Didactic and Research Training in the First Year: Course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Studies Bulletin. Ph.D. students in Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy must complete a compulsory core curriculum composed of the following courses: Molecular Cell Biology (BRTP 822), Genetics and Gene Regulation (BRTP 823), and Development of Teaching and Research Presentation Skills (GCBA 806).
In addition to these courses, each student will be expected to students complete two semesters of Research Other Than Thesis (GCBA 896). This involves conducting research in three different faculty laboratories during his/her first year, spending a period of up to 2 months in each of these laboratories. A list of laboratories accepting student rotations will made available to each student and rotation selections from this list will be made by the students, in conjunction with the graduate committee chair, based upon the interest and background of the student. Following these rotations, the student will select his/her faculty advisor and laboratory for their dissertation research project.
Didactic Training after the First Year: Students are required to take two additional graduate courses, one of which must be either Modern Approaches in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (GCBA 912) or Human Microanatomy (GCBA 826)
The student's Supervisory Committee defines additional course requirements or electives on an individual basis. In the past, students in our department have taken a variety of elective courses offered within the department, including Neurobiology I and II (GCBA922 and GCBA932), Human Gross Anatomy (GCBA 910/920), Human Neuroanatomy (GCBA 812). Students also have taken elective courses offered by other departments, including Principles and Methodologies of Cancer Research (CRGP 880), Medical Immunology (PAMM857), Receptor Pharmacology (PHAR901). Students interesting in gaining teaching experience can also take one or more “Teaching Practicum” courses. These courses give students the opportunity to serves as a TA in several courses.
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of "B" (3.0) or better.
Other course requirements: All Ph.D. seeking students must register each semester for the Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy Seminar (GCBA 970) and Journal club (GCBA 902A). Once engaged in dissertation research, students must register each semester and summer term for Doctoral Dissertation research credits (GCBA 999).
Additional Requirements:
Students advance to Ph.D. candidacy by completion of course requirements and a comprehensive examination, which is completed during the third year. The comprehensive examination consists of the written preparation and oral defense of a grant proposal on a subject outside the immediate area of the student's dissertation research. Ph.D. candidates must have at least one (1) first-author research paper published or accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal prior to graduation. The Ph.D. is awarded upon the completion these requirements and the written preparation and oral defense of a dissertation summarizing the student’s research. Completion of the Ph.D. degree usually requires 5 years.
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