Doctor of Philososphy [Ph.D] [Biochemistry] From Kansas State University

Through use of recombinant DNA technology and new instrumentation, a revolution is underway in our understanding of the ways that plants and animals regulate metabolic processes and express genetic information. Researchers at Kansas State University are in the forefront of that revolution. 

The study of biochemistry at Kansas State University is conducted under a versatile arrangement through which faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and faculty in other departments cooperate in a graduate biochemistry program. Both fundamental questions about living processes and applications to living systems are supported in this interdisciplinary program.

The biochemistry and molecular biophysics program seeks excellence in teaching and research through a program tailored to the development of the individual student. The core curriculum is broad and students are expected to specialize through appropriate choice of advanced courses from the many offerings taught by faculty in their areas of research expertise. A strong seminar program involves presentations by eminent visiting scholars from around the world and by the faculty of many departments on campus. A graduate student seminar program provides further opportunity for acquiring insights into new developments in the field.

The Graduate Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Group administers granting of M.S., B.S./M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry whether the research is conducted within the Department of Biochemistry or in other cooperating departments. The program of study is flexible, accommodating students with a wide range of backgrounds, including genetics, microbiology, physics, and medicine as well as the traditional chemistry, biochemistry, and biology degrees. Students are admitted to either the M.S. or the Ph.D. program based on qualifications, which include undergraduate and graduate performance, letters of recommendation, and program of study deficiencies.

In biochemistry and molecular biophysics, both the Ph.D. and the M.S. degrees are considered research degrees. Thus, in addition to specific course requirements, there is a requirement for writing a thesis based on independent and original research conducted in the laboratory of one of the participating faculty members.Students in either the M.S. or Ph.D. degree program take the two-semester, comprehensive, core biochemistry courses Biochemistry I and II and a one-semester course in molecular biophysics. All students are expected to attend the weekly graduate student seminar and individual research group meetings.