Biological Chemistry
The graduate program in Biological Chemistry at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine offers training in cutting-edge biomedical research for outstanding students. The BC faculty members offer a wide variety of research topics, that range from detailed studies of the structure and function of single molecules to complex biological processes studied in vivo. Faculty research interests include the molecular mechanisms underlying the sensation of light, heat and pain, the cellular and molecular basis of embryonic development, wound healing, cell differentiation, motility, and adhesion, DNA replication, RNA processing, protein structure and folding, the structure and function of carbohydrate modifications, water channels, ion channels, and diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology
The graduate program in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine offers graduate training in virtually all aspects of the biological sciences. Our students choose their thesis advisors from among 97 faculty members in seven departments: Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Physiology. The BCMB program serves as an umbrella program that builds close ties among all seven participating departments, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages interdisciplinary research. This interdisciplinary structure expands the opportunities for graduate training. In the first year, in addition to course work, students rotate through three laboratories, attend an annual retreat, and participate in regular research presentations and journal clubs. In the second year the students participate in a methods and logic course and take a qualifying exam. The primary focus is then on the student’s independent research project carried out under direction of a faculty advisor. The rich environment, rigorous preparation and guidance by faculty prepares our students for successful careers as independent research scientists.
Cellular and Molecular Medicine
The Graduate Training Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine prepares scientists for laboratory research at the cellular and molecular level with a direct impact on the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases. The Ph.D. graduates of the Program will have a rigorous training in scientific research and a thorough knowledge of human biology and human diseases.
Human Genetics
The Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics was established at The Johns Hopkins University in 1957 under the direction of a university-wide committee (TABLE 1) to train highly qualified persons for academic careers in human genetics. Our program was revised extensively in the mid-80’s acquiring a new focus, that of providing a firm foundation in human biology, molecular biology and genetics along with rigorous training in state-of-the-art research methodology. The program provides an alternative to the combined M.D./Ph.D. program for those who want to carry out genetic studies in man but do not want the M.D. degree.
Dual MD / PhD Degree
Roughly 10 percent of medical students at Johns Hopkins set their sights on a joint M.D./Ph.D. degree. The program offers superb preparation for careers in academic medicine, government or private research. Extraordinary flexibility is a characteristic of this seven- to eight-year course of study. The breadth of Hopkins’ basic-science endeavors means that students can choose their Ph.D. specialization from almost every area of the biomedical sciences.