Course of Study

The MCB Graduate Program offers a unique multidisciplinary course of study leading to the PhD degree. During the first year all students participate in several core courses that serve to build a scholastic foundation for further study. The core courses include Graduate Biochemistry (3 credits), Molecular Genetics (3 credits), and Cell Biology (4 credits). During the first year the MCB graduate students perform four required laboratory research rotations, each with an average length of ten weeks. The students also attend an Invited Faculty Seminar Series during both semesters and receive training to critically evaluate original research articles in a Journal Club in the second, third and fourth semesters. They also gain experience as Teaching Assistants (starting in their second semester).

At the end of the first year, students select an area of specialization:

1. The program of study in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology includes a course in Physical Biochemistry and any of a number of electives. Training emphasizes biochemical and structural approaches to solve biological problems.
2. The program of study in Cell and Developmental Biology includes a course in Developmental Biology and any of a number of electives. Emphasis is placed on the control mechanisms that define and regulate growing and developing systems.
3. The program of study in Immunology and Pathology includes courses in Immunology and Pathology. This area of specialization emphasizes the cellular and molecular basis of human disease to foster a bridge between basic and clinical research. Each of the specializations enhances knowledge within the field to ensure our graduates are well equipped for a successful career in research.

Required MCB Core Graduate Courses:

Additional required courses for each area of specialization:

At the beginning of their fourth semester, the student writes a research proposal based on the probable area of the student’s PhD dissertation. The proposal is defended orally to a faculty examination committee that does not include the student’s research advisor. After passing the proposal examination, the faculty committee and PhD research advisor usually become the student’s PhD thesis committee and meet with the student at least once a year to follow his or her thesis progress.

All students are required to gain experience in teaching by assisting in laboratory sections, leading discussion sections, or helping to formulate and grade examination papers. The teaching experience may be in either undergraduate or graduate courses, and extends over a period of two semesters.

When required coursework is completed and the proposal is successfully defended, the student is Advanced to Candidacy.

The dissertation defense, which completes the requirements for the PhD, consists of a public seminar presentation of the dissertation work followed by an oral examination before the dissertation examining committee. Successful completion of the PhD degree requires that a candidate publish a first-authored paper in a refereed journal. The paper must be published, accepted, or in press by the time of the thesis defense.