Howard University DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

RULES AND REGULATIONS OFTHE GRADUATE PROGRAM

Revised and Approved: July 25, 2012

TABLEOF CONTENTS

GRADUATE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY ANDMOLECULAR BIOLOGY .................................... 3

PROGRAMSOF STUDY ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

MASTER OF SCIENCE/BIOTECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM ...................................................................................... 5

A. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 5

B. COURSE REQUIREMENTSFORM.S. DEGREE (BIOTECHNOLOGY) ......................................................................................... 5

C. ADMISSIONTOCANDIDACYFORTHEM.S. DEGREE .......................................................................................................... 6

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE PROGRAM............................................................................................................ 7

A. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 7

B. REQUIREMENTSFORTHEDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE ............................................................................................... 7

M.D./PH.D. DEGREE PROGRAM(SEE APPENDIX-V) ................................................................................................... 11

APPENDIX I............................................................................................................................................................... 12

GRADUATE STUDENT GRIEVANCEPROCEDURE ............................................................................................................. 12

Definition of a Grievance........................................................................................................................................... 12

APPENDIX II.............................................................................................................................................................. 13

GRADUATE COURSES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY......................... 13

APPENDIX III............................................................................................................................................................. 15

A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE MASTER’S DEGREE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM...................................................... 15

TYPICAL PROGRAM OF STUDY .................................................................................................................................. 15

APPENDIX IV:........................................................................................................................................................... 18

A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHIOSOPHY DEGREE PROGRAM................................................................. 18

PH.D. IN BIOCHEMISTRY ............................................................................................................................................ 18

APPENDIX V: ............................................................................................................................................................ 22

TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE M.D./ PH.D. STUDENTS...................................................................................................... 22

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 2

GRADUATE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF

BIOCHEMISTRYAND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Mission: "To develop a high caliber program of research and research-based

education in molecular medicinein order to: promoteunderstanding and

amelioration of the disease process, train students with high academic potential in the health sciences and serve the university and scientific community."

Goals: The pursuit of excellence in "teaching, research and service."

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers programs leading to the Master of Science and

Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Additionally, the department considers applications for the M.D., Ph.D. combined

degree program (The information about this program is, mainly, furnished in the APPENDIX section).

The M.S. (biotechnology) program prepares students for biomedical industrial careers. Thecurriculum

emphasizes development of technical skills, does not require a thesis, and features an industrial externship. Candidates for the M.S. (biotechnology) degree must obtain 30 semester hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.0(B) or better.

The primary objective of the Ph.D. program is to prepare candidates for research and teaching careers. The first few semesters are devoted primarily to core course work designed to give the studenta broad background in

the fundamental theories and techniques ofbiochemistry. During this time, the studentgains exposureto

methods for the solution of research problems by working in the laboratories of various faculty members. During

the remaining partofthe programs, students become increasingly involved in laboratory research and in the

critical analysisof biochemical literature. Emphasisisplaced on giving candidatesrigorousstandards of scholarship and critical attitudes toward the solution of research problems. A broad range of research interests exists within thedepartment. An active seminar program conducted by visiting scientists gives studentsand

faculty opportunities to broaden their outlook on current scientific problems. Candidates for the Ph.D. degree

must obtain the equivalent of 72 semester hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.0 or better,pass qualifying examinations, and complete and defend a dissertation. The dissertation must advance knowledge in

its research area and must be of publishable quality.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The following information applies to all students irrespective of their program enrollment whohave not completedall required courses (except Ph.D. research). For Ph.D. students, this includes passing all four (4)requiredadvancedbiochemistry courses witha grade of Borbetter.

1. Before registering for courses, students are required to consult with

theirGSC advisor, ormemberofthe GSC committee. Both the

student and the GSC member should agree on a schedule of courses for year I and subsequent years. Either the student or the GSC may initiate a recommendation to change the course schedule. Any changes must be

written and signed by the student and the GSC member. Failure to obtain written approval for the course

schedule from a member of the GSC committee will result in a negative evaluation in the student’s file. This negative evaluation will be taken into account when the GSC makes recommendations for the student to

receive financial aid orother matters.

