Academic Requirements

The CMB training program is designed so that the student will focus on a particular area of research while being exposed to a wide variety of topics in cell and molecular biology. The primary requirement for the Ph.D. is the completion of original research and the publication of a Ph.D. thesis describing that research. In addition to the Ph.D. thesis, CMB students complete the following requirements.

Lecture Courses:

  • BMB 801: Molecular Biology
  • BMB/MMG/PSL 825: Cell Biology
  • Either MMG 833: Microbial Genetics or MMG 835: Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics 
  • A minimum of 2 800 level elective courses approved by the CMB Executive Committee

Seminar Courses:

  • CMB 892: Student Research Forum
  • 3 semesters of CMB 800: Special Topic Seminar Courses

Other Requirements

  • One semester as a Teaching Assistant
  • Completion of the Graduate School Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Seminar Series
  • Successful completion of the Comprehensive Exam
  • Writing and defense of thesis