Howard University DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE GRADUATE PROGRAM Revised and Approved: July 25, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS GRADUATE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY... 3 PROGRAMS OF STUDY... 3 GENERAL INFORMATION... 4 MASTER OF SCIENCE/BIOTECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM... 5 A. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS... 5 B. COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR M.S. DEGREE (BIOTECHNOLOGY)... 5 C. ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY FOR THE M.S. DEGREE... 6 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE PROGRAM... 7 A. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS... 7 B. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE... 7 M.D./PH.D. DEGREE PROGRAM (SEE APPENDIX- V)... 11 APPENDIX I... 12 GRADUATE STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE... 12 Definition of a Grievance... 12 APPENDIX II... 13 GRADUATE COURSES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY... 13 APPENDIX III... 15 A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE MASTER S DEGREE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM... 15 TYPICAL PROGRAM OF STUDY... 15 APPENDIX IV:... 18 A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHIOSOPHY DEGREE PROGRAM... 18 PH.D. IN BIOCHEMISTRY... 18 APPENDIX V:... 22 TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE M.D./ PH.D. STUDENTS... 22 H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 2
GRADUATE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY Mission: "To develop a high caliber program of research and research- based education in molecular medicine in order to: promote understanding and amelioration of the disease process, train students with high academic potential in the health sciences and serve the university and scientific community." Goals: The pursuit of excellence in "teaching, research and service." PROGRAMS OF STUDY The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Additionally, the department considers applications for the M.D., Ph.D. combined degree program (The information about this program is, mainly, furnished in the APPENDIX section). The M.S. (biotechnology) program prepares students for biomedical industrial careers. The curriculum emphasizes development of technical skills, does not require a thesis, and features an industrial externship. Candidates for the M.S. (biotechnology) degree must obtain 30 semester hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better. The primary objective of the Ph.D. program is to prepare candidates for research and teaching careers. The first few semesters are devoted primarily to core course work designed to give the student a broad background in the fundamental theories and techniques of biochemistry. During this time, the student gains exposure to methods for the solution of research problems by working in the laboratories of various faculty members. During the remaining part of the programs, students become increasingly involved in laboratory research and in the critical analysis of biochemical literature. Emphasis is placed on giving candidates rigorous standards of scholarship and critical attitudes toward the solution of research problems. A broad range of research interests exists within the department. An active seminar program conducted by visiting scientists gives students and faculty opportunities to broaden their outlook on current scientific problems. Candidates for the Ph.D. degree must obtain the equivalent of 72 semester hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.0 or better, pass qualifying examinations, and complete and defend a dissertation. The dissertation must advance knowledge in its research area and must be of publishable quality. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 3
GENERAL INFORMATION The following information applies to all students irrespective of their program enrollment who have not completed all required courses (except Ph.D. research). For Ph.D. students, this includes passing all four (4) required advanced biochemistry courses with a grade of B or better. 1. Before registering for courses, students are required to consult with their GSC advisor, or member of the GSC committee. Both the student and the GSC member should agree on a schedule of courses for year I and subsequent years. Either the student or the GSC may initiate a recommendation to change the course schedule. Any changes must be written and signed by the student and the GSC member. Failure to obtain written approval for the course schedule from a member of the GSC committee will result in a negative evaluation in the student s file. This negative evaluation will be taken into account when the GSC makes recommendations for the student to receive financial aid or other matters. 