The program consists of three sections.
I. Core Section A
All students are required to complete the Core Section A courses. These courses help students build a strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology, and will cover topics ranging from protein structure and function, to bioinformatics and carbohydrate and lipid biotechnology. These courses will also allow students to learn about practical applications of biochemistry and molecular biology in medicine, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. Upon completion of the entire Core Section A distribution, students must pass a written examination on the material covered in these courses and labs.
II. Elective Section B
Students have the flexibility to design a course selection that meets their specific interests and goals, by augmenting their Core Section A courses and Section C research experience with elective courses offered under Elective Section B. These courses include but are not limited to topics ranging from genetics, immunology, and microbiology, to physiology and toxicology. Students, depending upon their respective preferences and needs, may be encouraged to select electives as early as their first semester at The George Washington University.
III. Research Section C
Research Section C prescribes that all students must either (a) carry out a thesis project (thesis option) or (b) complete two laboratory rotations and write several review papers on assigned topics (non-thesis option).
In order to graduate from the program, students must complete 30 course credits following either the thesis or non-thesis options, and either a 1-year or a 2-year program.