PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) with Laboratory Rotations

Applicants for PhD degrees in BMB may be admitted by one of two options.

1) Selection by a faculty member who agrees to act as the major professor (graduate advisor) (current/traditional approach).

2) Selection by an Entrance Committee that approves students to initiate research rotations through the laboratories of multiple faculty members (admissions to Fall semester only).

A pre-application must be submitted for pre-screening by the BMB Rotation Entrance Committee (deadline: October 1 of the prior calendar year). The pre-application packet consists of:

1. 1. CV/resume
   2. 2-page (maximum) statement of purpose highlighting research interests, prior research experience, and rationale for pursuing graduate training.
   3. The statement should also identify three faculty members as potential major advisors and describe how the applicant’s interests align with their ongoing faculty research programs.
   4. Transcript(s) for all undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate studies.

Pre-applications should be submitted as a single pdf to the Student and Program Coordinator (biology.grad@unt.edu) by October 1st.  Pre-applicants for the research rotation option with exceptional qualifications will be encouraged to submit a formal application prior to the department’s December 1 admission to the graduate program application deadline (see How to Apply). Discouraged applicants may still have the option to secure a major professor to apply directly to the program.

Additional Considerations:

• Incomplete pre-applications or those received after the deadline will not be considered.

• Potential applicants should review the faculty profiles for faculty members with projects matching their interests.
• Rotations extend through the first two long semesters, and then students continue into a laboratory for their dissertation research.

After being accepted:

• • Students enroll in prerequisites (if necessary) and core courses as guided by the Entrance Committee.
  • Students enroll in "Special Problems" for a grad school orientation and for three rotations in research laboratories, each about eight weeks in length.
  • After each rotation, students present their experiences in a sharing forum with other participants.
  • The students and host faculty members commit to being student and major advisor by mutual consent.
    • Rotating students are supported through TAs during the long semesters and through arrangements with their major advisor for the summers. Therefore, applicants encouraged to submit formal applications must include the TA Application Form with their application.
  • The role of the Entrance Committee is only during the first two long semesters and responsibilities transition to the major professor (graduate advisor) and the advisory committee as they are formed.

Research Rotations - 1st Year Progression

Following the second semesters, students may move on to disseration research and out of rotations, and on to gardaute elective work and out of regular graduate coursework.