Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry Graduate Program

Despite the diversity of their interests, researchers in the program are unified by a common desire to understand biological phenomena at the molecular level, whether through the use of genetic, biochemical or biophysical approaches.

The program in MB&B has close ties with the other graduate programs in the biological sciences at Yale and with the Department of Chemistry. These ties allow students in MB&B the opportunity to study and/or perform laboratory research with any of over 200 faculty at Yale. To further cement this spirit of cooperation, a more unified program was developed, called the Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences. This program retains the advantages of moderately sized, interest-based groups of faculty, such as MB&B, and yet provides even greater flexibility and choice for students.

Researchers within the MB&B graduate program have a traditional spirit of interaction and cooperation, which exists at all levels from faculty to graduate students. There is generally easy access to equipment and facilities between one research group and another, and in many instances the cooperation runs much deeper and involves active collaboration and publication.

The Ph.D. program offers a broad education in molecular and structural biology, and is remarkable for the scope of research it encompasses. Current areas of research include:

• regulation of the cell cycle
• protein-nucleic acid interactions
• control of development
• catalytic RNAs and RNA processing
• protein structure and function
• mechanisms of transcription, transposition, replication, recombination, and signal transduction
• molecular dynamics
• membrane proteins
• metabolism

Applicants are expected to have a solid background in the natural sciences, including courses in biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, physics and mathematics. However, course requirements are not fixed. Students with outstanding records in any of the natural sciences may qualify for admission. 
In special circumstances, the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) may be substituted for the GRE. Students whose native language is not English should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

All students accepted for admission into MB&B generally receive full tuition plus a full-year stipend for living expenses. Awards are renewed annually for students in good academic standing. Most support for graduate students comes from government funds reserved for US citizens and permanent residents, so foreign applicants are urged to apply for scholarships or funding from their own governments. A small number of Yale fellowships are available for outstanding foreign students.