Biochemistry and Neuroscience Ph.D.

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Minimum Requirements for Biochemistry and Neuroscience Ph.D. (including core courses): 38 credits

Concentrations: BiochemistryNeuroscience 

Credits
General University Requirements
Complete the graduate general university requirements.
Ph.D. Degree Requirements
Complete the Ph.D. degree requirements.
As part of the Ph.D. requirements, complete the following:
CHEM F699Thesis18
Complete Ph.D. dissertation
Biochemistry and Neuroscience Program Requirements
Complete 9 additional credits of coursework at the F400 or F600 level, as approved by the graduate committee, with at most two courses at the F400 level.9
Complete seminar series CHEM F688 at least twice. 2
Biochemistry Colloquium
Concentration
Complete one of the following:9
Biochemistry
Neuroscience
Total Credits38

Concentrations

Biochemistry

Credits
Biochemistry Concentration Requirements
Complete three of the following:9
Protein Structure and Function
Molecular Foundations of Gene Expression
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics
Cellular Signaling
Total Credits9

 Neuroscience

Credits
Neuroscience Concentration Requirements
Complete the following:
CHEM F670Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience3
CHEM F676Neurochemistry3
Complete one of the following:3
Protein Structure and Function
Molecular Foundations of Gene Expression
Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics
Cellular Signaling
Total Credits9

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Admission Requirements

Complete the following general university admission requirements for graduate programs.

  1. Submit an application for admission
  2. Submit official transcripts
  3. Official test results: GRE scores are not required for this program, but may be considered if submitted
  4. Submit resume/curriculum vitae
  5. Submit statement of academic goals
  6. Submit 3 letters of recommendation

International Students: Please consult UAF’s most recent application requirements regarding English language proficiency.

Additional program admission requirements and information

  • A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field from an accredited, government-recognized university

  • Transcripts from all universities or colleges attended: Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the application. Official transcripts must follow prior to matriculation.

  • Curriculum vitae or resume: A summary of education and work history including additional skills, certifications, and accomplishments.

  • Statement of Academic Goals: A letter (no more than three pages) explaining why you want to be admitted into our program and how your academic and career goals are related to attending our institution. Mentioning specific faculty you would like to work with is highly encouraged.

  • Letters of Recommendation:

    • Letters should be from individuals who can address your potential to succeed in graduate school

    • Ideally, letters of reference should come from university faculty, research staff, or professionals familiar with your academic and research achievements and also with the expectations of graduate school

    • References are asked to address writing ability, critical thinking skills, quantitative skills, and potential to succeed in a graduate program

  • Note: Students are typically not admitted to the program unless a faculty advisor has agreed to serve as the mentor. Applicants should contact potential advisors before applying.

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Roadmaps

Roadmaps provide suggested semester-by-semester study plans for programs and are based on full-time enrollment, unless otherwise specified.

  • This roadmap should be used in conjunction with regular academic advising sessions. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor or mentor each semester.
  • Certain courses and milestones must be completed in the specified semester to ensure on-time graduation.
  • Transfer credits may affect the roadmap.
  • Requirements, course availability, and sequencing may change.
  • Courses marked with (*) are recommended.

Biochemistry Concentration

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F654, F657, F670, F674, or F675223CHEM F654, F657, F670, F674, or F675223
CHEM F688201CHEM F699183
CHEM F699183Program Elective3
 7 9
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F688201CHEM F654, F657, F670, F674, or F675223
CHEM F699183CHEM F699183
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 7 9
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F699183CHEM F699183
 3 3
Total Credits 38

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

 Neuroscience Concentration

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F654, F657, F674, or F675223CHEM F670223
CHEM F688201CHEM F699183
CHEM F699183Program Elective3
 7 9
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F676223CHEM F699183
CHEM F688201Program Elective3
CHEM F699183Program Elective3
 7 9
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F699183CHEM F699183
 3 3
Total Credits 38

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Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes are specific, measurable statements that define the knowledge and skills students will gain by the end of the program.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate strong written communication skills to communicate significance and innovation as well as technical details of biochemistry and neuroscience research
  • Formulate hypotheses and articulate methods for testing hypotheses, and perform technical tasks and quantitative analyses needed to test hypotheses and interpret results
  • Demonstrate general and specific knowledge of field and peer-reviewed literature and be able to critically analyze literature
  • Demonstrate strong presentation skills
  • Demonstrate strong professional skills