2. If a student receives a grade of C in General Biochemistry and the Biochemistry Laboratory course, or a ’D’ in either course, the student is not eligible to continue in the program. Students receiving a C in General Biochemistry may repeat the course if the grade in the Biochemistry Laboratory is a B or better. Students who are eligible to repeat the Biochemistry course cannot take any advanced courses in the Biochemistry

curriculum until the deficiencyis corrected.

3. Some teaching and other departmental duties are considered to be a part of the graduate education, and

will be required of all students regardless of source of support. Only those Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

courses (course number prefix BlOC) in which a grade of B or better is earned may be counted as credit for a

degree. All students shouldbe aware of the rules andregulations concerning course grades whichare

described in the handbook issued by the Graduate School, entitled "Rules and Regulations for the Pursuit of Academic Degrees." The Student Grievance Procedure (Student’s Privileges): The student should follow the

procedure outlined in APPENDIX-I to address a disagreement on an academic matter subject to the control of the department.

4. Students should refer to thecoursedescriptions thatarelocated

in APPENDIX II.

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 4

Master of Science/Biotechnology Degree Program

A. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For a student to be admitted to a graduate program of the Department of Biochemistry andMolecular Biology, he or she must fulfill the following

requirements:

1. The student must have earned aB.S. or B.A. degree, and have agrade

point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0 or better inscience courses, whichhave

beencompleted.

2. The following undergraduate courses must have been completed: • General Chemistry 1year • Organic Chemistry 1year • Calculus 1semester • Physics 1year • Biology 1year

3. All applicants must demonstrate a proficiency inthe use of the English language.

4. Three letters of recommendation must be submitted, preferably by individuals who can specifically

evaluatethescientific ability of thestudent.

5. Transcripts indicating all undergraduate and graduate courses completed must also be submitted.

B. COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR M.S. DEGREE (BIOTECHNOLOGY)

A minimum of 30 credit hours of courses must be completed in order for a student to earn an M.S. degree. All M.S. candidatesmust complete the following courses:

BlOC- 101-01- General Biochemistry - 4credithours

BIOC-203-01- Biochemistry Laboratory - 3credit hours

BIOC-201-01 - Seminar in Biochemistry - a total of 3 credit hours of this seminar course must be completed

BIOL-413-01- Molecular Biology (or equivalent) - 4credithours

BIOG-532-01- Molecular Biology of the Cell - 4credit hours (Lecture/Laboratory Course) or MICR 305-01- Cell Biology Lecture - 3credit hours

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ALL M.S. CANDIDATES MUST - complete a minimum of one advanced biochemistry course (3 credit hours) with

permission of instructor and Graduate Studies Committee. The topics are listed

below:

• Enzymology

• Clinical Biochemistry

• Protein Structureand Function

• Metabolic Regulation

Eachstudent must:

1. Complete an approved graduate level course in statistics (3 or 4 credit hours), such as Biostatistics (BIOG-

430), Mathematics Statistics I (MATH 240) or Statistical Methods (215-202).

2. Completetwo semesters ofinternship and a summer externship.

3. Completetwo semesters ofPractical Biochemistry (1 credit hour per semester).

4. CompleteaRadiation Safety Workshop (0credit hours).

Every student must register for seminar during the second semester in the department and each succeeding

semester until the requirementsfor the desired degree are fulfilled. Regular and participatory attendance at departmental seminars is considered a part of every student’s professional obligation, and is expected, regardless of registrationfor credit.

If a student’s performance during the fulfillment of the minimal requirements of seminar credits is notsatisfactory, additional semesters of participation will be required.

C. ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY FOR THE M.S. DEGREE

Tobeadmittedtocandidacy for theM.S. degree, a student must:

1. Completethe firstthree semesters ofthe program.

2. Pass the Examination forProficiency in Expository Writing.

3. Completethe skill requirements described above.

4. Completeaworkshop on ResponsibleConduct in Research

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Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program

A. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For a student to be admitted to a graduate program of the Department of Biochemistry andMolecular Biology, he or she must fulfill the following

requirements:

1. The student must have earned a B.S. or B.A. degree, and have a grade point average(G.P.A.) of 3.0or better in science courses.

2. The following undergraduate courses must have been completed:

• General Chemistry 1year • Organic Chemistry 1year • Physics 1year • Biology 1year • Calculus 1semester

3. Three letters of recommendation must be submitted, preferably by individuals who can specifically

evaluatethescientific ability of thestudent.

