In addition to classes and research, students participate in many activities which enhance their education and development as scientists. These activities help students to develop a network of contacts, to acquire career skills, and to interact with faculty in less formal environments. In addition, social activities provide a support system and, most importantly, foster long-lasting friendships.

Student Science Club: Students meet twice a month to make short presentations based on their research or studies. In addition to developing presentation skills, this group provides a great source of feedback, ideas, and suggestions for solving problems in the lab.

Friday Research Discussions: Every Friday during the academic year, faculty, students and postdocs gather over snacks in the Johnson Foundation Library to listen to a faculty member describe his or her research.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Student Seminar Series: This seminar series is organized entirely by the students. In addition to deciding whom to invite, students have special access to speakers during their visit. Past speakers have included Alan Fersht, Lynne Reagan, Bruce Tidor, Cynthia Wolberger, Susan Lindquist, Paul Sigler, Ernesto Freire, and Gregory Petsko.

Annual Biochemistry and Biophysics Department / Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Retreat: This two-day event takes place on the beautiful campus of Swarthmore College, west of Philadelphia. Students, faculty, and other members of the Department present their work in poster sessions and talks. One of the highlights of this event is the student-faculty softball game followed by the annual Departmental picnic. Please click to view the this year's program and last year's photos.

Career Services: The University of Pennsylvania has an excellent Career Services center which provides many programs and services of interest to graduate students. This center also sponsors lunch time workshops on such topics as: Conducting an Academic Job Search, Managing a Two-Career Relationship, Practicing Interview Skills, and Using the Internet to Identify Employers in Science.

Penn Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA): In addition to representing graduate and professional student's interests throughout the University, GAPSA organizes and sponsors a full calendar of social activities throughout the year.

University Clubs and Organizations: Penn has a large and diverse community of students with wide-ranging interests. In the past, BMB students have been members of such varied organizations as the Penn Ballroom Dance Society, the Outing Club, and the Penn Ultimate Frisbee Team. They have also organized intramural softball and volleyball teams and have performed with the Penn Ancient Voices Chorus.

Finally, another unique aspect of the BMB Graduate Group at Penn is that students play an active role in shaping the Graduate Group. Student representatives sit on every major committee within the Department and Graduate Group. The faculty seriously considers student input; in fact, many features of the current program are the direct result of student suggestions.