critiques to be added to the Research Review Form.
7. (5-10 minutes) The student will rejoin the committee and the advisor will leave the room to allow the committee to discuss any concerns that the student may have about work environment and research progress.

V. After the meeting, the advisor will incorporate the committee’s critiques and suggestions into the Research Review Form and circulate the form to all members of the committee for approval.

VI. The final approved Research Review Form will be sent to the BMB program administrator, to all committee members, and to the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.

1. Ph.D. research and thesis preparation
2. Yearly student seminar
3. Yearly committee meeting and research review