2. If a student receives a grade of C in General Biochemistry and the Biochemistry Laboratory course, or a D in either course, the student is not eligible to continue in the program. Students receiving a C in General Biochemistry may repeat the course if the grade in the Biochemistry Laboratory is a B or better. Students who are eligible to repeat the Biochemistry course cannot take any advanced courses in the Biochemistry curriculum until the deficiency is corrected. 3. Some teaching and other departmental duties are considered to be a part of the graduate education, and will be required of all students regardless of source of support. Only those Biochemistry/Molecular Biology courses (course number prefix BlOC) in which a grade of B or better is earned may be counted as credit for a degree. All students should be aware of the rules and regulations concerning course grades which are described in the handbook issued by the Graduate School, entitled "Rules and Regulations for the Pursuit of Academic Degrees." The Student Grievance Procedure (Student s Privileges): The student should follow the procedure outlined in APPENDIX- I to address a disagreement on an academic matter subject to the control of the department. 4. Students should refer to the course descriptions that are located in APPENDIX II. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 4
Master of Science/Biotechnology Degree Program A. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS For a student to be admitted to a graduate program of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, he or she must fulfill the following requirements: 1. The student must have earned a B.S. or B.A. degree, and have a grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0 or better in science courses, which have been completed. 2. The following undergraduate courses must have been completed: General Chemistry 1 year Organic Chemistry 1 year Calculus 1 semester Physics 1year Biology 1 year 3. All applicants must demonstrate a proficiency in the use of the English language. 4. Three letters of recommendation must be submitted, preferably by individuals who can specifically evaluate the scientific ability of the student. 5. Transcripts indicating all undergraduate and graduate courses completed must also be submitted. B. COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR M.S. DEGREE (BIOTECHNOLOGY) A minimum of 30 credit hours of courses must be completed in order for a student to earn an M.S. degree. All M.S. candidates must complete the following courses: BlOC- 101-01 - General Biochemistry - 4 credit hours BIOC- 203-01 - Biochemistry Laboratory - 3 credit hours BIOC- 201-01 - Seminar in Biochemistry - a total of 3 credit hours of this seminar course must be completed BIOL- 413-01 - Molecular Biology (or equivalent) - 4 credit hours BIOG- 532-01 - Molecular Biology of the Cell - 4 credit hours (Lecture/Laboratory Course) or MICR 305-01- Cell Biology Lecture - 3 credit hours H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 5
ALL M.S. CANDIDATES MUST - complete a minimum of one advanced biochemistry course (3 credit hours) with permission of instructor and Graduate Studies Committee. The topics are listed below: Enzymology Clinical Biochemistry Protein Structure and Function Metabolic Regulation Each student must: 1. Complete an approved graduate level course in statistics (3 or 4 credit hours), such as Biostatistics (BIOG- 430), Mathematics Statistics I (MATH 240) or Statistical Methods (215-202). 2. Complete two semesters of internship and a summer externship. 3. Complete two semesters of Practical Biochemistry (1 credit hour per semester). 4. Complete a Radiation Safety Workshop (0 credit hours). Every student must register for seminar during the second semester in the department and each succeeding semester until the requirements for the desired degree are fulfilled. Regular and participatory attendance at departmental seminars is considered a part of every student s professional obligation, and is expected, regardless of registration for credit. If a student s performance during the fulfillment of the minimal requirements of seminar credits is not satisfactory, additional semesters of participation will be required. C. ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY FOR THE M.S. DEGREE To be admitted to candidacy for the M.S. degree, a student must: 1. Complete the first three semesters of the program. 2. Pass the Examination for Proficiency in Expository Writing. 3. Complete the skill requirements described above. 4. Complete a workshop on Responsible Conduct in Research H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 6
Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program A. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS For a student to be admitted to a graduate program of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, he or she must fulfill the following requirements: 1. The student must have earned a B.S. or B.A. degree, and have a grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0 or better in science courses. 2. The following undergraduate courses must have been completed: General Chemistry 1 year Organic Chemistry 1 year Physics 1 year Biology 1 year Calculus 1 semester 3. Three letters of recommendation must be submitted, preferably by individuals who can specifically evaluate the scientific ability of the student. 4. Transcripts indicating all undergraduate and graduate courses completed, must also be submitted. 5. Provisional admission may be granted to students who have academic deficiencies or are missing one course(s). In this case, a coursework plan will be prepared for the student to remedy the deficiency. The coursework plan must be initiated during the first year in residency, or on the first occasion possible after matriculation. B. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE 1. ADMISSION A student does not have to earn an M.S. degree before being admitted to the Ph.D. degree program of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. If a student wishes to earn the Ph.D. degree, the student should indicate this on his or her initial application for admission to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. If the Admissions Committee of the department determines that the student s academic preparation qualifies him or her to enter the Ph.D. program, then the student will be admitted to the Ph.D. program. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 7
2. COURSE REQUIREMENTS All Ph.D. student must complete a minimum of 72 credit hours of courses The following courses must be completed by all candidates for the Ph.D. degree: BlOC- 170-01 - General Biochemistry BIOC- 203-01 - Biochemistry Laboratory BIOC- 211-01 - Orientation to Research BIOC- 201-01 - Seminar in Biochemistry (a total of 5 credit hours of the seminar course must be completed = 5 semester enrollment) Enzymology Molecular Biology Metabolic Regulation Protein Structure and Function All Ph.D. students are required to complete one 3 credit hour advanced chemistry course chosen from: Physical Chemistry Organic Chemistry Analytical Chemistry Each student must complete an approved graduate level course in statistics (3 or 4 credit hours), such as Biostatistics (BIOG- 430), Mathematics Statistics I (MATH- 240) or Statistical Methods (215-202). It is important to note that Biochemistry/Molecular Biology courses (course number prefix BlOC) in which a grade of B or better is earned may be counted as credit toward the Ph.D. degree. In addition, the student should be aware of all rules and regulations concerning course grades as outlined in the current Graduate School Handbook, which explains the "Rules and Regulations for the Pursuit of Academic Degrees. 3. QUALIFYING EXAMINATION FOR PH.D. CANDIDATES Admission to candidacy requires successful completion of qualifying examinations. Qualifying examination consists of: 1) written and 2) oral comprehensive examinations. Examinations will be scheduled in accordance with the rules (below), and the results of the examination(s) will be made available to the student no later than two weeks after the examination. Written Comprehensive Examination A student can be exempted from taking the written portion of the comprehensive examination if he/she received grade of A in all four required courses. Exemption from the written examination automatically qualifies the student to take the Oral Examination (below). H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 8
a. The written comprehensive must be taken no later than the first six weeks of the semester following completion of coursework (generally the fourth semester of residency as a Ph.D. student), except when excused after petitioning the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) and the Chair of the Department. b. The topics for the written examination are Molecular Biology, Enzymology, Metabolic Regulation, and Proteins. Questions on each of the examinations will be written by faculty. Multiple examiners in each topic are recommended. The content of each topic area may include: Molecular Biology: Gene Expression, Signal Transduction, Molecular Carcinogenesis, Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Enzymology: Kinetics, Mechanism, Regulation Proteins: Structure, Function, Molecular Modeling, Synthesis and Degradation Intermediary Metabolism: Hormones including Signal Transduction, Biochemical Pathways and their Regulation, Energy Production, normal and abnormal conditions c. Failure to take the examination within the time stipulated by the GSC and the Chair of the Department will count as a first failure. The component sections of the exam will be