# Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $1,219,071

## Abstract

The Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) Graduate Program has trained more than 660
scientists since 1972. Serving as the major training program for seven basic science departments at the Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine, BCMB is one of the oldest multidisciplinary graduate programs in the
country. There are 98 faculty members actively involved in research, teaching and as mentors. The
Departments that participate in the program include Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Biophysical
Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Molecular
Sciences, and Physiology. The objective of the BCMB program is to provide trainees with a breadth of
understanding in basic biomedical science to ultimately prepare them for independent and productive careers.
An average of 22 students per year matriculate in the program, and obtain the Ph.D. in an average of 5.8
years. During the first three-quarters of the first year, students take a unified, rigorous curriculum (Foundations
of Modern Biology) that includes modules in biophysics, macromolecular structure and analysis, molecular
biology and genomics, genetics, bioinformatics, organic mechanisms in biology, cell structure and dynamics,
and pathways and regulation, as well as a paper discussion module that parallels the core course. In the last
quarter of year 1, students choose two short electives in areas of interest; most of these are small discussion-
based courses. An in depth discussion course including the topics of rigor and reproducibility (Method and
Logic) and a Responsible Conduct in Research course are also taken in the fourth quarter. A final component
of the first year is three laboratory rotations, with poster and oral presentations at the completion of the first two
rotations. Students choose a laboratory for thesis work at the end of three rotations, and participate in that
department's seminars and journal clubs. Second year students take the qualifying oral exam and hold their
first thesis committee meeting. Professional development and career planning is an integral part of the
program, occurring through workshops and course offerings throughout the training period. Most students
publish multiple research papers, and the training concludes with presentation of a public seminar and
submission of the doctoral thesis. BCMB graduates hold leadership positions at all levels of academia,
government and industry. The success of our students is fostered by an extraordinary level of collaboration
and interaction among the faculty and trainees. Special emphasis is placed on applying conceptual
breakthroughs in basic science to problems relevant to human health and disease. As such, our trainees have
made important advances in areas ranging from cancer to infectious disease, diabetes, neurodegeneration,
pain management, cardiovascular disease and many others.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10171862
- **Project number:** 5T32GM007445-45
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** RACHEL GREEN
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,219,071
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1977-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10171862

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10171862, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program (5T32GM007445-45). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10171862. Licensed CC0.

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