Welcome!

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is conferred only for work of distinction in which the student displays original scholarship. This is accomplished through conduct of a dissertation project in which a student identifies a significant biological problem, designs experimental approaches to solving this problem, and communicates her or his results to the scientific community (see Research Requirements). To provide a strong foundation for their research endeavors, students are required to take core and elective courses as described below during their first two years in the program.

   

Our PhD program emphasizes research training to prepare the student for a challenging scientific career, directing original independent research activities.

   

What does the coursework include?   

two men in a research laboratory

During the first two years, students take courses in the following:

  • Biochemistry,
  • Molecular Biology,
  • Genetics,
  • Cell Biology,
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Methods,
  • Statistics,
  • Protein Structure, and
  • Scientific Writing.
  • Advanced electives include cell signaling, post-transcriptional control, transcriptional control, classical and molecular genetics, and bioinformatics. 

When do I begin working in a laboratory?   

In addition to coursework, students rotate through three different laboratories in their first year, after which they select a faculty mentor for their PhD research. Students have a wide selection of research areas to choose from, including:

  • gene expression,
  • signal transduction,
  • cancer biology,
  • neurobiology, and
  • synthetic biology

Interactions and collaborations among faculty members in all departments within the Medical School and area universities are encouraged.

   

NEW Center for Medical Education!

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The Center for Medical Education is more than just a building. It is the answer to creating sustainable economic growth in North Louisiana and improving the overall health of Louisianans. It is the opportunity to become a national leader in research where our discoveries will enhance lives regionally and beyond with the Center of Excellence for Emerging Viral Threats. We have reimagined our mission to TEACH. HEAL. DISCOVER. in order to propel LSU Health Shreveport into a new frontier of medical education and research for generations to come. 
LEARN MORE about the Center for Medical Education >>

   

Join us as we

TEACH    HEAL    DISCOVER

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Graduate Program

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

three female scientists in a laboratory looking at a machine

Graduate Program

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

two male scientists looking at a vial of liquid held up by one of the scientists

Graduate Program

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Graduate Program

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Creating Outstanding Scientists

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Contact the Department

We look forward to speaking with you! 

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Phone: (318) 675-5160
Fax: (318) 675-5180
Mailing Address:
Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
LSU Health Shreveport
1501 Kings Highway
Shreveport, LA 71103

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Contact the PhD Program

David Gross, PhD
Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program Director
david.gross@lsuhs.edu

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