Resources for current students

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Degree requirements

Credit Requirement
Doctoral degrees must consist of a minimum of 48 credits: a minimum of 24 graduate-level course credits and a minimum of 24 doctoral thesis credits (xxxx888).

Teaching
MCDB&G students are required to participate in two semester-length teaching experiences (~10 hours/week) during years two, three, or four of graduate study. Teaching assistantships may involve courses at the graduate or undergraduate level in the fields of cell biology, genetics or developmental biology.

Examinations
Each student works with his or her advisor to select a committee of six faculty members, with approval by the Director of Graduate Studies. This committee provides guidance and scientific expertise as they monitor the student’s progress and administer exams.

Students must pass three examinations to obtain a Ph.D. degree:

  • Written Preliminary Examination: Fall Semester, Year II
    Students must create an original research proposal that is not on any topic about which (s)he has previously written, including his or her thesis topic. This proposal is graded by three members of the student review committee.
  • Oral Preliminary Examination: 3 Months After Written Preliminary Exam
    Students must defend their written preliminary proposal before with all six members of their committee. Students must be prepared to field general questions designed to evaluate his or her breadth of knowledge.
  • Final Ph.D. Oral Examination
    Three members of the student’s committee serve as primary readers of the completed thesis and certify that it is ready for defense. The student must present a public research seminar and pass a private oral examination by all members of the student’s committee.

Publication of Thesis Research
Ph.D. theses must encompass substantial and novel research of high significance. Prior to his or her Thesis Defense, each student is required to be the first author on publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals within their research field

Students may add a Masters of Science (M.S.) degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology to their Ph.D. Students may collaborate with faculty in the college of Computer Science and Engineering to earn this lucrative M.S. without significantly extending required coursework.

Course guide

Visit ClassInfo for information on available CBS courses, or the University Catalog for additional degree requirements.

Student handbook

2022 Student Handbook (students who started 2021/2022)

2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

Respectful and responsible conduct

The MCDB&G program is committed to fostering the education of students in a welcoming and supportive environment. All students and faculty are expected to treat each other in a respectful, professional manner. In addition to following University policies, we ask all to support and adhere to the following code of conduct.

Respectful and Responsible Conduct
CBS Code of Conduct

Student seminars

MCDB&G student seminars are held Mondays at 12:15 p.m. in 2-137 Jackson Hall.

University resources

We strive to provide a learning environment that is supportive of every student during their training. The resources below are available to current graduate students to promote inclusivity within a diverse student body.

Graduate School Diversity Office
Serves as an advocate and support system for underrepresented students throughout their graduate education journey

Disability Resource Center
Serves as a resource for students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to minimize or eliminate barriers, and facilitates inclusion on campus.

Disabled Student Cultural Center
Serves as a social area for students with disabilities, and provides other resources to ensure an accessible environment for students.

Additional resources