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Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 2022 - 2023 Catalog

Biomedical Sciences PhD Concentration in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology

Biomedical Sciences PhD Concentration in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology


Vadivel Ganapathy, Ph.D., Chairperson for the School of Medicine Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry

Jeffrey Thomas, Ph.D., Graduate Advisor

About the Concentration

Click Here to View Concentration Guidelines for Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology will prepare students for careers in biochemistry, cellular, developmental, and molecular biology. Employment opportunities for graduates include traditional university professorships, positions in the biotechnology industry, and governmental appointments. The curriculum centers around five courses: the three GSBS core courses (Genes, Molecules, Cells) and the two advanced courses (Advanced Cell Biology and Advanced Protein Biochemistry). During the first year of study, the student will progress through a minimum of three laboratory rotations in order to determine his or her research interest. Dissertation topics can be pursued in the following areas: regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, cell cycle, DNA repair, cell and molecular biology of intercellular communication, regulation and function of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, cell and molecular biology of stem cells, embryo implantation, molecular mechanisms of epididymal sperm function, proliferation and differentiation of gonadal cells, molecular basis of gamete interactions, molecular regulation of ovarian development and function, development and regeneration of the nervous system, genetics of human cancer and congenital human disorders, diagnosis and treatment of human cancer, morphogenesis, developmental genetics, embryonic development, cellular genetics, cell biology of epithelia, immune privilege and transplantation, molecular mechanisms of ABC transporters in cholesterol homeostasis and multidrug resistance of cancer cells, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative stress, neurogenetics, mechanisms of hormone action, biochemistry of neoplasia, biochemistry of membranes, mechanisms of enzyme action, molecular mechanisms of human diseases, translational regulation, RNA and protein quality control, protein interactions in health and disease, molecular aspects of the communication between colonic bacteria and the host, ketogenesis in colon and its relevance to colitis and colon cancer, amino acid transporters in inflammation and cancer, the iron-overload disease hemochromatosis as a risk factor for cancer and metastasis, protein amyloidogenesis, molecular mechanisms of kidney disease, gut microbiota and the kidney, renal lipid metabolism and lipotoxicity, helicase-like transcription factor in reproduction and colon cancer, prostate cancer metastasis, tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug discovery.

Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology sometimes offers a research track for master’s students; it is designed for students who need extra preparation for the Ph.D. program or whose career track is geared toward technical or staff level positions in industry or universities. Students undertake study and research in similar areas as that of the Ph.D. program.


Students with undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry are well suited for this concentration. Please contact GSBS at 806.743.2556 for more information concerning admissions for M.S. and Ph.D.


  • GBCM 5113 Selected Topics in Cell (1:1:0,F)

    Topics vary from semester to semester and reflect the research interests of the faculty. Recent offerings have included oncogenes and molecular biology, hormone action, and advanced genetics. May be repeated provided that different topics are covered for each registration.

  • GBCM 5130 Research Presentation Skills (1:0:0,F)

    A comprehensive coverage of the most widely used research presentation methods used at national and international meetings. The course is offered at the request of a faculty member or the request of a student or group of students. May be repeated with credit.

  • GBCM 5213 Selected Topics in Cell (2:2:0,F)

    Topics vary from semester to semester and reflect the research interests of the faculty. Recent offerings have included oncogenes and molecular biology, hormone action, and advanced genetics. May be repeated provided that different topics are covered for each registration.

  • GSBS 5275 Core V: Introduction to Biomedical Research (2:2:0,F)

    Introduces the first-year graduate student to the fundamental principles and techniques in basic biomedical research.

  • GBCM 5313 Selected Topics in Cell (3:3:0,F)

    Topics vary from semester to semester and reflect the research interests of the faculty. Recent offerings have included oncogenes and molecular biology, hormone action, and advanced genetics. May be repeated provided that different topics are covered for each registration.

  • GBCM 6055 Laboratory Methods (V1-6,F)

    Taken as (1) hands-on introduction to the laboratories in which a student may wish to do thesis or dissertation research, or (2) after a student is well established in his or her dissertation research, additional rotations can be done to gain expertise in techniques applicable to the student?s research but not available in the faculty advisor?s laboratory. Repeatable if different methods are covered for each registration. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

  • GBCM 6101 Biochemistry Conference (1:1:0,F)

    Informal conferences between faculty and students considering topics of current interest in biochemistry not normally included in other courses. Literature search, evaluation, organization, writing, and oral presentation by the student are emphasized. Different topic each semester. May be repeated for credit.

  • GBCM 6135 Topics in Biochemistry (1:1:0,F)

    Lectures in specific areas of biochemistry not normally included in other courses. May be repeated for credit with change of content. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

  • GBCM 6235 Topics in Biochemistry (2:2:0,F)

    Lectures in specific areas of biochemistry not normally included in other courses. May be repeated for credit with change of content. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

  • GBCM 6320 Advanced Cell Biology (3:3:0,F)

    This will cover advanced topics in cell biology and is designed for senior students who have completed introductory cell biology courses. The topics covered will include regulatory mechanisms that control the development of metazoan organisms, cell cycle regulation, cancer, and reproductive and stem cell biology. Prerequisite: GSBS core curriculum or consent of course director.

  • GBCM 6333 Advanced Protein Biochemistry (3:3:0,F)

    Teaches advanced concepts in the field of protein biochemistry with emphasis on the fundamentals of protein biosynthesis, structure, and folding; methods of characterizing protein structural properties and conformation; and techniques for purifying proteins with diverse properties. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the GSBS common first year curriculum or consent of the course director.

  • GBCM 6335 Topics in Biochemistry (3:3:0,F)

    Lectures in specific areas of biochemistry not normally included in other courses. May be repeated for credit with change of content. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

  • GBCM 6535 Topics in Biochemistry (5:5:0,F)

    Lectures in specific areas of biochemistry not normally included in other courses. May be repeated for credit with change of content. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

  • GBCM 7000 Research (V1-12, F)

  • GBCM 7101 Seminar (1:1:0,F)

    Students will attend and participate in departmental seminars.

  • GBCM 8000 Doctoral Dissertation (V1-12,F)