The USF department of biochemistry is extremely interested in the early
identification of potential graduate students. The department has a special
program that directly benefits Honors students by encouraging early entrance
into graduate coursework for qualified students.
Honors students who are interested in pursuing graduate programs in the
sciences or careers in medicine may have the opportunity to begin graduate
study within the biochemistry department during the third year of study
at USF.
Following the second year of undergraduate study, interested science majors
meet with the Honors dean and a biochemistry dept. representative. We
select students for the program based on completed science coursework,
GPA and interview.
Beginning in the fall of the junior year, students accepted into the program
work in a faculty laboratory, allowing them to assist in ongoing research
throughout their undergraduate program. In the second semester of the
junior year, students continue laboratory employment and enroll in one
graduate course selected by the biochemistry advisor (with Honors approval).
Fourth year students continue laboratory employment and complete the Honors
College thesis requirement. Students enroll in appropriate graduate classes
as determined by the biochemistry advisor (with Honors College approval).
The biochemistry department will provide the student with a scholarship
that covers the difference between graduate and undergraduate tuition
for each graduate course in which the student is registered. Successfully
completing graduate courses will assist in fulfilling requirements for
a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary natural sciences.