4. Transcripts indicating all undergraduate and graduate courses completed, must also be submitted.

5. Provisional admission may begranted to students who haveacademic deficiencies or aremissingone

course(s). In thiscase, a courseworkplan will be prepared for the student to remedythe deficiency. The

coursework plan must be initiated during the first year in residency, or on the first occasion possible after matriculation.

B. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE

1. ADMISSION

Astudent does not have toearnanM.S. degree before being admittedtothePh.D. degree program of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. If a student wishes to earn the Ph.D. degree, the student should indicate this on his or her initial application for admission to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. If the Admissions Committee of the department determines that the student’s academic preparationqualifies him or her toenter the Ph.D. program, thenthe student willbe

admitted to thePh.D. program.

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2. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

All Ph.D. student must complete a minimum of 72 credit hours of courses Thefollowing

courses must be completed byall candidates for the Ph.D. degree:

• BlOC-170-01- General Biochemistry

• BIOC-203-01- Biochemistry Laboratory

• BIOC-211-01- Orientation to Research

• BIOC-201-01- Seminar in Biochemistry (atotal of 5credit hours of theseminar course must be completed = 5semester enrollment)

• Enzymology

• Molecular Biology

• Metabolic Regulation

• Protein Structureand Function

All Ph.D. students are required to complete one 3 credit hour advanced chemistry course

chosen from:

• Physical Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry

• Analytical Chemistry

Each student must complete an approved graduate level course in statistics (3or 4credit hours), such as Biostatistics (BIOG-430), Mathematics Statistics I (MATH-240) or Statistical Methods (215-202).

It is important to note that Biochemistry/Molecular Biology courses (course number prefix BlOC) in which a grade of B or better is earned may be counted as credit toward the Ph.D. degree. In addition, the student should be aware of all rules and regulations concerning course grades as outlined in the current Graduate School Handbook, which explains the "Rules and Regulations for the Pursuit of Academic Degrees.”

3. QUALIFYING EXAMINATION FOR PH.D. CANDIDATES

Admissiontocandidacy requires successful completionof qualifying examinations. Qualifyingexamination

consistsof: 1) written and 2) oral comprehensive examinations. Examinationswill be scheduled in accordance

with the rules (below), and the results of the examination(s) will be made available to the student no later than two weeks afterthe examination.

Written Comprehensive Examination

Astudent canbe exemptedfrom taking the written portion of the

comprehensive examination if he/shereceived gradeof ‘A’in all four required courses. Exemption from the written examinationautomatically

qualifies thestudent totaketheOral Examination (below).

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a. The written comprehensive must be taken no later than the first six weeks of the semester following completion ofcoursework (generally the fourth semesterofresidency as aPh.D. student), except when excused after petitioning the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) and

the Chairofthe Department.

b. The topics for the written examination are Molecular Biology, Enzymology, Metabolic Regulation, and Proteins. Questions on each of the examinations will be written by faculty. Multiple examiners in each topic are recommended. The content of each topic areamay

include:

• Molecular Biology: Gene Expression, Signal Transduction, Molecular Carcinogenesis, Apoptosis, Cell Cycle

• Enzymology: Kinetics, Mechanism, Regulation

• Proteins: Structure, Function, Molecular Modeling, Synthesis and Degradation

• Intermediary Metabolism: Hormones including Signal Transduction, Biochemical Pathways and their Regulation, Energy Production, normal and abnormal conditions

c. Failure to take the examination within the time stipulated by the GSC and the Chair of the

Department will count as a first failure. The component sections of the exam will be

administered within thespan of oneweek or less.

d. If the student needs to retake all or part of the examination, the second attempt will occur within one month after notification of the initial failure (i.e. generally the second attempt at the examination will occur before completion of the 12th week of the semester.) Only those

sectionsof the examination that are deemed unsatisfactory must be taken a secondtime.

e. Failure to pass all exams after two attempts will result in separation from the graduate

program inthe department.

