Doctor of Philosophy

Students graduating with a PhD in Biochemistry from Stanford are expected to be generally proficient in core scientific areas relevant to biochemical research and the specific scientific areas most relevant to their particular thesis projects. The four core proficiency areas are:

• Biochemistry and Biophysics

• Quantitative and Computational Techniques

• Genetics

• Cell Biology

Proficiency can be demonstrated by successfully completing three full quarter graduate-level courses out of these four areas or by other means with the permission of the graduate advisor. Each quarter course can be replaced by two mini-courses.

In addition to the requirement for a PhD dissertation based on original research, students must complete advanced courses in biochemistry and related areas in their first year as part of the 135 total units required for the Ph.D. We enthusiastically recommend elective courses based on scientific interests.

For students enrolled in both the Biochemistry MS and the Biochemistry PhD programs, the Department will allow up to the University limit of 45 units of graduate level course work from the MS to apply towards the degree requirements for the PhD.

An additional requirement involves the submission of two research proposals. The student presents these proposals to a small committee of departmental faculty members responsible for monitoring the progress of student curricular and research programs and a journal club presentation. All PhD students must participate actively in the department’s seminar program. Students are encouraged to attend and present papers at regional and national meetings in cellular biochemistry and molecular biology.

Teaching experience is an integral part of the PhD curriculum and is required for the degree. Students must notify the Student Services Administrator.

The Department of Biochemistry offers an MS only to students already enrolled in the PhD program. Students should contact the Graduate Studies advisor for more details.

First rotation must be in the Biochemistry Department. Length of rotation is flexible. Choose a lab at the end of first year, preferably by the end of spring quarter. First year students should be enrolling in BIOC 399 under Biochemistry's Graduate Advisor for all their rotations. Once a student has committed to a lab, the student should sign up for the "Graduate Research" course under their advisor; i.e., if a student committed to a lab under an advisor in Chemical and Systems Biology, the student must sign up for CSB 399 "Graduate Research" under the advisor.

Students may choose to take any graduate-level courses across science, engineering, or mathematics disciplines at Stanford to gain both breadth and depth; there is no required minimum number of electives. However, students must reach the university minimum requirement of 135 units. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisors to select courses that complement their research focus and long-term goals.

Preparation for the 1st Proposal starts as soon as one joins a lab. Second year graduate students will enroll in BIOC 350 "Development of Thesis Research" during the Autumn quarter. The class will meet once a week to prepare the student for writing and presenting their proposal. Second year graduate students will defend their proposals before their Thesis Committee by the end of Winter quarter.

Students will adapt their 1st Proposal into fellowship applications for submission in Autumn quarter of their 3rd year.

Third year graduate students will enroll in BIOC 360 "Developing an Original Research Proposal" during the Spring quarter. The aim of the 2nd Proposal is for students to explore their interests and develop their ability to find scientific questions.

Students will provide:

• A 1-page Specific Aims (okay if it goes slightly over); this will be reviewed in meetings and will be handed out to the presentation audience.

• A roughly 10 minute presentation to the department, with ample time for questions and discussion.

Any student not wanting to participate in the group activity (BIOC 360) should petition in writing to the Graduate Advisor, with an outline of their plan and timeline for completing the Proposal in time to present in one of the group presentations. The student must notify the Student Services Administrator.

Journal Club is designed to bring together students, post docs, and faculty to discuss interesting, exciting, and important topics from the literature. The aim of Journal Club is to provide a unique opportunity for students to hone their presentation skills and to bring the department up-to-date regarding recent scientific developments. It is designed to help advance students as they begin to present at scientific conferences and apply for post-doctoral and professional positions.

Every 4-6 weeks, one 4th year student and one faculty member will present a research discussion based on recent paper or developing scientific topics of general interest. Each student will present on a topic outside their thesis research to the Biochemistry Department.

Admission to candidacy is a judgment by the faculty in the department of the student's potential to successfully complete the requirements of the degree program. Students are expected to complete department qualifying procedures and apply for candidacy by the summer quarter of their second year in the PhD program. This form is forwarded to the Registrar's Office and indicates that the student is formally qualified for the PhD degree and is in good academic standing. The form requires listing completed Stanford course work with at least 3 units of course work taken with each of four Stanford faculty members.

Once a student is admitted to candidacy, the status is valid for five years; subject to termination by the department if progress is unsatisfactory. In special circumstances, it may be renewed by the submission and approval of a new application or extended upon the chairman's recommendation.

At the oral examination, a student will first present to an open audience a seminar on the thesis, after which there is an open question period. Then, the examining committee meets in private with the candidate for further discussion of the general area of the research works and to test the candidate's command of biochemistry and fitness for scholarly pursuits.

Student should see the Student Services Administrator for the appropriate instructions and forms before establishing a Dissertation Reading Committee and Oral Examination. The student's committee must consist of at least five members: four examiners (the student's thesis committee plus one) and one University chair (chair cannot have an appointment in the same department as the student or the student's advisor). Approval to deviate from this assemblage requires approval by the graduate advisor and the student's thesis advisor.

Students must complete a draft of the PhD thesis that is acceptable to the reading committee, which is typically, but not necessarily, the same as the proposal committee. Students must submit their finalized thesis following their oral examination.

Deadlines for submitting the thesis to the Registrar's Office and applying to graduate can be found on the Registrar's website at: https://studentservices.stanford.edu/my-academics/earn-my-degree/graduate-degree-progress/dissertations-and-theses/submit-your opens in a new tab. The student must be registered in the quarter in which they will turn in their thesis. Tuition can be reduced in the student's final quarter by completing a "Petition for Graduation Quarter." Students must notify the Student Services Administrator if they plan to take a Graduation Quarter.