Biophysical chemistry

A 4+1 program provides Dartmouth undergraduate students an opportunity to acquire a broader and deeper education in modern techniques of biophysical chemistry through a combination of coursework and independent research under the direction of one of the program faculty. With integration of the courses and a substantial effort in the independent research carried out during the senior year, the MS can be obtained in one year directly after completing the AB at Dartmouth.

Course Distribution Requirements: In addition to the prerequisite courses described above, each student must pass the following courses, either prior to beginning the Master’s Program or as part of the coursework required for the program: Biological Chemistry II, Physical Biochemistry, and at least one of the offerings of Topics in Advanced Biophysical Chemistry (Membrane Biophysics; Biomolecular Simulations; Biomolecular NMR; Structure and Dynamics of Biomolecules; Protein Crystallography).

Required Course Credits: During the Master’s Program, each student must pass with a grade of P or better at least eight courses from the offerings in biophysical chemistry. Two terms of Graduate Research Colloquium and up to four courses in graduate-level research may count in the eight-course total. Note: Courses taken as an undergraduate can fulfill the “Course Distribution Requirements” described above, but do not count toward the eight courses required for the Master’s degree.

Competency Requirement: The student must demonstrate competency in the fundamentals of a biophysical chemistry methodology, including X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy/FRET, experimental characterization of binding processes, or biomolecular computer simulations. This requirement will be satisfied by successful defense of the topic in an oral examination and must be completed before the end of winter term.

Thesis Requirement: The student must complete a satisfactory thesis based on independent-original research. The thesis must be approved by three program members and successfully defended in an oral examination. 

Students wishing to enter the program must demonstrate proficiency in each of the following areas: biochemistry, chemistry, calculus and physics. Such proficiency will normally be demonstrated by completing the following Dartmouth College courses with at least a B grade prior to entering the Master’s Program: Mathematics 8 (or equivalent) Physics 13-14 (or 15-16, or by permission 3-4) Chemistry 51-52 (or equivalent) Chemistry 41 (or by permission Biology 40) Chemistry 75-76.
 
Additionally, it is anticipated that the student will begin an independent research project with one of the participating faculty no later than the summer before senior year. An interim evaluation will be made after each term and continuation within the Master’s Program will be recommended for those students whose work demonstrates the capacity for satisfactory independent research.  A complete application includes: i. A current transcript. ii. Anticipated schedule of courses for senior and fifth year. iii. The name of the research advisor and a brief description of the research project, including a timeline of research effort. 

Dartmouth Graduate Studies Graduate Community Award

The Graduate Community Award is designed to recognize outstanding community service undertaken by graduate students on behalf of the entire Dartmouth graduate community. The Graduate Community Award will be awarded annually to the graduate student(s) who best exemplify a deep commitment to serving the Dartmouth community. Successful recipients may have contributed in diverse ways such as participating in student governance, serving on campus-wide committees and in the development and promotion of programs that enhance the academic and social options of the entire community. The individual should combine personal qualities of dedication to inclusiveness, integrity and enthusiasm with effective service on behalf of the Dartmouth community.

The recipient(s) will be selected by the Graduate Studies Office. Departments, individual faculty members or administrators, and graduate students are eligible to make a nomination in the form of a letter of nomination. Students currently enrolled in good standing in Dartmouth Master's and Doctoral programs are eligible for the award. All nomination letters must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office (to the attention of Kerry Landers) no later than March 28. Each nominee will then be asked directly by the Graduate Office to submit a curriculum vita and a brief summary of their community service activities.

The recipient(s) of the award will receive a cash prize of $1,000.

Dartmouth Graduate Studies Graduate Alumni Research Award

Due to the generosity of a number of loyal graduates of Dartmouth's graduate programs, the Alumni Fund and the Office of Graduate Studies have received donations which have been placed into a special alumnae/i graduate fund. The Graduate Office has decided to make a certain proportion of these funds competitively available each year to our current graduate students to support their research. Here are the rules and regulations governing the dispersal of these alumnae/i funds: 

1. Currently enrolled graduate students, engaged in thesis research at Dartmouth College can apply for an Alumni Research Award during the spring term of each calendar year (Deadline: May 5)
2. The maximum amount of each award will be limited to $1,000.00, but no more than $500.00 of this can be used for travel. A detailed budget is required.
3. Requests for travel to attend a scientific meeting or to purchase computers, peripherals, or other forms of laboratory equipment will not be considered. The award is designed to enhance your thesis research activity. Thus, your request must propose something that you might not readily accomplish otherwise. Some examples that come to mind are:
   • provide access to a library archive to examine an original manuscript,
   • provide access to a specialized item of equipment not readily available at Dartmouth,
   • provide payment for additional subjects, or
   • perform field work at a distant site that might add an interesting perspective to data collected from your existing, local field site(s).
4. The award is not intended to defray normal laboratory expenses for consumable supplies.
5. Your application must include a letter of support from your advisor which must include a statement of funds available to you for your research.
6. Recipients of Graduate Alumni Research Awards will be required to submit to the Graduate Office a one page synopsis of the activity they conducted with their award within 30 days of completion of their funded project.

The MS can be obtained in one year directly after completing the AB at Dartmouth.