Oral Comprehensive Examination

a. Four weeks following thenotification of thesuccessful completionof the written partofthe comprehensive/qualifying examination, the

student will submit to the Graduate StudiesCommittee (GSC) an

original, researchproposal that is unrelatedtothe student’s proposedresearch. The proposal will be nolonger thanten pages double spacedpages (12 point font) andconsist of an Abstract, Specific Aims, BackgroundandSignificance, Experimental Design, and References.. References arenot to becounted in this pagetotal.

b. The Graduate Studies Committee will choose a committee of at least three faculty, who will hear the student’s oral defense of the proposal three weeks after the receipt of the proposal by the GSC. (Assuming the student completes the writtenexaminationonthe first try,the

oral examination will occur before the end of the same semester). If a second attempt at the

written examination is necessary, the oral examination will occur at the beginning of the

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following semester. Failure to submitthe proposal on time will be treated as a failure on

the firstattemptatthe oral examination.

c. Thestudent will beprovidedtwoattempts topass theoral sectionof the examination. The second attempt will occur no later than four weeks following the first attempt. After two failures on the oral examination, the studentwill be dismissed from theprogram.

4. ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY

Ideally, students would complete all requirements for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree by the Fall Semester of their third year of study. To be admitted

to candidacy forthe Ph.D. degree, a studentmust:

a. Complete the courses requiredby the Department of Biochemistryand Molecular Biology.

b. Pass thePh.D. qualifying examination (written and oral examinations). c. Pass theExamination for Proficiency in Expository Writing. d. Complete the skill requirements described above. e. Submit aPh.D. dissertation research proposal to theGraduateSchoolof

Arts andSciences (see below). f. Complete the Responsible Conduct inResearchworkshop(Graduate School).

The student should consult with faculty members of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

who are conducting research in the student’s area of interest to determine which faculty member will be

willing to serve as the student’s mentor.

5. PH.D. DISSERTATION RESEARCH

The dissertationresearchproposal shouldbe approvedby the

members of a dissertation committee. The mentor and the student should choose a dissertation committee which advisesand counsels the student concerning the student’s Ph.D. dissertation research. The

dissertationcommittee shouldconsist of at least three members, including the student’s mentor and two members of the faculty of the DepartmentofBiochemistry and MolecularBiology. Additional members of the committee may be members of otherscience

departments at Howard University or at other universities or research institutions. The names of the members of the dissertation committee should be reported to the Graduate Studies Committee of the department.

The dissertation committee monitors the progress of the dissertation research of a student until the research

is completed. The committee should meet at least once a semester to discuss the student’s progress. The

student can consult with the members of the dissertation committee to obtain advice which will be helpful to

the student’s research project. Members ofthe committee may also suggestexperiments thatwould be

beneficial to the project. The mentor has the final authority to determine how the student’s research project should be conducted. The final responsibility for the completion of an acceptable Ph.D. dissertation rests with

the student.

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During the time the student is engaged in the Ph.D. dissertation research project, the student must register for “Research for Ph.D. Candidates”(coursenumber: BIOC-300). A Ph.D. candidate is required to completea

minimumof 20 credit hours of Research for Ph.D. Candidates in order to earn the Ph.D. degree. A student may not register for Research for Ph.D. Candidates before he or she has been admitted to candidacy for the

Ph.D. degree. Once admitted to candidacy, the student may register for fewer courses and be considered full time.

6. ORAL EXAMINATION FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE PH.D. DISSERTATION

Upon the completion of a Ph.D. dissertation research project, the

student isrequired to write a dissertation describing this research

project, anddefendthe dissertationinanoral examination. The oral examination for thedefenseof thePh.D. dissertation is conducted by

an examination committeeconsistingof astudent’s mentor and four additional members. One of the members of the committee must be a

personwhois not a member of the faculty of HowardUniversity and

not previously associatedwiththe research. The mentor may not be

the chairman ofthe examination committee. The mentorand the

student may choose the members of the committee with the understanding that final approval of the

committee must be obtained

from the Dean ofthe Graduate School.

During the formal defense of the dissertation research, the departmental rules restrict the mentor from

askingor answeringquestions on behalf of the student.

M.D./PH.D.DEGREE PROGRAM (SEE APPENDIX-V)

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APPENDIX I: GRADUATE STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

DEFINITION OF A GRIEVANCE

A disagreement on an academic matter is subject to the control of the department.

