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
FOR PhD STUDENTS
Qualifying Exam and Candidacy:
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 - between the 4th to 6th semester of the candidate student’s academic program. The purposes of the qualifying exam are to i) assess the depth and breadth of knowledge in biochemistry, molecular, and cellular biology, and in the student's specific research domain; ii) evaluate the student's capability of critical thinking and to develop a rigorous research proposal, and iii) assess the student's proficiency in scientific writing and communication, and to articulate and defend a research proposal.
The qualifying exam consists of both a written and an oral section, both of which center on a student’s proposed dissertation topic. Alternatively, after consulting with the advisor and the advisory committee and receiving their approval, students may develop a research proposal on a topic that is derived from published research article(s). Students are expected to develop their research proposals under the oversight of their advisor and/or committee members, who should provide students guidance on topic selection and writing, with the aim of enhancing both scientific premise and written communications. It is recommended that the student and advisor meet at least three times to discuss and revise the proposal prior to submission to the committee. The student may submit the proposal to the committee only upon approval by their advisor. The advisor should ensure that the final version of the proposal is a bona fide product of original, creative thinking from the student.
The written section of the qualifying exam is a research proposal, typically following the format of NIH NRSA predoctoral F31 fellowship (sample F31 proposal are available for reference (see https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/sample-applications)). Alternatively, for research that is more related to NSF themes or other funding agencies, it may follow the format of graduate research fellowship of NSF or other funding agencies.
Specifically, the written section should include the following:
- Specific Aims: a one-page summary that outlines the gap-in-knowledge, the research's main objectives, the main hypotheses, and the potential impact the research could have. This should be structured to include 2-3 specific aims, each with a testable hypothesis.
- Research Strategy:
- Background, Significance and Premise: a summary of the existing knowledge in the field, with an emphasis on the importance of the proposed research in advancing our understanding of biological processes while addressing broader socioeconomic needs. This should raise specific questions that will be addressed in the research and provide the scientific foundation and importance of the proposed work.
- Innovation: A concise description of the uniqueness, specifically the technical and/or conceptual novelty of the proposed research.
- Approach: A description of the methods and approaches that are employed, including identification of resources and expertise that the student will engage to tackle the research. This section should also highlight potential challenges and limitations and provide alternative approaches, in case the main hypothesis fails.
- Timeline: A general timeline that outlines the anticipated milestones and deadlines for completing the research. This demonstrates the student’s ability to plan and manage a research project effectively.
The research proposal is submitted to the advisory committee for evaluation at least three weeks before the oral exam. Committee members may approve or reject the written proposal. If a committee member rejects the submitted proposal, they must provide a response to the student, with copy to the advisor and other committee members. The responses should articulate specific shortcomings and actionable steps that the student may take to rectify. The advisor is responsible for convening the committee to collectively assess the quality of the proposal. After the discussion, the committee will provide general comments and additional revision critiques specifying strengths and weaknesses of the proposal, as well as the necessary improvements that must be made by the student before submitting a revised version. Only after a majority of the members of the advisory committee has approved the written proposal, the student moves to the oral defense.
Students are encouraged, in consultation with their advisor, to submit their research proposals to NIH to compete for a NRSA F31 predoctoral fellowship.
The oral section is contingent upon the student having successfully completed the written section. The specific content of the oral exam is determined, in consultation with the advisory committee, primarily by the content of the written proposal. Students may give a brief update (~10 minutes) on their coursework and research progress at the beginning of the oral examination (~10 minutes). The presentation of the research proposal may last 30-40 minutes, followed by questions from the committee. Questions may arise from general knowledge in biochemistry, molecular, and cellular biology, or specifically associated with the proposed project. Students are expected to defend the significance, premise, rationale, methodologies, and experimental plans outlined in their proposals. They are expected to present a feasible project utilizing available resources at UNH, the advisor’s laboratory, and collaborative supports. The oral exam typically lasts 90-120 minutes. Upon the completion of questions from the committee, the student will be asked to leave the defense room while the committee discusses the oral examination. The committee discussion should last no longer than 15 minutes, and consensus by the committee should be reached after a discussion. Afterwards, the student will be invited back into the room to hear the committee's verdict and their specific feedback on both the oral portion of their exam, and the qualifying exam in general.
The grading of the qualifying exam includes Pass, Conditional Pass, or No Pass. Upon passing the qualifying examination, the student advances to PhD candidacy, officially declaring the intended dissertation topic. For students receiving a Conditional Pass, specific weaknesses identified by the committee are addressed through additional revision or research. Students who receive a No Pass have demonstrated insufficient scientific premise, mastery of lab skills or critical thinking. In this case, they have the option to retake the qualifying exam within 6 months. Students who cannot pass the qualifying exam after 2nd trial are advised to pursue a master’s degree.
