Coursework in NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Training Program provides a foundation in cellular and molecular biology, supplemented with advanced courses in molecular biophysics and structural biology. As a student in this program, you become familiar with structure–function relationships of a variety of macromolecules. A core course covers the fundamentals of genetics, biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology.

Students must fulfill the general requirements of the Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and the specific recommendations of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Training Program.

Students training in biochemistry and molecular biophysics often take Molecular Mechanisms in Biology and Techniques in Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics. Electives include courses in cryoelectron microscopy, molecular modeling, bioinformatics, and drug design, as well as a wide range of biologically oriented courses. For more information, view our PhD course catalog.

In later years, one-on-one tutorials provide an opportunity for in-depth investigation of customized topics.

Current students can download forms for the qualifying exam, committee meeting reports, and important information on thesis defense and graduation by logging into our student community with their Kerberos ID.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Training Timetable

Students in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Training Program generally adhere to the following curriculum. For more information about our courses, including course descriptions, view our PhD course catalog.

Year One, Fall Semester

Introduction to Research
Topics in Molecular Biology
Molecular Mechanisms in Biology
Seminar

Year One, Spring Semester

Cell Biology
Fundamental Research Skills and Tools
Techniques in Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics
Scientific Integrity and Responsible Conduct in Research
Seminar

Year Two, Fall Semester

Biostatistics and Exploratory Data Analysis
Elective
Seminar
Research

Year Two, Spring Semester

Grant Writing
Elective
Seminar
Research

Year Three, Fall Semester

Tutorial
Seminar
Research

Year Three, Spring Semester

NYU-STEP Individual Development Plan
Seminar
Research

Year Four (until graduation)

Seminar
Research

Recommended electives include the following:

Pharmacology and Drug Development
Optical Microscopy: Principles and Advanced Methods
Cryoelectron Microscopy of Macromolecular Complexes
Introduction to Programming
Computational Chemistry
Bio-organic Chemistry
Diffraction Analysis of Macromolecules

Peer Tutoring

Coursework can be challenging for first-year graduate students, who sometimes need extra attention to succeed. Peer tutors are provided upon request. Contact the Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences office to request tutoring.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Training Program Activities

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Training Program hosts activities for students.

Research in Progress Seminar Series

Throughout your time in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Training Program, you’re expected to participate in the weekly Research in Progress Seminar Series. Beginning in the second year, students present their work and postdoctoral researchers describe their ongoing research. The seminar series offers a venue for you to seek advice from your colleagues and to identify laboratories in which researchers have experience with particular experimental procedures.

Open House

At the beginning of the fall term, the program hosts an open house for new students. It involves a brief overview of the program followed by a chance to view research posters and talk with participating students and faculty.

Student Symposium

The daylong Student Symposium allows student speakers to present their work to peers, faculty, and postdoctoral researchers. All current members of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Training Program are expected to participate.