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I. Doctor of Philosophy - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Ph.D. students in the program are required to demonstrate competency in the fundamental areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics and bioengineering, normally by completing 15 units of core module coursework, and by demonstrating a depth of knowledge in at least two advanced topics. Program students will elect an emphasis in either Biochemistry & Molecular Biology OR in Biophysics & Bioengineering. Core module courses in each emphasis are listed below.

Biophysics and Bioengineering Emphasis includes BMSE 201A, 202, 203, 212, 215, 216A, 216B, 217, 244, 250, 251, 252, 253 and 255.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Emphasis includes BMSE 201B, 201C, 205A, 205B, 207, 220A, 220B, 220C, 223, 229, 230, and 235.

Competency in the selected emphasis is normally demonstrated by completion of 10 units of modular coursework from the emphasis, with grades of B or better. Competency in the other area is normally demonstrated by completion of 5 units of coursework with grades of B or better.

In addition to the course requirements, first year graduate students are required to complete quarterly laboratory rotations (BMSE 592) and are encouraged to rotate through laboratories in more than a single academic department.

All BMSE students are required to serve as a Teaching Assistant for at least two quarters during the course of the entire term of study at UCSB, and are expected to regularly attend BMSE 260 (Faculty Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), BMSE 262 (Research Progress in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), and BMSE 263 (Research Seminars in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology).

BMSE students are required to complete all course requirements before advancement to candidacy, which normally occurs during the second year. Effective with the incoming class of Fall 2006, Ph.D. students advance to candidacy by passing one proposition exam on their dissertation research, which involves a written research proposition followed by an oral defense of the proposition. After advancement to candidacy, program students are expected to present a formal seminar annually in the Progress in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Seminar series (BMSE 262), and are required to meet annually with their Ph.D. dissertation committee until completion and defense of the Ph.D. dissertation. The final requirement for the Ph.D. degree is a written dissertation and its oral defense, which is usually in the form of a scheduled interdepartmental program seminar.

II. Examinations, Research and Thesis

In order to qualify for advancement to doctoral candidacy, students must form a doctoral committee and successfully complete, in addition to the required courses, one qualifying examination consisting of a written research proposition followed by an oral defense of the proposition. The advancement to candidacy exam is normally taken during the second year of graduate study and is based on the student's thesis research. The final requirement for the Ph.D. degree is a written dissertation and its oral defense, which is usually in the form of a scheduled Interdepartmental Program seminar.

Research: Students in the BMSE program normally complete three one-quarter laboratory rotations during the first year of study, and are expected to begin research for their dissertation in the summer following their first year in the program. Research directors may be selected from any of the faculty affiliated with the interdepartmental program.

III. Unit Tally Requirements Prior to Advancement to Candidacy

1. 15 Units of Core Courses: 10 of these should be in the selected emphasis and 5 in the other area.
2. Current policy states that no more than 3 of these units can be accrued from courses listed as "Experimental Strategies" (eg. BMSE 235 and BMSE 205B)
3. 6 units of "Advanced Topics": BMSE 595 and 596
4. 9 units of "Lab Rotations"- BMSE 592 (one each quarter);
5. 18 units of Seminars - BMSE 260, BMSE 262, and BMSE 263 (all three every quarter).