Biology (PhD)

PhD students will be considered for one or more Institute-tracks depending on the research interests indicated on their application. Course requirements for individual students vary based on the recommendation of their committees and advisors, but in general, there are very few required courses.

During the first year, students take courses in their area of interest and participate in a laboratory rotation program. The rotations provide direct exposure to research activities in three laboratories and therefore invaluable in helping students select a laboratory in which to carry out dissertation research. After the first year in the program, students devote nearly all of their efforts to research. These activities culminate in the public defense of a dissertation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Achieve fluency in the scholarly literature, compelling questions, and research methods in the student's primary field of research.
• Acquire demonstrable and autonomous research skills, in field or laboratory, as befits specialty.
• Learn to process and present scientific data in compelling, credible formats.
• Gain experience and skills in pedagogy and teaching.
• Develop and execute an original research project that would be judged credible by peers and has or will result in one or more peer-reviewed publications appropriate to the field of study.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Biology

Requirements for Doctoral Students
PhD students will be considered for one or more Institute-tracks depending on the research interests indicated on their application.  Course requirements for individual students vary based on the recommendation of their committees and advisors, but in general, there are very few required courses.

During the first year, students take courses in their area of interest and participate in a laboratory rotation program.  The rotations provide direct exposure to research activities in three laboratories and therefore invaluable in helping students select a laboratory in which to carry out dissertation research.  After the first year in the program, students devote nearly all of their efforts to research.  These activities culminate in the public defense of a dissertation.