administered within the span of one week or less. d. If the student needs to retake all or part of the examination, the second attempt will occur within one month after notification of the initial failure (i.e. generally the second attempt at the examination will occur before completion of the 12th week of the semester.) Only those sections of the examination that are deemed unsatisfactory must be taken a second time. e. Failure to pass all exams after two attempts will result in separation from the graduate program in the department. Oral Comprehensive Examination a. Four weeks following the notification of the successful completion of the written part of the comprehensive/qualifying examination, the student will submit to the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) an original, research proposal that is unrelated to the student s proposed research. The proposal will be no longer than ten pages double spaced pages (12 point font) and consist of an Abstract, Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Experimental Design, and References.. References are not to be counted in this page total. b. The Graduate Studies Committee will choose a committee of at least three faculty, who will hear the student s oral defense of the proposal three weeks after the receipt of the proposal by the GSC. (Assuming the student completes the written examination on the first try, the oral examination will occur before the end of the same semester). If a second attempt at the written examination is necessary, the oral examination will occur at the beginning of the H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 9
following semester. Failure to submit the proposal on time will be treated as a failure on the first attempt at the oral examination. c. The student will be provided two attempts to pass the oral section of the examination. The second attempt will occur no later than four weeks following the first attempt. After two failures on the oral examination, the student will be dismissed from the program. 4. ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY Ideally, students would complete all requirements for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree by the Fall Semester of their third year of study. To be admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, a student must: a. Complete the courses required by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. b. Pass the Ph.D. qualifying examination (written and oral examinations). c. Pass the Examination for Proficiency in Expository Writing. d. Complete the skill requirements described above. e. Submit a Ph.D. dissertation research proposal to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (see below). f. Complete the Responsible Conduct in Research workshop (Graduate School). The student should consult with faculty members of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology who are conducting research in the student s area of interest to determine which faculty member will be willing to serve as the student s mentor. 5. PH.D. DISSERTATION RESEARCH The dissertation research proposal should be approved by the members of a dissertation committee. The mentor and the student should choose a dissertation committee which advises and counsels the student concerning the student s Ph.D. dissertation research. The dissertation committee should consist of at least three members, including the student s mentor and two members of the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Additional members of the committee may be members of other science departments at Howard University or at other universities or research institutions. The names of the members of the dissertation committee should be reported to the Graduate Studies Committee of the department. The dissertation committee monitors the progress of the dissertation research of a student until the research is completed. The committee should meet at least once a semester to discuss the student s progress. The student can consult with the members of the dissertation committee to obtain advice which will be helpful to the student s research project. Members of the committee may also suggest experiments that would be beneficial to the project. The mentor has the final authority to determine how the student s research project should be conducted. The final responsibility for the completion of an acceptable Ph.D. dissertation rests with the student. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 10
