The goal of our graduate program is to train highly qualified scientists who will play a vital role in research leading to the discoveries of tomorrow. The research interests of the faculty span the mechanisms of biological systems in all their dynamic complexity. Novel techniques such as proteomics, microarrays, advanced imaging and biosensor techniques, combined with powerful computational tools, open up new windows into the inner workings of living organisms. Students in our department use these and other tools to investigate a wide range of research topics, from the atomic modeling of protein structure and dynamics to the developmental and physiological events that underlie animal behavior and plant-microbe interactions.

Stations Toward the Ph.D.

The curriculum consists of a few general core courses and a series of more specialized classes that are selected to fit the individual interests of the student. The main goal of the coursework is to provide a theoretical framework upon which the student's research will be conducted. Incoming students do not have to identify a thesis advisor before coming to Knoxville. Instead they select a lab after three lab rotations, at the end of their first year.

A general outline of the curriculum follows below. Details concerning courses, the comprehensive exam, and requirements for graduation can be found in our Graduate Student Handbook and the Graduate Catalog.

1st Year

Research: Three lab rotations (BCMB516) of 7 weeks each during the Fall and Spring semesters allow students to familiarize themselves with different experimental approaches. At the end of the rotation period, students  identify a suitable home laboratory before the summer semester.

Courses: Students take 3 core courses - Advanced Protein Chemistry & Cellular Biology (BCMB511) and Experimental Techniques I (BCMB515) in the Fall; Advanced Molecular Biology (BCMB512) in the Spring.  Each semester, and continuing throughout the entire period of residence, students enroll in one of the many journal clubs offered by the department as well as the departmental seminar (BCMB601) and graduate research colloquium (BCMB603). 

2nd Year

Research: Students settle into a research project in their home laboratory. They form a research advisory committee of 4-5 faculty members. The committee meets once a year to review progress.

Courses: Students enroll in courses tailored to their individual needs; for example Cell Biology (BCMB513), Plant Biology (BCMB 522 and 523), Experimental Design & Grant Writing (BCMB530), journal clubs, and many more. 

3rd Year & Beyond

A major way station toward the Ph.D. is the comprehensive exam. Most students complete it during their 3rd year. The exam tests the student's general knowledge, ability to think deeply about a research problem, synthesize material, and plan a research project.  After passing the comprehensive exam, students continue to gather speed in their research. Most students defend their thesis by the end of the 5th year.