Graduate classes are small, and there is a strong emphasis on the current scientific literature. The program holds a weekly Journal Club where students present seminars on recent important research articles of their choice. A dynamic seminar series brings twenty or more nationally recognized molecular biologists to the Medical Center each year to present their research and meet with graduate students.

The MS Curriculum consists of a first semester core of three courses (Molecular Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Methods in Biomedical Sciences), courses from the basic science departments of the Medical School, and courses taught by the Program faculty. In addition to these classes, all students must enroll in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Journal Club and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Seminar every semester until graduation. Students conduct independent, original research projects after identifying an advisor and joining a lab. This occurs after the second semester for PhD students and after the first semester for MS students