Professors: Detke, Homandberg (Chair), Gao, Lambeth, Milavetz, Shabb, Singh, Sukalski (Graduate Program Director), Vaughan and Wu
Adjunct Professors: Johnson, Nielsen and Zeng Joint Professors: Garrett, Sens, Sens, Somji

Program Description

The department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers graduate programs leading to the M.S., Ph.D., and M.D./Ph.D. degrees. All programs are research-oriented and students begin research work during their first year. These graduate programs prepare scholars for a variety of careers including academic teaching and research, and research associated careers in various governmental, industrial, and private research laboratories.

The department is housed within the Edwin C. James Medical Research Facility of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Research is conducted in the areas of neurochemistry, protein/ protein interactions, receptor proteins, signal transduction, gene regulation, DNA damage and repair, and membrane transporter regulation. Joint professors in the Department of Pathology conduct studies on heavy metal taxicity and the role of metallothionein in the develpment and progression of breast and bladder cancer. Adjunct professors at the United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center provide additional research opportunities for graduate students in our program. The Center carries out research to assess nutrient needs for humans with an emphasis on determining mineral requirements that prevent disease and promote health and optimal function throughout life.

Admission Requirements

1. A minimum of 20 semester credits (or equivalent) in chemistry or in chemistry plus biology, including at least 6 semester hours of credit in organic chemistry. Courses in Analytical Chemistry and Biology are highly desirable.
   
   
2. The general Graduate Record Examination is required. An Advanced Graduate Record Examination in an area related to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is optional.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science

1. A minimum of 30 credit hours including research and
   thesis.
2. A grade of at least C in BIMD 500.
3. Completion of BIMD 510, 513, 515 and 516.
4. Completion of 3 credits of BMB 533.
5. Completion of one credit each of BMB 514 and 521.
6. An overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0.
7. An acceptable thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy

1. Performance of original research of a quality suitable for publication in a refereed, professional journal and the preparation of a dissertation based thereon.
2. A minimum of 90 credit hours, including research and dissertation.
3. A scholarly tool (normally met by taking BIMD 510 or its equivalent).
4. A grade of “B” or better in BIMD 500.
5. Completion of BIMD 510, 512 and 513.
6. Completion of 6 credits of BMB 533.
7. Completion of two credits each of Biochemistry 514 and 521.
8. An overall GPA of at least 3.0.
9. At least 6 credits of formal coursework outside of the department.
10. Passing performance on oral and written comprehensive examinations covering the coursework in the major and related areas.
11. Preparation and oral defense of a satisfactory dissertation.

Work completed for the master’s degree program may be incorporated into the doctoral program if approved by the student’s Advisory Committee and the dean of the Graduate School. Students who wish to proceed toward the Ph.D. degree without obtaining a M.S. in the department must submit a petition to tthe Graduate School once they have met the following requirements:

1. Accumulation of a minimum of 26 graduate credits with a GPA of 3.5 or greater.
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in BIMD 500, 510, 513, 515, 516 and 3 credits of BMB 533.
3. A minimum of 8 credits of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 590.
4. Approval of change in program status by two-thirds of the faculty members in the department after review of the student’s academic accomplishments, research performance and professional conduct.

M.D./Ph.D.

The Department offers the M.D./Ph.D. degree. For further information consult the Department.

Courses

BIMD 500. Cellular and Molecular Foundations of Biomedical Science. 6 credits. A series of lectures and discussion groups with emphasis on interrelated themes in basic biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology. Lectures will include current and emerging areas of research, while discussion will center on methods, techniques and expansion of lecture topics. Fall semester. Prerequisites: a) one year of organic chemistry or b) one semester of organic chemistry and one course in either biochemistry or cell biology or c) permission of course director.

BIMD 510. Basic Biomedical Statistics. 2 credits. Prerequisites: BIMD 500 or permission of course director. A series of lectures and demonstrations to provide students with the basic rationale for the use of statistics in the assessment of biomedical data and a selected set of the most common and useful statistical tests.

BIMD 513. Seminars in Biomedical Sciences. 1 credit. A series of presentations on original research conducted by UND faculty members as well as extramural leaders in the fields of academic and industrial research in the biomedical sciences. Students will participate through assigned reading and writing exercises related to the presentations.

BIMD 515. Steps to Success in Graduate School. 1 credit. A series of lectures and discussion sessions covering topics related to the development of skills and experience important for successful completion of graduate training and transition to post graduate training and employment. Students will examine a variety of issues including choosing an advisor and research topic, charting their course through graduate school, the importance of productivity, how to give a scientific presentation and write a scientific publication, applying for predoctoral grants, and planning for their careers.

BIMD 516. Responsible Conduct of Research. 1 credit. A series of lectures and discussion sessions covering topics related to responsible conduct in research. Students will examine a variety of issues including introduction to ethical decision making, the experience of conflict, laboratory practices, data management, reporting of research, conflict of interest, and compliance. Examples and case studies will be drawn primarily from the biomedical sciences.

514. Current Literature. 1 credit. Second semester. Prerequisite: BIMD 500 or consent of instructor. Students of the department rotate in leading informal reviews, analyses, and the discussions of research papers selected from current journals in the areas of biochemistry and molecular biology. S/U grading only.

521. Seminar. 1 credit. First semester. Prerequisite: BIMD 500 or consent of instructor. Students present topics in biochemistry and molecular biology based on reviews of the current literature. Each presentation is followed by a discussion of the topic by the faculty and students of the department. S/U grading only.

533. Advanced Topics. 1 credit. Second semester. Prerequisites: BIMD 500; alternatively, Biochemistry 301 or equivalent and permission of instructor. The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth exploration of selected areas of protein structure and function, metabolism, regulation of cell functions, proteomics, recombinant DNA technology, eukaryotic nucleic acid metabolism, and gene expression with the intent of complementing and extending the knowledge base gained in BIMD 500. Extensive independent learning is expected.

540. Special Topics. 1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: BIMD 500 or consent of instructor. Discussion of a topic in biochemistry and/or molecular biology of current interest to faculty and students.

590. Research. 1 to 12 credits. The assignments deal with pertinent research problems in various aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology.

594. Special Problems in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 1 to 6 credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The student in consultation with a faculty member of the department undertakes a laboratory research project.

595. Readings in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: BIMD 500 or consent of instructor. Selected readings and library research in an area of mutual interest to the student and a faculty member of the department. Conferences and/or written reports are required.