PROCEDURE

1. The student is encouraged to resolve thedisagreement directly withthe other party or parties.

2. Should informal efforts to resolvethematter prove to

be unsatisfactory, the student may initiate a formal arbitration by makingawritten request, outlining the

grievance, to thedepartmental chair. Thedepartmental chair, a member of the GSC or departmental faculty

member chosen by the faculty at large usually will act as the arbiter.

3. The student’s next avenue for appeal is to seek a formal hearing. Notice of such a request is to be made in

writing to the departmental chair. The student and departmental chairman will select a panel ofthree

departmental faculty members to hear the grievance. The panel reports its findings to the student and

departmental chair or the previous arbiter, in writing, within 30 days of its formation. The panel report is the department’s final decision.

4. Arecordof all these proceedings becomes a part of the department’s andthe student’s official files.

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APPENDIX II: GRADUATE COURSES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULARBIOLOGY

(Some course electives may be limited, due to enrollment restrictions and degree of student interest.)

BIOC-101-01General Biochemistry - 4credit hours. An introduction to the structure, chemistry and

physiology of biomolecules; special emphasis is placedoncatabolism andfidelity of information transfer; prerequisites: 2 semesters of organicchemistry.

BlOC-170-01 General Biochemistry - 7 credit hours The structure, function, and metabolism of the important classes of biochemicals are discussed. This includes a discussion of the biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, hormones andcoenzymes.

BIOC-211-01 Orientation to Research - 3 credit hours The purpose of Orientation to Research is to allow the

student to become familiar .with the research projects of faculty members in the Department of Biochemistry and

Molecular Biology. The student also is given the opportunity to learn some of the research techniques used in

these research projects. Students registerforcourse BIOC-211-01in the Spring Semester of their first yearof study. The student works in the laboratories of three faculty members during Orientation to Research.

BIOC-201-01 Seminar in Biochemistry - 1 credit hour. Students are required to present a seminar on a current topic in biochemical research which is ofinterestto them. Prerequisite: BIOC- 170-01or 101-01 General Biochemistry.

BIOC-203-01Biochemistry Laboratory - 3credit hours. Instruction in biochemical techniquesand

instrumentation. Prerequisites: BlOC170-01 or BlOC- 101-01 (may be currently enrolled) or permission of coordinator.

Courses BIOC-182, BIOC-186, BIOC-200, BIOC-204, BIOC-208, BIOC-209, BIOC-240, BIOC-260, BIOC-270 and BIOC-271are advanced biochemistrycourses.

BIOC-182-01Clinical Biochemistry - 3credit hours. This is strictly alecture course in which the following will be discussed: Clinical correlationof various biochemical parameters measured in blood, urine and other body

fluids under a variety of abnormal conditions; Interpretation of laboratory values as an aid in differential diagnosis; Performance of quality control, statistical analyses and toxicology in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory.

BIOC-200-01 (MBIO-200) Research in Biochemistry - 2credit hours. This MS-Biotechnology course fulfills the required externship in Biotechnology Industry, Government, orexternal University Laboratory fora minimum

of six weeks. The experience will involved full-time work as a laboratory research assistant in a laboratory that uses advanced biochemical techniques.

BIOC-204-01Neurochemistry - 3credit hours. This course describes the role of neuro-humoral agents and

other aspects of metabolism pertinent to the function of the nervous system.

BIOC-205-01DirectedResearch - 1to 9credit hours. Enrollment limited to advanced biochemistry and

molecular biology graduate students, who have completed the core course work.

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BIOC-208-01Protein Structure andFunction - 3credit hours. Correlation of the three-dimensional structure

of proteins with biological functions is intensively studied.

BIOC-220-01Biochemistry of Cell Membranes - 3credit hours. Current concepts of the structure and

function of cell membranes are described. Topics include studies of the structure of specialized membranes, transportphenomena, and hormone-receptorinteractions.

BIOC-240-01Enzymology - 3credit hours. The kinetic and mechanistic theory of enzyme action will be

discussed with emphasis on the experimental approach used to interpret kinetic data and determine the kinetic parameters of classical enzymes andwell-definedregulatory andtransport systems. The steady-state rate

equations for a number of unireactant and multi-reactant mechanisms will be developed. Reversible inhibition, isotope exchange, binding phenomenon, activation, environmental effects, and physiological regulation of enzyme

activity will beconsidered separately. Prerequisites: Calculus; physical chemistry (thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, catalysis) or permission of the instructor.