During the time the student is engaged in the Ph.D. dissertation research project, the student must register for Research for Ph.D. Candidates (course number: BIOC- 300). A Ph.D. candidate is required to complete a minimum of 20 credit hours of Research for Ph.D. Candidates in order to earn the Ph.D. degree. A student may not register for Research for Ph.D. Candidates before he or she has been admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. Once admitted to candidacy, the student may register for fewer courses and be considered full time. 6. ORAL EXAMINATION FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE PH.D. DISSERTATION Upon the completion of a Ph.D. dissertation research project, the student is required to write a dissertation describing this research project, and defend the dissertation in an oral examination. The oral examination for the defense of the Ph.D. dissertation is conducted by an examination committee consisting of a student s mentor and four additional members. One of the members of the committee must be a person who is not a member of the faculty of Howard University and not previously associated with the research. The mentor may not be the chairman of the examination committee. The mentor and the student may choose the members of the committee with the understanding that final approval of the committee must be obtained from the Dean of the Graduate School. During the formal defense of the dissertation research, the departmental rules restrict the mentor from asking or answering questions on behalf of the student. M.D./PH.D. DEGREE PROGRAM (SEE APPENDIX- V) H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 11
APPENDIX I: GRADUATE STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE DEFINITION OF A GRIEVANCE A disagreement on an academic matter is subject to the control of the department. PROCEDURE 1. The student is encouraged to resolve the disagreement directly with the other party or parties. 2. Should informal efforts to resolve the matter prove to be unsatisfactory, the student may initiate a formal arbitration by making a written request, outlining the grievance, to the departmental chair. The departmental chair, a member of the GSC or departmental faculty member chosen by the faculty at large usually will act as the arbiter. 3. The student s next avenue for appeal is to seek a formal hearing. Notice of such a request is to be made in writing to the departmental chair. The student and departmental chairman will select a panel of three departmental faculty members to hear the grievance. The panel reports its findings to the student and departmental chair or the previous arbiter, in writing, within 30 days of its formation. The panel report is the department s final decision. 4. A record of all these proceedings becomes a part of the department s and the student s official files. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 12
APPENDIX II: GRADUATE COURSES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (Some course electives may be limited, due to enrollment restrictions and degree of student interest.) BIOC- 101-01 General Biochemistry - 4 credit hours. An introduction to the structure, chemistry and physiology of biomolecules; special emphasis is placed on catabolism and fidelity of information transfer; prerequisites: 2 semesters of organic chemistry. BlOC- 170-01 General Biochemistry - 7 credit hours The structure, function, and metabolism of the important classes of biochemicals are discussed. This includes a discussion of the biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, hormones and coenzymes. BIOC- 211-01 Orientation to Research - 3 credit hours The purpose of Orientation to Research is to allow the student to become familiar.with the research projects of faculty members in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The student also is given the opportunity to learn some of the research techniques used in these research projects. Students register for course BIOC- 211-01 in the Spring Semester of their first year of study. The student works in the laboratories of three faculty members during Orientation to Research. BIOC- 201-01 Seminar in Biochemistry - 1 credit hour. Students are required to present a seminar on a current topic in biochemical research which is of interest to them. Prerequisite: BIOC- 170-01 or 101-01 General Biochemistry. BIOC- 203-01 Biochemistry Laboratory - 3 credit hours. Instruction in biochemical techniques and instrumentation. Prerequisites: BlOC170-01 or BlOC- 101-01 (may be currently enrolled) or permission of coordinator. Courses BIOC- 182, BIOC- 186, BIOC- 200, BIOC- 204, BIOC- 208, BIOC- 209, BIOC- 240, BIOC- 260, BIOC- 270 and BIOC- 271 are advanced biochemistry courses. BIOC- 182-01 Clinical Biochemistry - 3 credit hours. This is strictly a lecture course in which the following will be discussed: Clinical correlation of various biochemical parameters measured in blood, urine and other body fluids under a variety of abnormal conditions; Interpretation of laboratory values as an aid in differential diagnosis; Performance of quality control, statistical analyses and toxicology in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory. BIOC- 