Doctoral
Program in Molecular
and Cellular Biochemistry
Description
▪
Program Requirements ▪
Research
Undergraduate Prerequisites ▪
Application Procedures
Description
The objectives of the Ph.D. Program are to: (1) be knowledgeable in modern biochemistry
and molecular biology; (2) train independent research scientists; (3) become familiar with
the literature of biochemistry and molecular biology, have the ability to keep abreast of
major developments, and acquire a working literature background in any area; (4) be
capable of developing a creative approach to research problems; and (5) critically analyze
experimental results.
The Ph.D. program in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry is designed
to provide all students with current training in molecular and cellular biochemistry, with
an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking in specialized research areas. The required core curriculum for the Ph.D. program
is comprised of Molecular Biochemistry (BMSC 410), Cell Biology (BMSC 412), Systems
Biology (BMSC 414), and Methods in the Biomedical Sciences (BMSC 416), Advanced Cellular
Biochemistry (400), Molecular Biology (417), Protein Structure and Function
(414), Research Ethics (BMSC 405), Biostatistics (BMSC 402) and two elective courses.
All students must enroll in Seminar (501) and Journal Club – Critical Thinking
(500)
During the second semester, students are involved in research with
three different laboratories. Dissertation
research normally commences during the summer following the first year. Thereafter, students are expected to present their
research to the department once a year in the form of a seminar given at our annual
research retreat. At the end of the second
year, students take a 2-part comprehensive qualifying exam consisting of a written
examination and the preparation and defense of a research proposal in the NIH fellowship
format; the proposal will be based on their own research.
Ph.D. candidates must prepare and successfully defend a dissertation.
Research is being conducted in the following areas: (1) molecular biology -
Regulation of gene expression by transcription factors, protein co-factors, and by
chemical modification of histone proteins; transcriptional activation by steroid hormones;
chromatin structure of active genes; molecular basis of alcohol effects on hormone gene
regulation. (2) molecular neurobiology/neurochemistry and neurotoxicity
- brain neurodegeneration and/or neuroprotection mechanisms during parkinsonism and other
neurodegenerative diseases; therapeutic and neuroprotective mechanisms to prevent the
damaging effects of alcohol on the developing brain; effects of maternal alcohol
consumption on development of the serotonergic system; effects of alcohol on
hypothalamic and pituitary gene transcription; molecular mechanisms of neuronal calcium
channel function in normal and pathological conditions. (3) cellular biology, cancer
biology, and metabolic biochemistry - metabolism of peptide hormones and
neurotransmitters, role of aminopeptidase P in blood pressure control/cardioprotective
mechanisms and development of drug-like inhibitors of this enzyme; mechanisms
involved with the control of expression of genes required for the malignant properties of
tumor cell by activated oncogenes; role of tumor suppressor in the regulation of the cell
cycle; pathways of cellular apoptosis; signal transduction pathways in cancer cells;
mechanisms by which the regulation of lysosomal protease synthesis and trafficking in
tumor cells might facilitate tumor cell metabolism; structure/function
characterization of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor family; heat shock and
chaperone proteins in regulation of apoptosis; angiogenesis in wound healing; effects of
steroid hormones on sexual differentiation of the brain; cytokine signaling - T helper
cell differentiation; biochemistry of oxygen radical reactions; effects of gender, aging
and alcohol exposure on inflammation and cell mediated immunity.
Applicants for the Ph.D. Degree Program should have completed courses
in biochemistry, differential and integral calculus, organic chemistry,
physics, and have a strong background in biology. Additional
recommended courses include molecular biology, cell biology and
genetics.
To apply for admission to the graduate program in
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, the following documents are
required for domestic applicants:
▪ A completed admission
application
▪ One set of official
transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
attended
▪ Official GRE scores from the
General Exam
▪ Three letters of
recommendation
▪ Statement of Purpose
For international applicants, the following documents are
required in addition to those listed above:
▪ TOEFL or IELTS scores
▪ A Declaration and Certification
of Finances Form
▪ Evaluations of international
transcripts by an outside credentialing service. Go to
www.ece.org for information about
this service and to download an application.
All documents should be sent to:
Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management
820 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60611
If you have any questions, please e-mail:
gradapp@luc.edu
