Diagnostic Exam & Qualifying Exam for Biochemistry Students

Information for Incoming Biochemistry MS and PhD Students:

One diagnostic examination in biochemistry will be administered to all incoming biochemistry graduate students during the orientation week, which is the week before school begins in fall semester. The test consists of multiple choice questions designed to test a broad knowledge in biochemistry. The purpose of the exam is to determine courses to be taken by each student. The tables below summarize scores needed to exempt students from certain courses, and options available to the student if a passing score is not achieved. This may be achieved by either passing the diagnostic exam administered in the week before classes or achieving a B or better for MS students, and a B+ or better for PhD students in BCHM 851 and BCHM 852. Passing scores for the diagnostic exam are shown below.

FOR MS STUDENTS

Test Score Percentile Result/Course of Action
Biochemistry ACS Test <60

Take BCHM 851 or 852 and earn an average grade of B or better

  >60 and <80 Take BCHM 851 and earn a grad of B or better

  

>80 Pass

FOR PhD STUDENTS

Test Score Percentile Result/Course of Action
Biochemistry ACS Test <70

Take BCHM 851 or 852 and earn an average grade of B+ or better

  >70 and <90 Take BCHM 851 and earn a grad of B+ or better

  

>90 Pass

 

Qualifying Examination: After completion of required coursework in the program and fulfilling other degree requirements, students seek the approval of the advisory committee to proceed to the qualifying exam, which should occur within 3-6 months of approval. Typically, the qualifying exam takes place in the third year of study. The purposes of the qualifying exam are to:

i) assess the depth and breadth of knowledge in biochemistry and the student's specific research domain;

ii) evaluate the student's capability of critical thinking and to develop a rigorous research proposal, and:

iii) examine the student's proficiency in scientific writing and communication, and to articulate and defend a research proposal.

 

Students should consult with the graduate coordinator or thesis advisor to plan a remedial course of action since this requirement must be satisfied to remain in the graduate program.