200-01 (MBIO- 200) Research in Biochemistry - 2 credit hours. This MS- Biotechnology course fulfills the required externship in Biotechnology Industry, Government, or external University Laboratory for a minimum of six weeks. The experience will involved full- time work as a laboratory research assistant in a laboratory that uses advanced biochemical techniques. BIOC- 204-01 Neurochemistry - 3 credit hours. This course describes the role of neuro- humoral agents and other aspects of metabolism pertinent to the function of the nervous system. BIOC- 205-01 Directed Research - 1 to 9 credit hours. Enrollment limited to advanced biochemistry and molecular biology graduate students, who have completed the core course work. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 13
BIOC- 208-01 Protein Structure and Function - 3 credit hours. Correlation of the three- dimensional structure of proteins with biological functions is intensively studied. BIOC- 220-01 Biochemistry of Cell Membranes - 3 credit hours. Current concepts of the structure and function of cell membranes are described. Topics include studies of the structure of specialized membranes, transport phenomena, and hormone- receptor interactions. BIOC- 240-01 Enzymology - 3 credit hours. The kinetic and mechanistic theory of enzyme action will be discussed with emphasis on the experimental approach used to interpret kinetic data and determine the kinetic parameters of classical enzymes and well- defined regulatory and transport systems. The steady- state rate equations for a number of unireactant and multi- reactant mechanisms will be developed. Reversible inhibition, isotope exchange, binding phenomenon, activation, environmental effects, and physiological regulation of enzyme activity will be considered separately. Prerequisites: Calculus; physical chemistry (thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, catalysis) or permission of the instructor. BIOC- 260-01 Biochemistry of Cancer - 3 credit hours. This course examines etiology: chemicals that cause cancer; radiation damage due to exposure to U.V. and X- rays and the role of repair mechanisms; as well as the induction of tumors by DNA and RNA viruses. Chromatin changes and cancer, genetic and hormonal contributions are evaluated. The surface membranes of normal and transformed cells are compared and immunological aspects of the abnormal growth are considered. BIOC- 270-01 Molecular Biology - 3 credit hours. Topics vary somewhat each time the course is taught to include topics of current interest in nucleic acid- protein interaction. BIOC- 271-01 Special Topics in Biochemistry - 3 credit hours. Current, important research topics in biochemistry are discussed in this course. The topics of the course vary from year to year. BIOC- 272-01 Metabolic Regulation - 3 credit hours. The control of rate- limiting steps in intermediary metabolism by covalent modification of enzymes, metabolic disorders, and chemical messengers. BIOC- 300-01 Research for Ph.D. Candidates 1 credit hour BIOC- 300-02 Research for Ph.D. Candidates 2 credit hours BIOC- 300-03 Research for Ph.D. Candidates 3 credit hours BIOC- 300-06 Research for Ph.D. Candidates 6 credit hours BIOC- 300-09 Research for Ph.D. Candidates - 9 credit hours. Students register for these courses while they are engaged in their Ph.D. dissertation research project. BIOC- 215-01 Practical Biochemistry - 1 credit hour. A lecture and seminar course taken concurrently with BIOC- 251. Analysis of scientific reports, exercises in precise expression and writing of summaries of work done in courses BIOC- 250 and BIOC- 251. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 14
APPENDIX III: A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE MASTER S DEGREE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM Objectives: To train individuals with the baccalaureate degree in the disciplines of Biology or Chemistry for careers in biomedical industries involving research, development, production and control. Prerequisites: A bachelor s degree with courses in biology, calculus, chemistry and physics. Additional courses in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and microbiology are desirable but not essential. TYPICAL PROGRAM OF STUDY *All courses must be approved by a member of the Graduate Studies Committee FIRST YEAR FALL SEMESTER General Biochemistry Lecture, BlOC 101 Biochemistry Laboratory, BlOC 203 4 hours 3 hours Biostatistics, BIOG 430 (or Equivalent course) 4 hours Radiation Safety Workshop 0 hours 11 hours Total FIRST YEAR SPRING SEMESTER Molecular Cell Biology (lecture/lab), BIOG 532 or Cell Biology (lecture), MICR 305 Seminar in Biochemistry, BlOC 201 1 Molecular Biology laboratory, MICR 413 or Orientation to Research, BIOC 211 3-4 3 4 Advanced Biochemistry lecture course, such as: Clinical Biochem, BlOC 182 Enzymology, BlOC 240 Metabolic Regulation, BlOC 272 3 12 hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 15
