Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry

We train graduate students to become skilled and creative biochemists and molecular biologists. We have outstanding resources in our internationally recognized faculty, graduate students, and research facilities. Our graduate program not only allows our research students to learn the latest techniques, but also fosters their development as independent scientists. With a PhD in Biochemistry from UIUC, you will be well-prepared to launch a career in academia or industry. Our alumni are leaders in industrial laboratories, research institutes, and government agencies, as well as in teaching, research, and administration in colleges and universities.

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Biochemistry postdoc Preeti Sharma prepares sample in lab
As a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry, you will pursue research alongside brilliant faculty and graduate students while advancing the frontiers of this exciting field. Our labs encompass a variety of areas, including biological chemistry and molecular biology: physical approaches to the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, including structural biology (Cryo-Em, x-ray crystallography, etc.), genomics, enzymology, membrane biochemistry and protein-lipid interactions, protein-nucleic acid interactions, molecular biological approaches to gene organization and expression, immunology, microbial physiology, and signal transduction. We collaborate with peers at units across campus and around the world.

Admission to the MCB Ph.D. program requires a bachelor's degree in biological or physical sciences.Students electing biochemistry as a major for an advanced degree should have a strong background in chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus and a grade point average of a 3.0 or higher (A = 4.0).In addition to the above requirements, international students must attain a minimum paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 590 (243 on the computer-based test). A score of 96 on the internet-based test (iBT), with a score of 24 on the speaking section, is also accepted.