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Student Goals
The goal of The Program In Biomolecular Structure
is to train graduate students to apply and develop state-of-the-art techniques
in structural biology. With this knowledge, they will understand molecular structures
and mechanisms. Training is provided in the following exciting areas:
- Protein structure and function
- Proteomics research
- Crystal and solution structure elucidation of biomolecules.
- Computational studies of structure and function relationships of biomolecules.
- Structure-based design of new molecules important in biology, biochemistry,
and pharmacology.
 The
courses and research emphasize both breadth and flexibility while encouraging
interdisciplinary training. Students may choose research projects from a variety
of laboratories at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and the National
Jewish Medical and Research Center. Training will result in a Ph.D. degree awarded
by The Program in Biomolecular Structure. The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular
Genetics, The Department of Pharmacology and The Program in Molecular Biology
offer a Ph.D. degree with specialization in Biomolecular Structure.
Curriculum
Year 1. The first year provides required
basic training in cell, molecular, and structural biology through the Biomedical
Sciences Program.
Lab Rotations. Students complete a minimum
of two and a maximum of three research rotations in the laboratories of program
faculty during the first 12 months of the program. The rotations provide the student
a broad experimental experience and help the student to select a laboratory in
which to pursue thesis research.
Electives. The remaining credits are generated
from participation in elective courses dealing with subspecialties of biological
research as well as with biomolecular structure, techniques in structural elucidation,
pharmacology, molecular and cellular biology, and chemistry.
Mentors. Because of the diversity of the
a student's undergraduate background, students are guided by a faculty mentor
to develop the program best suited to his/her academic development and research
interest.
Candidacy for the Ph.D. After successful
completion of the Preliminary Exam (typically taken in June of the first year),
students elect a thesis mentor and generate a thesis proposal which is presented
and defended as part of the Comprehensive Exam. This exam is administered and
student progress is monitored by a five-member thesis committee. The thesis work
is expected to be completed, written up, and defended within four years after
the Preliminary Exam.
Contact Jackie Newnam
to apply to The Program In Biomolecular Structure.
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