SECOND YEAR FALL SEMESTER Practical Biochemistry, BlOC 216 1 Directed Research, BlOC 205 (Barring class attendance for other coursework, this course requires the student to conduct full- time research assistantship in the laboratory of departmental faculty) 3-9 Seminar in Biochemistry, BlOC 201 1 11 hours Total SECOND YEAR SPRING SEMESTER Practical Biochemistry, BlOC 216 1 Directed Research, BlOC 205 (Barring class attendance for other coursework, this course requires the student to conduct full- time research assistantship in the laboratory of departmental faculty) 3-9 Seminar in Biochemistry, BlOC 201 1 11 hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 16
SUMMER OF SECOND YEAR Research (Externship) for MS Candidates, BIOC 200/(MBIO 200) 2 2 hours Total A minimum of 30 hours of completed coursework is required for the Masters degree. Notes: 1) Externship in Biotechnology Industry, Government, or external University Laboratory for a minimum of six weeks. The experience involves full- time work as a laboratory research assistant in a laboratory that uses advanced biochemical techniques. (This is typically the requirement of the BIOC200/MBIO 200 course). 2) Only those biochemistry courses (course number with the BIOC prefix) in which a grade of B or better is earned may be counted as credit for the M.S. degree. Graduate School rules regarding grades of C and residence are applicable. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 17
APPENDIX IV: A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHIOSOPHY DEGREE PROGRAM PH.D. IN BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAM OF STUDY (All courses must be approved by a member of the Graduate Studies Committee) FIRST YEAR, FALL SEMESTER General Biochemistry, BIOC 170 Biochemistry Laboratory, BIOC 203 7 hours 3 hours 10 hours Total FIRST YEAR, SPRING SEMESTER (choose necessary number of credit hours for full- time status) Orientation to Research, BIOC 211 3 Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 1 Metabolic Regulation, BIOC 272 3 Enzymology, BIOC 240 or Directed Research, BIOC 205 3 10 hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 18
SECOND YEAR, FALL SEMESTER Molecular Biology, BIOC 270 3 Protein Structure and Function, BIOC 208 3 Biostatistics, BIOL 430 4 Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 1 11 hours Total SECOND YEAR, SPRING SEMESTER Comprehensive Examination (written and oral) Directed Research, BIOC 205 Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 Enzymology (if not yet completed), BIOC 240 One of the following: (Optional) Special Topics, BIOC 271 or Advanced Analytical Chemistry, CHEM 231 *see note below 6-9 hours 1 hour 3 hours 3 hours 9 11 hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 19
THIRD YEAR, FALL SEMESTER Directed Research, BIOC 205 Dissertation Research, BIOC 300 3 9 hours - Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 1 One of the following: (Optional): Advanced Organic Chemistry, CHEM 243 *see note below (Advanced Analytical Chemistry is offered in the Spring semester) Advanced Physical Chemistry, CHEM 278 Other Coursework (as approved by the GSC) 10 hours Total THIRD YEAR, SPRING SEMESTER Directed Research, BIOC 205 3-9 Dissertation Research, BIOC 300 - Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 1 10 hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 20
NOTES: 1. The following courses are required: four advanced biochemistry courses (Protein Structure Function, Enzymology, Metabolic Regulation, Molecular Biology), five semesters of seminar courses, one advanced course (Advanced Analytical, Advanced Organic, Advanced Physical Chemistry as approved by a member of the Graduate Studies Committee) and one Biostatistics course. The advanced chemistry requirement must be completed to be admitted to candidacy. 2. The student must pass the graduate school graduate expository writing examination to be admitted to candidacy. The student must be admitted to candidacy at least one semester before graduation and must be a candidate to register for the required 12 hours (minimum requirement of the Graduate School) of dissertation research. The student must also complete the required workshop on Responsible Conduct in Research. A minimum of 72 hours is required for the Ph.D. 3. In the first semester of matriculation, If a student receives a grade below B- in both the General Biochemistry (BIOC 170) and the Biochemistry Laboratory (BIOC 203) course, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students receiving a grade of C in either the General Biochemistry (BIOC 170) or the Biochemistry Laboratory (BIOC 203) course may repeat the course if the grade in BIOC 170 or BIOC 203, respectively, is a B or better. Students who do not successfully complete the Biochemistry Lecture (BIOC 170) course cannot enroll in any advanced courses in the Biochemistry curriculum until the deficiency is corrected. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 21
