Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ph.D.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is part of the graduate program in biomedical sciences at Saint Louis University's School of Medicine. Each year, this multidisciplinary Ph.D. program accepts 10 to 15 highly qualified candidates with bachelor's degrees. To assist students in deciding which area of biomedical research is right for them, the program provides opportunities to explore research in as many as five diverse disciplines during the first year of graduate training at SLU.

Curriculum Overview

During the first year of study, courses focus on the basic biochemical, molecular, cellular and organismal aspects of the biomedical sciences. This prepares students for more intensive, individualized instruction in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Careers

The program prepares students to be technically skilled and thoughtful scientists who can seek diverse careers in industry, government or as university professors.

Admission Requirements

Students should possess an above-average GPA, sufficient GRE scores and TOEFL scores (for international students) and the equivalent of an undergraduate major in chemistry, biology or a related subject.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE G scores (GRE S optional)
• Résumé
• Interview
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students 

All Saint Louis University admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students applying to SLU must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted. 

Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:

• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, apply by Feb. 1.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will possess an appropriate level of knowledge of current biomedical science as related to biochemistry and molecular biology.
2. Graduates will be able to evaluate and critique publications.
3. Graduates will be able to identify and select meaningful problems to be addressed in bioscience research, to frame testable/falsifiable hypotheses concerning an important research question.
4. Graduates will be able to create and implement experimental protocols with suitable controls to test a scientific hypothesis, and to interpret the results of experiments in light of the hypothesis driving them.
5. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate biomedical research with respect to the content, organization, logical flow, presentation and appropriate use of language incorporating the use of visual aids.
6. Graduates will be able to summarize the expectations for responsible conduct of research.

Additional coursework in chemistry or biology may be required at the discretion of the department chairperson or graduate program director. The program may include courses in one of the fields of preclinical medicine as electives.

Non-Course Requirements

All students are expected to participate in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Journal Club throughout the program.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.