MBIDP - Prospective Student Information

Degrees: The MBIDP offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Molecular Biology. The program does not offer a Master’s degree.

Rendition of MyoD, a DNA-binding protein. Click photo for more information

Admission: The majority of students enter the MBIDP after completing initial requirements in one of three programs:

• ACCESS, an admission and first-year Ph.D. program

• MSTP (Medical Scientist Training Program), for those seeking a joint M.D/Ph.D.

• STAR (Specially Training and Advanced Research), for M.D.'s seeking a Ph.D.

For information on how to apply for admission to the MBIDP from each of these programs, see:

• Admission Information for ACCESS Transfers

• Admission Information for MSTP Transfers, or

• Admission Information for STAR Transfers

The Whitcome Fellowship Program: Qualified applicants may apply directly for consideration as a Whitcome Fellow, a highly competitive scholars program. For program details and admission information, see program description.

Interdepartmental Program: The interdepartmental structure of our graduate program provides a beneficial and stimulating environment for students to interact with faculty and their research groups across traditional departmental lines. Currently, as many as 80 faculty from 15 departments in the College of Letters and Science and the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry serve as current or potential research mentors, with many more available for participation on doctoral committees. This provides students with maximum choice and flexibility in tailoring their training toward their research interests.

Cesium chloride density gradient column illuminated with UV light. Click photo for more information

Research and Coursework: The goal is for our students to become mature, productive, and independent research investigators. More than just imparting knowledge and technical skills, we encourage the growth of scientific creativity by emphasizing training in experimental design and immersing the student quickly in a working research environment, where he or she can learn by example and commence independent investigations. The curriculum focuses on seminar courses, taken early in the program, in which students discuss and critique current scientific papers. Preparation of two brief research proposals help prepare students for writing their more extensive oral qualifying examination proposal, as well as future journal articles and grant applications. Students entering the program from ACCESS have a two-quarter teaching assistantship requirement.

For additional program and time-to-degree requirements specific to each transfer program, see:

• Program Requirements for ACCESS Transfers

• Program Requirements for MSTP Transfers, or

• Program Requirements for STAR Transfers

Program-sponsored Activities and Opportunities: Activities sponsored by the MBIDP include bi-monthly student talks and an annual retreat. Outstanding teaching and dissertation research awards are presented each year, and travel funding is available for our students to present their work at national and international conferences.

Financial Support: MBIDP students receive support throughout their graduate career. Sources of support are teaching and research assistantships, training grant and other fellowships. Teaching and research assistantships provide full tuition remission, payment of student health insurance, and a monthly stipend for living expenses for the academic year. TA’ships require students to split their time between specific teaching assignments and their laboratory work. Continuing support beyond the first year is contingent on the student maintaining the academic standards required by the program.

Updated August 1, 2007