• Completion of ACCESS curriculum with no grade less than solid "B". This includes a minimum of 16 units of didactic coursework and M267A,B.
• Three quarters of Molecular Biology 298 (Current Topics in Molecular Biology), or their equivalent, to be completed by the end of the second year of graduate school. These student seminar courses are aimed at developing the skills needed to read critically, and present orally, the research literature. Graded on an S/U basis only, no letter grades.

• The Written Qualifying Examination (to be completed by the end of the second year of graduate school) takes the form of two original three-page research proposals: one based on a topic addressed in the 298 student seminar seires (or the equivalent), and one based on the student's own dissertation research project (the "dissertation proposal").
• The Oral Qualifying Examination (to be presented by the end of Fall Quarter of the third year or by the end of Winter Quarter if teaching in Fall) includes preparation of a 10-15 page written research proposition and oral defense on a topic unrelated to the student's dissertation research.
• Midstream Seminars are presented to the student’s doctoral committee at the end of the third and fourth years (and fifth, if necessary). The student presents the merits and pitfalls of the experimental approach being taken, as well as future research plans. It is an opportunity for the committee to provide advice on the direction of the student’s research.
• The Final Oral Examination, or Thesis Defense, is presented as an open seminar. It is based on the Final Written Dissertation submitted to the doctoral committee for approval. Average time to this point is 5.3 years. The dissertation is then filed with the University, signifying completion of the Ph.D.

• Students convene an initial three-member doctoral committee early in their second year and meet briefly with that committee to discuss the proposed dissertation research project. This is termed the “Pre-Committee Meeting.” Just prior to the meeting, the student submits a “dissertation proposal” (see written qualifying examination above). Two additional doctoral committee members will be added by the end of the second year.
• Intensive research will be conducted year-round on the student’s chosen dissertation project under the guidance of a permanent research mentor as the major portion of the student’s graduate training. Students actually enroll in individual research as a course each quarter.

• Two quarters of teaching are required, usually by the end of the third year, but no later than the end of the fourth year.

• Successful completion of ACCESS requirements, with a minimum grade of solid "B".

• Three quarters of Molecular Biology 298 (or the equivalent*)
• Written Qualifying Examination
                --> Two 3-page, single-spaced proposals based on:
                         (1) a 298 topic (or the equivalent*)
                         (2) the student's own dissertation research project ("dissertation proposal")

 *[Students participating in the Gene Regulation specialization will take two quarters of Molecular Biology 298 and one quarter of BC 251 (journal club). The written qualifiying exam be be submitted for either 298 or BC 251.]