APPENDIX V: TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE M.D./ PH.D. STUDENTS The M.D./Ph.D. program at Howard University consists of two years of basic medical sciences including three M.D./Ph.D. courses; three years of graduate courses and dissertation research; and two years of clinical sciences. The student may be able to spend an elective in years 3 or 4 completing the dissertation. Italicized courses are offered through the College of Medicine; non- italicized courses are offered via the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or via other departments. FIRST YEAR SUMMER/FALL SEMESTER Orientation Research Biomed Sd/or MD/Ph.D. (summer) Unit I Molecules and Cells Unit II Molecules and Cells Unit III Medicine & Society 4 hours 12 hours 8 hours 2 hours 24 hours Total FIRST YEAR SPRING SEMESTER Unit II Structure Function Unit II (HSrvc,Pol,FINA,Admin) 9 hours 2 hours Mult Disc Bio Science for M D./Ph. D (seminar) Unit III Medicine & Society Unit I Structure Function Unit III Structure Function 2 hours 18 hours 8 hours hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 22
FIRST YEAR SUMMER Research on proposed dissertation project hours Total SECOND YEAR FALL SEMESTER Organ Systems Medical Courses * *Mult Disc Bio Science/or MD./Ph.D. (seminar) 1 hour 1 hour Total SECOND YEAR SPRING SEMESTER Organ Systems Medical Courses hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 23
SECOND YEAR SUMMER Step 1, United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) Research on proposed dissertation project hours Total THIRD YEAR FALL SEMESTER Protein Structure Function, BlOC 208 Biostatistics, BIOG 430 Biochemistry Seminar, BlOC 201 Graduate School course in the Responsible Conduct of Research One of the following: Advanced Organic Chemistry,CHEM 243 (see note on chemistry requirement) Advanced Physical Chemistry, CHEM 278 (see note on chemistry requirement) - Directed Research, BlOC 205 3 hours 4 hours 1 hour 0 hours 3 hours 11 hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 24
THIRD YEAR SPRING SEMESTER Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 1 Metabolic Regulation, BIOC 270 3 Enzymology, BIOC 272 or Directed Research 3 *Howard University chemical/biological safety course 0 One of the following: Biophysical Chemistry, CHEM 158 Advanced Analytical Chemistry I, CHEM 231 (see note on chemistry requirement) Directed Research, BIOC 205 3 10 hours Total THIRD YEAR SUMMER Research on proposed dissertation project hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 25
FOURTH YEAR FALL SEMESTER Molecular Biology, BlOC 270 3 Directed Research, BlOC 205 6 Biochemistry Seminar, BlOC 201 1 **Clinical Preceptorship (required for MD./Ph.D) 2 *Howard University radiation safety course 0 12 hours Total FOURTH YEAR SPRING SEMESTER Directed Research, BlOC 205 6-9 Biochemistry Seminar, BlOC 201 1 *Clinical Preceptorship (required for M D./Ph.D) 2 COMPREHENSIVE WRITTEN AND ORAL EXAMINATIONS *Howard University chemical biological safety course 0 9 11 hrs Total FOURTH YEAR SUMMER Research on proposed dissertation project hours Total H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 26
FIFTH YEAR FALL SEMESTER Dissertation Research, BlOC 300 1-9 **Clinical Preceptorship (requiredfor MD./Ph. D.) 2 Biochemistry Seminar, BlOC 201 1 *Howard University chemical/biological safety course 10-12 hrs Total FIFTH YEAR SPRING SEMESTER Dissertation Research, BIOC 300 1-9 **Clinical Preceptorship (required for MD/Ph.D) 2 **Howard University chemical/biological safety course 0 9 11 hours Total Grand total graduate hours (not including Physical Chemistry or Preceptorships) 72 hours required coursework, including 12 hours Dissertation Research TOTAL 83 HOURS NOTES: Be sure to complete any prerequisite courses that were required for admission. The following courses are required: four advanced biochemistry courses, five semesters of seminar courses, one advanced chemistry course (Advanced Analytical, Advanced Organic, Advanced Physical Chemistry) and one Biostatistics course. BIOG 430 Biostatistics is offered every semester. The student must pass the graduate school expository writing examination to be admitted to candidacy. The student must be admitted to candidacy one semester before graduation and must be a candidate to register for the required 12 hours of dissertation research. H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 27
APPENDIX VI: POLICY ON STUDENT PROFESSIONALISM, INTEGRITY, AND PLAGIARISM (THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED IN A SEPARATE DOCUMENT) H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page 28