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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Ph.D.
Doctoral Degree
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
3-5 years
Credit Hours:
42-72
Research new frontiers at the biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels to unlock
our understanding of the inner workings of life.
UNT's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) Ph.D. Program provides graduate-level
instruction followed by advanced study and research. Faculty expertise reflect the
broad nature of this discipline, including biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics,
cell and developmental biology, systems biology and biotechnology, and organism interactions
with the environment in microbial, plant and animal systems. A tailored degree plan
is determined in consultation with a major advisor and graduate committee to foster
independent thought and experimentation to resolve life’s biological mysteries.
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Request More InfoWhy earn a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Ph.D.?
The Department of Biological Sciences provides a high-quality education while you
pursue a graduate degree in Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or Environmental
Science. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) PhD Program offers a broad yet
tailored graduate-level foundation with advanced study and research to foster professional
specialization. Faculty expertise reflect the broad nature of this discipline, including
biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, cell and developmental biology, systems
biology and biotechnology, and organism interactions with the environment in microbial,
plant, and animal systems. Modern laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art
growth facilities and instrumentation for in-depth study and the creation of new knowledge
for basic and applied science.
Marketable Skills
- Professional communication in life science environments
- Perform basic and applied research
- Conceive and design complex studies
- Lead/direct research programs/projects
- Data projections/predictions
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Ph.D. Highlights
BMB research and graduate training occurs in modern laboratories in the Life Sciences
Complex, the Science Research Building, and the Environmental Education, Science and
Technology Building, as well as other facilities across campus.
Qualified students are supported through competitive teaching assistantships from
the Dept. of Biological Sciences or research assistantships funded by faculty research
grants; stipends and tuition scholarships are available.
Applicants for a BMB PhD have the option to be admitted directly into a faculty member’s
laboratory or may conduct research rotations through multiple laboratories to find
their best fit.
Faculty members include renowned scientists who have earned recognition from the National
Science Foundation, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the
American Society for Microbiology, among others.
The BioDiscovery Institute (BDI) gathers a collaborative and multidisciplinary network of scientists targeting
development of sustainable biotechnologies that support an environmentally friendly,
bio-based economy.
Faculty members receive prestigious external research support from federal (NIH, NSF,
DOE, USDA, etc.), state, private, and foundation sources.
Career Outlook
Advanced degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology help prepare students for careers across the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) spectrum.Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Ph.D. Courses You Could Take
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene (3 hrs)
Mechanisms and regulation of genetic expression, chromosome replication, mutagenesis
and DNA repair, and gene cloning in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.
Advanced Molecular Biology (3 hrs)
Genetic structure and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic
organisms; mechanisms of gene action, gene/enzyme relationships and metabolic control;
biochemical manipulation and characterization of genetic macromolecules.
Advanced Cell Biology (3 hrs)
Structure and function of animal and plant cells with emphasis on cell membranes,
cytoplasmic organelles, and the nucleus; readings in current literature.
Protein Structure and Function (3 hrs)
Introduction to protein structure. Coverage of recurring structural motifs and the
determination of protein structure as it determines enzyme function. Catalytic reaction
mechanisms, protein-substrate interactions and the kinetics of enzyme catalyzed reactions.
Advanced Topics in Computational Life Science (3 hrs)
Current research topics related to computational life sciences such as bioinformatics,
computational epidemiology, and population models.
Mass Spectrometry Techniques for Metabolomics (3 hrs)
Metabolomics will be used (hands-on) to measure intracellular metabolite levels in
samples from each student’s research project.
Collaborative Tier One Research
Meet Dr. Ana Alonso, an associate professor in Biological Sciences. Dr. Alonso gives
us a look at the 22 research centers and institutes at UNT and how our faculty work
with students to collaborate on breakthrough research.