BIOC-260-01Biochemistry of Cancer - 3credit hours. This course examines etiology: chemicals that cause

cancer; radiation damage due to exposure to U.V. and X-rays and the role of repair mechanisms; as well as the

induction of tumors by DNA and RNA viruses. Chromatin changes and cancer, genetic and hormonal contributions are evaluated. The surface membranes of normal and transformed cells are compared and immunological aspects of the abnormal growthare considered.

BIOC-270-01Molecular Biology - 3credit hours. Topics vary somewhat each time the course is taught to

include topics of current interest in nucleic acid-protein interaction.

BIOC-271-01Special Topics in Biochemistry - 3credit hours. Current, important research topics in

biochemistry are discussed in this course. The topics of the course vary from year to year.

BIOC-272-01Metabolic Regulation - 3credit hours. The control of rate-limiting steps in intermediary

metabolism by covalent modification of enzymes, metabolic disorders, and chemical messengers.

BIOC-300-01Researchfor Ph.D. Candidates 1 credit hour

BIOC-300-02Researchfor Ph.D. Candidates 2 credit hours

BIOC-300-03Researchfor Ph.D. Candidates 3 credit hours

BIOC-300-06Researchfor Ph.D. Candidates 6 credithours

BIOC-300-09 Research for Ph.D. Candidates - 9 credit hours. Students register for these courses while they are

engaged in their Ph.D. dissertation researchproject.

BIOC-215-01 Practical Biochemistry - 1 credit hour. A lecture and seminar course taken concurrently with

BIOC-251. Analysis of scientific reports, exercises in precise expression and writing of summaries of work done in

coursesBIOC-250and BIOC-251.

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APPENDIX III: A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE MASTER’S DEGREE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Objectives: To train individuals with the baccalaureate degree in the disciplines of Biology or Chemistry for careers in biomedical industries involving research, development, production and control.

Prerequisites: Abachelor’s degree withcourses inbiology, calculus, chemistry andphysics. Additional courses in

chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and microbiology are desirable but not essential.

TYPICAL PROGRAM OF STUDY

*All courses must be approvedby amember of the Graduate StudiesCommittee

FIRST YEAR FALL SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

General Biochemistry Lecture, BlOC 101 4 hours

Biochemistry Laboratory, BlOC 203 3 hours

Biostatistics, BIOG 430 (orEquivalent course) 4 hours

RadiationSafety Workshop 0 hours

11hours Total

FIRST YEAR SPRING SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Molecular Cell Biology (lecture/lab), BIOG 532 or 3– 4Cell Biology (lecture), MICR 305

Seminar in Biochemistry, BlOC 201 1

Molecular Biology laboratory, MICR 413 or Orientation to Research, BIOC 211 3- 4

AdvancedBiochemistry lecture course, suchas: Clinical Biochem, BlOC 182

3 Enzymology, BlOC 240

Metabolic Regulation, BlOC272

12hours Total

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SECOND YEAR FALL SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Practical Biochemistry, BlOC 216 1

Directed Research, BlOC 205

(Barring class attendance for other coursework, this course requires the studentto conductfull-time research assistantship in the laboratory of departmental faculty)

3- 9

Seminar in Biochemistry, BlOC 201 1

11hours Total

SECOND YEAR SPRING SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Practical Biochemistry, BlOC 216 1

Directed Research, BlOC 205

(Barringclass attendance for other coursework, this course requires the 3- 9 student to conduct full-time research assistantship in the laboratoryof departmental faculty)

Seminar in Biochemistry, BlOC 201 1

11hours Total

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SUMMER OF SECOND YEAR

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Research (Externship) for MS Candidates, BIOC200/(MBIO200) 2

2hours Total

Aminimum of 30 hoursof completed courseworkisrequired for the Mastersdegree.

Notes:

1) Externship in BiotechnologyIndustry, Government, or external University Laboratory for a minimum of six weeks. The experienceinvolves full-time work as a laboratory research assistantin a laboratory thatuses advancedbiochemical techniques. (This is typically the requirement ofthe BIOC200/MBIO 200 course).

