M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs

International Graduate Programs in Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,

Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. The biochemistry department is committed to excellence in graduate education and advancing our understanding of cell function at the molecular and biochemical level. Course work and thesis research for the M.Sc. and Ph.D. in medical biochemistry and molecular biology are designed to meet the needs of the students. We encourage qualified and energetic prospective graduate students to join our program. The research activities of the department are focused on a broad range of biomedical research, including

aptamer technology
RNA processing
single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
molecular marker and metabolomic of hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and breast cancer
micronutrients metabolism particularly the role of hepcidin
oxidative stress, antioxidants and proteomic analysis in Thalassemia
molecular pathology of mitochondrial diseases
precision oncology
erythropoiesis
microRNA
stem cells
nanoparticles and many others.

Our fundamental rationale is that a true understanding of disease can only be achieved by addressing the basic mechanistic features of cellular biochemistry. We employ a variety of experimental approaches and model systems to perform our investigations and encourage the use of novel methodologies.

A superior quality research and teaching environment is critical to success in graduate school and your later profession. The graduate program in the department of biochemistry offers a comprehensive program of graduate studies leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, a program for graduate students anticipating careers in basic and applied research and teaching. The program includes formal training in basic and advanced biochemistry and molecular biology (through course work and laboratory practice) supplemented by courses in physiology, immunology, pharmacology, microbiology and statistics. After successful completion of the course work, students may select an advisor for intensive thesis work, which usually begins in the second year.

During the first year of study, students complete both required and selected courses from an array of subjects such as cell and molecular biology, advanced biochemistry, biochemistry of disease, research methodology, bioinformatics and cybertools for research. In addition, participation is required in a series of biochemistry seminar courses on the critical analysis of experimental design in biochemistry and molecular biology. First-year students also participate in a series of laboratory technique and advanced biochemistry laboratory, which provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the experimental and intellectual activities of our laboratories before selecting a permanent research adviser.

After their first year, students devote nearly all their time and energy to research, leading to the preparation and submission of a dissertation. The graduate students have the opportunity to explore special interests in choosing a research adviser to oversee their dissertation research. Faculty and students work closely together. Students learn how to plan and carry out well-controlled scientific experiments and how to interpret the results of these experiments. The department also funds travel by students to national and international scientific conferences for the presentation of research findings.