BCB Graduate Studies
The Department strives to provide rigorous graduate training tailored to the scientific background and individual needs of each student. 
Our program is designed to build a strong foundation in modern biochemistry and cell biology, coupled with the development of critical thought and independence, to ensure competitive preparation for a future research career. While master's degrees are occasionally awarded, the program primarily seeks students who are pursuing Ph.D. degrees.
Formal course work is developed through consultation between the student and an advisory committee of faculty members. All incoming students' curricula are structured to achieve competence in modern biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, and molecular and cellular biology. Course requirements toward the end of the program are more closely related to the students' research interests and include participation in seminar programs to present accomplishments in the laboratory.
Students select a research advisor before the end of their first year. Students choose research rotations in a small set of laboratories after faculty seminar
presentations at the start of the first semester. Final selection of an advisor is made following discussions with individual faculty and rotations within their laboratories. Every effort is made to facilitate an early entry into the world of laboratory work. Each student has a progress review committee composed of three members of the faculty who follow and advise the student throughout his or her career, conduct annual reviews of research progress independent of the formal research advisor, and ensure a productive and harmonious training environment. Graduate students in Biochemistry and Cell Biology have the opportunity to obtain valuable experience in undergraduate teaching.
In the second semester of their second year, students complete an examination for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. This exam consists of a written research proposal on the student's specific field. The proposal is similar to a grant application and is defended orally before the progress review committee and thesis advisor. The final thesis examination is a public oral presentation of the completed body
of work. The exam is divided into a formal seminar presentation with later questioning by the thesis committee.
In addition to specialized advanced-level courses offered by the Department, a wide variety of courses is offered by the Departments of Chemistry, Bioengineering, Physics, Computational and Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Rice. Opportunities are open to obtain formal or informal experience in applications of computer technology. Rice graduate students are also eligible to enroll in advanced courses at the various institutions in the Texas Medical Center. These resources reflect the high quality of the research environment available to graduate students.
Rice University seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons of diverse backgrounds. In accordance with this policy, Rice does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status. University policy also includes affirmative action in seeking to recruit, hire, and advance women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, and special disabled veterans.
See also: Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Program
The BCB Department announces several new graduate student awards. The first recipients of these awards were announced in May of 2004. Some awards may not be given out every year.
Schroepfer Award for Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis in Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Schroepfer Award for Outstanding Published Research in Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Outstanding Biochemistry & Cell Biology Student Seminar Award
Biochemistry & Cell Biology Excellence in Teaching Award
Biochemistry & Cell Biology Department Service Award
