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Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine  Doctoral

Overview

What is Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at WVU like?

Description

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine is the administrative home for the Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. The goal of our graduate program is to train students to design and conduct research aimed at elucidating biochemical and molecular mechanisms controlling physiological and pathological processes. The approach used by our faculty to achieve this goal is to cultivate an open, collegial relationship with one another and with the students. Close collaboration among scientists, the sharing of ideas, and open inquiry are critical components of our training plan. Key components of graduate training in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine are the emphasis placed on laboratory research and the use of current scientific literature in advanced coursework.

In addition, students are provided opportunities for professional development through seminar presentations, attendance of national meetings, teaching opportunities, and seminar programs both within the department and throughout the Health Sciences Center.

Faculty research in the Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Program can provide the student with training in multiple basic sciences areas:

  • Regulation of gene expression
  • RNA processing
  • Molecular basis of cancer cell growth
  • Intermediary metabolism
  • Regulation of signal transduction by nutrients and metabolites
  • Nutritional biochemistry
  • Oxidant-induced cellular stress
  • Structure/function relationships of proteins
  • Molecular genetics of visual and auditory development
  • G protein-mediated signaling in retina photoreceptors
  • Genetic basis of age-related macular degeneration

These research areas provide fundamental knowledge of the normal health state and the amelioration of diseases:

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Blindness
  • Cancer
  • Deafness
  • Diabetes
  • Metabolic Disorders

Application Deadlines

Each graduate program sets their own term of admission and application deadline. Applicants can only apply for admission for the term displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.

Fall: December 1

At a Glance

  • College/School:
    School of Medicine
  • Division:
  • Department:
  • Degree Designation:
    PhD
  • Degree Program:

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Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at WVU?

University Requirements

To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor’s degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75.

WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for admission into the Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine graduate program an applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Letters of Recommendation - Three
  • Résumé /CV
  • Statement of Purpose

Additional application considerations:

The personal statement should highlight your scientific interests, research experiences that informed these interests, your motivation for continuing your education and for choosing the Biomedical Sciences graduate programs at West Virginia University, and potential career goals. Applications without personal statements will not be reviewed. The personal statement is uploaded in the online application and should include the following:

Scientific Interests:

  • Describe how past experiences have motivated you to choose a career in science.

Research for each previous experience describe:

  • The scientific question
  • Your role
  • Results and conclusions
  • Length of the experience

Career Goals:

  • How does obtaining a PhD support your goals?
  • Describe role models or mentors that assisted in the discussion.

Additional experiences/information:

  • Significant service and leadership activities
  • Accomplishments and awards
  • Overcoming past problems or obstacles
  • Be sure to explain gaps in your resume

Certain application requirements may be waived based on a preliminary review of an application by program.

International Applicants must also submit materials required for international applicants.

Contact Information

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