Vanderbilt Chemical Biology Interface

This NIH-sponsored program provides significant, in-depth training to graduate students studying at the interface of synthetic and mechanistic chemistry, and the biological sciences.

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Section Contents

Main Requirements

  • Core Courses
    • Foundations of Chemical Biology (CPBP 8320)
      Spring Semester, Bachmann
    • Graduate Seminar in Chemical Biology (CPBP 8310)
      Fall and Spring Semesters, Townsend and Plate
  • Core Disciplinary Courses

    Chemistry Graduate Program

    Trainees from the Chemistry Graduate Program are required to take one of several cross-disciplinary courses outside of chemistry.

    • Introduction to Chemical and Physical Biology (CPBP 8306) *Recommended
      Fall Semester, Mchaourab
    • Modern Drug Discovery (PHAR 8327)
      Fall Semester, Jones
    • Foundations in Microbiology and Immunology (MIM 8332)
      Summer Semester, Cassat

    IGP or QCB Graduate Programs

    Trainees entering from the IGP or QCB Graduate Programs are required to take one of several cross-disciplinary courses offered through chemistry

    • Bioorganic Chemistry (CHEM 5710) *Recommended
      Fall Semester, Plate
    • Computational, Structural and Chemical Biology (CHEM 5420)
      Spring Semester, Meiler
    • Advanced Analytical Mass Spectrometry (CHEM 5140)
      Fall Semester, McLean
    • Introduction to Bioinorganic Chemistry (CHEM 5020)
      Spring Semester, Schley
    • Organic Structure, Mechanisms and Reactions (CHEM 5209)
      Fall Semester, Townsend
  • Remaining Courses

    Remaining courses are determined by the trainee's department home. 

    View Chemical Biology Curriculum

  • Lab Rotations

    Students are required to complete three 8-10 week lab rotations their first year.

Additional Requirements

  • Chemical Biology Association of Students (CBAS) Membership

    All trainees must join and participate in CBAS: attend bimonthly CBAS presentations and workshops; Present in CBAS seminar series (typically years 3 or 4); optional: serve on CBAS executive board

    Learn More About CBAS

  • Annual VICB Student Retreat

    All trainees must attend and participate in the VICB annual retreat (oral or poster presentation).

  • Career Conference

    All trainees must attend at least one Vanderbilt ASPIRE career conference.

  • BRET Mailing List

    Receive biweekly email information from Biomedical Research and Education Training (BRET) office (career and training).

  • Training Related Expenses

    Trainees are eligible to apply for travel or core scholarships and awards (typically up to $700).