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; PLB/BMB 856 Plant Molecular and Omic Biology; ANS 804: Introduction to Quantitative Genetics; or another elective course
A minimum of 2 800 level elective courses approved by the CMB Executive Committee

Seminar Courses:

2 semesters 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 and CITI modules as well as annual refresher training. For more information please visit: RCR Information
Successful completion of the Comprehensive Exam
Writing and defense of thesis