2) Only those biochemistry courses (course number with the BIOC prefix) in which a grade of B or better is earned may be counted as credit for the M.S. degree. Graduate School rules regardinggrades of Candresidence are applicable.

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APPENDIX IV: A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHIOSOPHY DEGREE PROGRAM

PH.D. IN BIOCHEMISTRY

PROGRAM OF STUDY

(All courses must be approved by a member of the Graduate Studies Committee)

FIRST YEAR, FALL SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

General Biochemistry, BIOC 170 7 hours

Biochemistry Laboratory, BIOC 203 3 hours

10hours Total

FIRST YEAR, SPRING SEMESTER

(choose necessary number of credit hours for full-time status)

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Orientation to Research, BIOC 211 3

Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 1

Metabolic Regulation, BIOC 272 3

Enzymology, BIOC 240 or Directed Research, BIOC 205 3

10hours Total

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SECOND YEAR, FALL SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Molecular Biology, BIOC 270 3

Protein Structureand Function, BIOC 208 3

Biostatistics, BIOL 430 4

Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 1

11hours Total

SECOND YEAR, SPRING SEMESTER

Comprehensive Examination(writtenand oral)

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Directed Research, BIOC 205 6-9 hours

Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 1 hour

Enzymology (ifnotyetcompleted),BIOC240 3 hours

One of the following: (Optional)

Special Topics, BIOC 271 or 3 hours

AdvancedAnalytical Chemistry, CHEM 231 *see note below

9– 11 hours Total

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THIRD YEAR, FALL SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Directed Research, BIOC 205 3– 9 hours

Dissertation Research, BIOC 300 -

Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201 1

One of the following: (Optional):

AdvancedOrganic Chemistry, CHEM 243 *see note below

(Advanced Analytical Chemistry is offered in the Springsemester)

AdvancedPhysical Chemistry, CHEM 278

Other Coursework (as approved by the GSC)

10hours Total

THIRD YEAR, SPRING SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Directed Research, BIOC 205

3- 9

Dissertation Research, BIOC 300 -

Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201

10hours Total

1

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 20

NOTES:

1. The followingcourses are required: four advancedbiochemistry courses (ProteinStructure Function, Enzymology, Metabolic Regulation, Molecular Biology), five semesters of seminar courses, one advanced

course (Advanced Analytical, Advanced Organic , Advanced Physical Chemistry—as approved by a member of the Graduate Studies Committee) and one Biostatistics course. The advanced chemistry requirement must be completed to be admitted to candidacy.

2. Thestudent must pass thegraduateschool graduate

expositorywritingexamination to beadmitted to

candidacy. The student must be admitted to

candidacy at least one semester before graduation

andmust be acandidate toregister for the required

12hours (minimum requirement of the Graduate

School) of dissertation research. Thestudent must alsocomplete the requiredworkshopon Responsible

Conduct in Research. Aminimum of 72 hours is required forthe Ph.D.

3. In the first semester of matriculation, If a student receives a grade below B- in

boththe General Biochemistry (BIOC 170) andthe Biochemistry Laboratory

(BIOC 203)course, the studentwill be dismissed from the program.Students receiving a grade ofCineither the GeneralBiochemistry (BIOC 170) orthe

Biochemistry Laboratory (BIOC203) course may repeat the course if the

grade inBIOC 170or BIOC 203, respectively, is aBor better. Students who do

not successfully complete the Biochemistry Lecture (BIOC 170) coursecannot enroll in anyadvanced courses in theBiochemistrycurriculumuntil the

deficiency is corrected.

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 21

APPENDIX V: TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE M.D./ PH.D. STUDENTS

The M.D./Ph.D. program at Howard University consists of two years of basic medical sciences including three

M.D./Ph.D. courses; three years of graduate courses and dissertation research; and two years of clinical sciences. The student may be able to spend an elective in years 3 or 4 completing the dissertation.

Italicized courses are offered through the College of Medicine; non-italicized courses are offered via the

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or via other departments.

