A variety of formal and informal opportunities exist for participation in discussion groups and journal clubs and for student presentation of research progress. The academic program provides both the breadth and flexibility required to train students from backgrounds as varied as molecular biology, chemistry, and physics. Specific course requirements are kept to a minimum, to allow for maximal flexibility. BMSD students may choose from a wide array of courses covering topics such as molecular and cellular biology, molecular structure and design, chemistry, and molecular biophysics to satisfy the required 18 credit hours. Students are encouraged to consult with a faculty supervisor to design a program best suited to their needs.
Students serve as teaching assistants for two quarters.
Lab rotations during the first year provide each student with a broad experimental experience and serve to facilitate in choosing a thesis lab and topic. The interdisciplinary nature of the BMSD program provides students with the opportunity to work in a variety of facilities both on and off campus. Within the past few years, new buildings have been erected to house the Biomolecular Structure Center and laboratories for faculty members in the Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Structure, and Medicinal Chemistry. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center resides in modern buildings 3 miles off campus at the south end of Lake Union. The two sites are connected by a frequent free shuttle service.