Lab Rotation

A one-semester introduction to the research ongoing in an MCB lab of the student's choice.

Advanced Molecular Biology

MOLCLBIO/BIOCHEM 642 covers structure, biosynthesis, and function of nucleic acids and the translational apparatus. Also, DNA replication; gene organization; chromatin structure; RNA transcription, regulation of gene expression; protein biosynthesis; mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes.

Teaching Assistants

Students are assigned duties by the faculty member in charge of a course. Typical assignments include instructional laboratory assistance, grading, office hour help, and assistance with lecture setup.

MCB Seminar

The MCB seminar is held weekly during both semesters. Outside speakers are invited by MCB faculty and students.

MCB Colloquium

The MCB colloquium is held each Monday at noon during both semesters. MCB labs present their research and MCB students present rotation results. Pizza is provided for attendees.

Advanced Biochemistry

BIOCHEM 623 emphasizes experimental approaches and problem solving. Topics include protein structure-function, protein folding and modification, enzyme kinetics, and the study of metabolic processes (pathways and their regulation) with a molecular genetic approach. Prerequisites: a minimum of a one-semester course in upper-division biochemistry and BIOCHEM 642.

Advanced Cellular Biology

MOLCLBIO 641 focuses on structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Properties of membranes and cellular transport systems, energy transduction, assembly and morphogenesis of organelles, organization of nucleus and cytoskeleton covered. Experimental approaches emphasized.

Journal Club

Journal clubs are led by faculty members and focus on one area by reading and discussing papers from the scientific literature. Students typically are responsible for one presentation each semester.

Elective Courses

Advanced electives can be selected from a number of different courses in a variety of fields.  Students and their mentors often chose appropriate courses together.

Fellowship Application

In the summer of their first year, after dissertation labs are selected, MCB students will prepare a proposal application on their research topic modeled after the NSF GRFP.

Original Research Proposal and Exam

Students propose an original research topic in the form of an abstract and statement of independence. Upon approval of the topic, students write a short proposal and defend it in front of a faculty committee. The original research proposal and exam is the Ph.D. qualification process which enables a student to advance to candidacy.

Ph.D. Dissertation Committee

The dissertation committee is composed of four members of the graduate faculty, one of whom is the student’s dissertation adviser. The dissertation committee meets regularly with the student to discuss progress toward completion of the dissertation research, administers the final exam, and approves the dissertation. Third-year MCB Sttudents must orgainize their committee by September 30.

Prospectus

The prospectus describes the proposed research that will form the student’s dissertation. The prospectus, upon approval of the dissertation committee, forms a “contract” between the student and committee on the scope of work needed to complete the Ph.D. The prospectus must be completed by the end of the student's 3rd year in the Program AND at least 7 months prior to the scheduled defense.

Data Defense

Prior to the dissertation examination, students schedule a data defense with their committee to identify issues to be addressed prior to the dissertation examination and to receive approval to proceed with the dissertation examination.

Dissertations

The dissertation is the written summary of the research leading to the PhD degree. It is a substantial document that is prepared prior to the Final Oral Exam. Upon approval by the Dissertation Committee, it leads to conferral of the PhD degree. MCB Students MUST present their written dissertation to their committee 2 weeks to 1 month before their Final Oral Defense. Students are urged to consult their committee directly for a more absolute deadline. It is unacceptable to not give your committee adequate time to review the document.