Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into three main phases.

• The first year emphasizes core courses and research rotations.
• By the beginning of the second year, students are expected to have chosen a research advisor; the second year therefore emphasizes research, advanced elective courses and the comprehensive examination.
• The third and subsequent years emphasize thesis research, culminating in the successful defense of a Ph.D. thesis.

The total length of the entire process is estimated to take five years to complete. However, the total length is of course primarily dependent on the research progress of the student and is therefore determined on an individual basis. The thesis advisor and the thesis committee are responsible for judging the student's research progress and the oversight and evaluations committee ensures that the curricular requirements (i.e. courses, comprehensive exam etc.) are met.

Throughout the entire course of PhD studies, students are required to attend the weekly Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology Seminar Series and the bimonthly Data and Literature Club. Students will receive one credit for each course per semester based on attendance and participation. The seminar series is an exciting opportunity to meet high caliber scientists engaged in Biophysics and Structural Biology research from inside and outside of the Pittsburgh area.

An overview of a typical curriculum is given below:

In the first year, the credits are distributed as follows:

Year 1. Fall Semester
Molecular Biophysics I. 3 credits
Macro Molecular Structure and Function 4 credits
Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology Seminar Series. 1 credit
Data and Literature Club. 1 credit
Lab rotation. 1 credit
Total: 10 credits
Note: International students may be required to take additional English classes and/or tutoring in the first year.

Year 1. Spring Semester
Molecular Biophysics II. 3 credits
Molecular Biophysics III. 4 credits
Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology Seminar Series. 1 credit
Data and Literature Club. 1 credit
Lab rotation. 1 credit
Total: 10 credits
Note: International students may be required to take additional English classes and/or tutoring in the first year

Year 1. Summer Semester
Scientific Ethics. 1 credit
Lab rotation. 1 credit
Total: 2 credits