General Information - Biochemistry
The PhD program in biochemistry is designed to prepare students for a career of independent research and teaching in a basic science, clinical, or biotechnology setting. The program includes a core curriculum in medical biochemistry and molecular biology. Advanced courses allow students to fully develop an area of interest. A student wishing to obtain a PhD degree in biochemistry from Loma Linda University must complete all
requirements. Interested students should begin by
applying to the Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies Program.
After acceptance and matriculation, the student will study a
core curriculum during the first year, which includes classwork, seminars, and laboratory rotations. At the end of the first year, the student will select the Biochemistry program for his or her degree, as well as a research mentor in whose laboratory he or she will complete thesis work. During the second year, the student will take additional courses as required by the Biochemistry program and will continue working on the selected thesis project. Near the end of the second year, each student will take his or her comprehensive written and oral examinations, and upon passing these exams, be admitted to candidacy. The student will continue his or her work on the selected thesis project as guided and advised by the research mentor. Upon completion of this work, the student will write and orally defend his or her doctoral dissertation.
Students wishing to pursue a master's degree in biochemistry should apply directly to the Biochemistry program. Following acceptance and matriculation, the student will enroll in the required courses and, at the appropriate point in the program, take his or her qualifying examinations as described for the individual programs. Both thesis and non-thesis MS options are available; the thesis option requires an oral defense.
A combined degree program, which enables students to earn both the PhD and the MD degrees, is also available.
