The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was established several years ago by faculty members from the Institute of Arctic Biology, Institute of Marine Science, and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, who are active in these disciplines. The program provides an academic basis for advanced research in molecular aspects of biology, especially relating to terrestrial and marine environments at high latitudes. Although the program is small, it benefits from UAF's strong emphasis on research and the ready availability of libraries, laboratory space, and computer facilities.

Alaska presents rich opportunities for biochemical and molecular biological research. Plants and animals living in the Arctic have evolved remarkable genetic and biochemical adaptations to the region's characteristic low temperatures and low-angle solar illumination. Scientists have barely begun understanding such adaptations, and so many fascinating research problems exist in this area.

Students in the Ph.D. program are required to take graduate courses, complete a research-based thesis, and pass comprehensive and final oral examinations. Students are encouraged to take a wide range of courses. Thesis research is undertaken in collaboration with a thesis advisor who also chairs the student's graduate advisory committee. The committee helps advise the student on scientific and academic matters, oversees the various graduate exams, and approves the thesis. The major advisor and committee are chosen during the student's first year as a graduate student.  Details for current graduate students are described in the BMB Graduate Handbook.  Current students should bring the departmental graduate program assessment form to all meetings with their committee.

Students are generally supported throughout their appointments, either by teaching assistantships in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, or by a research assistantship. The latter are funded by grants from the state or federal agencies, or by the University.

Our intended learning outcomes for students in the M.S and Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology are:

• Graduates attain a level of technical ability and knowledge to function as professionals in their discipline.
• Masters graduates have performed research using technical and problem solving skills to contribute to their field.  Doctoral graduates demonstrate that they can independently identify a problem and devise appropriate methods for its solution, contributing original knowledge to that field. 
• Communication/presentation skills are consistent with professional standards.   
• Graduates obtain employment or continue education in the field following graduation.  

Study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UAF -- See our "Apply to Graduate School" page.