Bioorganic chemistry describes the junction where chemical
techniques solve biological questions and biological
systems address chemical problems. It is here that
the most important advances in both chemistry and biology
are likely to occur, and where the demand for trained
scientists will be greatest.
The Bioorganic Chemistry Track in the Biochemistry Program
is designed to ensure that the training of graduate students
encompasses the multidisciplinary nature of modern biological
and chemical research. An important strength of the Bioorganic
Track is that much of the present revolution in bioorganic
chemistry has been pioneered at Brandeis. Mechanism-based
inhibition of enzymes, the chemical basis of enzyme catalysis,
X-ray crystallography and NMR determination of protein structure,
and bioorganic synthesis are some of the fields in which
our faculty have made important contributions.
How do students earn a Ph.D. in Biochemistry with a
specialization in Bioorganic Chemistry?
The Bioorganic Track follows the same general format as
the Graduate Program in Biochemistry. Students complete
four laboratory rotations and four core courses during the
first academic year, choosing thesis advisors at the conclusion
of the rotations. Students must pass a qualifying exam during
the summer between their first and second years. Typically
students will serve as teaching assistants during their
second year, and will take four advanced courses during
the second to fourth years. However, unlike the usual Biochemistry
degree, to receive a Ph.D. with a specialization in Bioorganic
Chemistry students must choose their electives from a defined
set of Chemistry courses. Students are required to
pass a comprehensive exam at the end of their second year.
Finally, each student must present a dissertation describing
an original research investigation.
What courses will I take?
In order to receive a Ph.D. in Biochemistry with a specialization
in Bioorganic Chemistry, the student will complete the core
curriculum as defined in the Biochemistry Program.
Bioorganic track students must complete two rotations dealing
with problems in organic chemistry as part of BCHM 300a,b.
In addition, the student must successfully complete the
following courses:
- CHEM 134a, Advanced Organic Chemistry: Synthesis (Bioorganic
track students have the option of substituting CHEM
134 for either BCHM 102 or BCHM 104 in the first year
and completing the core curriculum in the second year)
- two advanced elective courses or seminars (100-200 level)
offered in biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology
programs, or other advanced courses can be substituted
with approval of the chair.
- one other advanced chemistry course, chosen from the
following:
- CHEM 111a, Computational Chemistry
- CHEM 130a, Advanced Organic Chemistry: Structure
- CHEM 131a, Advanced Organic Chemistry: Topics in Structure
and Reactivity
- CHEM 132b, Advanced Organic Chemistry: Spectroscopy
- CHEM 137b, The Chemistry of Natural Products
- CHEM 229b, Introduction to X-ray Determination
- CHEM 235b, Advanced NMR Spectroscopy
