You are here: Home → Education

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The Ph.D. program provides rigorous training for qualified students in both the research laboratory and classroom. Students are exposed to a variety of research areas through methods laboratories, formal courses, laboratory rotations, and seminar presentations. The area of research concentration is ultimately determined by the selection of a preceptor whose research area matches the student's interest. The time required to complete the degree program ranges from four to six years, with a typical student finishing in five years.

Because the course of study is rigorous, the Department only selects highly qualified students for admission into the Ph.D program and financial support. A set of criteria for admission has been established. It should be noted that differences in undergraduate training are recognized, and each application is treated individually. Qualified students who meet some, but not all, the established criteria may be admitted in conditional status with the stipulation that remedial work be done to overcome any deficiencies. Acceptance of students into the Ph.D. program in Biochemistry requires approval by a majority of the Graduate Committee.

Foreign students must also have completed the TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 210 on the computer-based version of the exam.

The Department also has an M.S. program. Students in this program can pursue a thesis-based M.S. or a non-thesis M.S. Students in the thesis-based M.S. program take fewer courses, and also perform thesis research in a preceptor's laboratory. Students who are in the non-thesis M.S. program submit a professional paper based on laboratory rotations or literature research and a final exam in lieu of a traditional research thesis. The time required to complete the M.S. degree ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 years.

If you would like additional information and application forms, fill out and submit the pre-application information form, or contact:

Dr. Jaydev Dholakia
Department of Biochemistry
University of Louisville
School of Medicine
Louisville, KY 40292
Telephone (502) 852-7842
Email Jaydev Dholakia

You may also submit an online application to The Graduate School.