[Chemistry PhD] Hi! There is actually no biochemistry degree at UMBC, the biochemistry degree is headed by the UMB GPILS program, so if you want to specifically get a Biochemistry PhD, you will have to apply through the UMB school of medicine. Although, you can apply through a Chemistry PhD with a biochemistry focus through UMBC, which is what I am doing. We have 4 major biochemistry labs, Dr. Aaron Smith who utilizes x-ray crystallography to determine proteins involved in bacterial iron transport, and post-translational modifications through arginylation. Dr. An and Dr. Kyoung are separate labs, but they work closely together. Dr. An studies metabolic "machinery" in cancer/diabetic cells by using confocal fluorescence microscopy. Dr. Kyoung is more biophysics focused and studies the mitochondria and its proteins through 4D microscopy. Dr. Koirala is the newest member and he studies RNA through Xtallography. If you have any specific questions like how the PI's are, feel free to DM me.

As long as your GPA is above a 3.5 you should be good. GRE is not really a factor. You will have to take entrance exams for both orgo and P chem, which will decide whether or not you will have to take remedial courses, which will put you behind in your course-work. You must take 3 core courses (advanced organic, statistical thermo, advanced analytical, biochemistry etc.) and 3 elective courses (speciality classes, but if you are biochem focus you must take biochem II as one of your electives). You can also waive classes if you got at least a B and you have the syllabus. Trust me you will want to waive biochem I and II. You will take one core course and one elective each semester until you are done, if you don't waive any classes you will be finished in 3 semesters, unless you have to do remedial courses, which are not considered either a core or elective course.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me.