FIRST YEAR SUMMER/FALL SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Orientation Research Biomed Sd/or MD/Ph.D.(summer) 4 hours

Unit I Molecules and Cells 12 hours

Unit II Molecules and Cells 8 hours

Unit III Medicine & Society 2 hours

24hours Total

FIRST YEAR SPRING SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Unit II Structure Function 9 hours

Unit II (HSrvc,Pol,FINA,Admin) 2 hours

Mult Disc Bio Science for MD./Ph. D (seminar)

Unit III Medicine & Society 2 hours

Unit I Structure Function

Unit III Structure Function 8 hours

hours Total

18 hours

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 22

FIRST YEAR SUMMER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Research on proposed dissertation project

hours Total

SECOND YEAR FALL SEMESTER

Course Description

Organ Systems Medical Courses

CRN Credit Hours

**Mult Disc BioScience/or MD./Ph.D.(seminar) 1 hour

1hour Total

SECOND YEAR SPRING SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Organ Systems Medical Courses

hours Total

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 23

SECOND YEAR SUMMER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Step 1, United States Medical LicensureExamination (USMLE)

Researchonproposeddissertationproject

hours Total

THIRD YEAR FALL SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Protein StructureFunction, BlOC 208 3 hours

Biostatistics, BIOG 430 4 hours

Biochemistry Seminar, BlOC 201 1 hour

Graduate School course in the Responsible Conduct ofResearch 0 hours

One of the following:

AdvancedOrganic Chemistry ,CHEM 243 (see note onchemistry requirement)

AdvancedPhysical Chemistry, CHEM 278 (see note onchemistry requirement) - 3 hours

Directed Research, BlOC 205

11hours Total

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 24

THIRD YEAR SPRING SEMESTER

Course Description

Seminar in Biochemistry, BIOC 201

Metabolic Regulation, BIOC 270

Enzymology, BIOC 272 or Directed Research

*Howard University chemical/biological safetycourse

CRN Credit Hours

1

3

3

0

One of the following:

Biophysical Chemistry, CHEM 158

AdvancedAnalytical Chemistry I, CHEM 231 (seenoteon chemistry requirement)

Directed Research, BIOC 205

3

10hours Total

THIRD YEAR SUMMER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Researchonproposeddissertation project

hours Total

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 25

FOURTH YEAR FALL SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Molecular Biology, BlOC 270 3

Directed Research, BlOC 205 6

Biochemistry Seminar, BlOC 201 1

**Clinical Preceptorship(requiredforMD./Ph.D) 2

*Howard University radiation safety course 0

12hours Total

FOURTH YEAR SPRING SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Directed Research, BlOC 205 6- 9

Biochemistry Seminar, BlOC 201 1

*Clinical Preceptorship(requiredfor MD./Ph.D) 2

COMPREHENSIVE WRITTEN AND ORAL EXAMINATIONS

*Howard University chemical biological safety course 0

9– 11hrs Total

FOURTH YEAR SUMMER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Researchonproposeddissertation project

hours Total

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 26

FIFTH YEAR FALL SEMESTER

Course Description

Dissertation Research, BlOC 300

**Clinical Preceptorship(requiredfor MD./Ph.D.)

Biochemistry Seminar, BlOC 201

*Howard University chemical/biological safetycourse

CRN Credit Hours

1-9

2

1

10-12hrs Total

FIFTH YEAR SPRING SEMESTER

Course Description CRN Credit Hours

Dissertation Research, BIOC 300 1-9

**Clinical Preceptorship(requiredfor MD/Ph.D) 2

**HowardUniversity chemical/biological safety course 0

9– 11hours Total

Grand total graduate hours (notincluding Physical Chemistry orPreceptorships)

72hours requiredcoursework, including12hours Dissertation Research

TOTAL ≥83 HOURS

NOTES:

• Be sure to complete any prerequisite courses that were required for admission. The following courses are

required: fouradvanced biochemistry courses, five semesters ofseminarcourses, one advanced

chemistrycourse (Advanced Analytical, Advanced Organic, Advanced Physical Chemistry) and one

Biostatistics course. BIOG 430 Biostatistics is offeredevery semester. • The student must pass the graduate school expository writing examination to be admitted to candidacy.

The student must be admitted to candidacy one semester before graduation and must be a candidate to

registerforthe required 12 hours ofdissertation research.

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 27

APPENDIX VI:

POLICY ON STUDENT PROFESSIONALISM, INTEGRITY, AND PLAGIARISM

(THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED IN A SEPARATEDOCUMENT)

H.U Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Program - Page | 28