Program Requirements for STAR Transfers

Academics

Two (4-6 unit) lecture courses, to be completed in the first year of graduate school with no grade less than solid "B".
Suggested Fall Quarter: CM253, Macromolecular Structure and Function
MC248, Molecular Genetics
Suggested Winter Quarter: M267A and B, Cell Structure, Signaling and Devlopment
M229, Cellular Biology of Host/Pathogen Interactions
Five sections of the student seminar series Current Topics in Molecular Biology (Molecular Biology 298, 2 units, S/U grading basis) to be completed by the end of the second year of graduate school. Two different sections are offered each quarter, with changing topics and instructors. (NOTE: M267A may be applied towards two of the five 298 sections.)

Time-to-Degree Steps

The Written Qualifying Examination (to be completed by the end of Fall Quarter 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 (or M267B) student seminar series, and one based on the student's own proposed dissertation research project (the "dissertation proposal").
The Oral Qualifying Examination (to be presented by the end of the second year of graduate school) 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 year. 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 (thesis defense) is presented as an open seminar by the end of the fourth year. The written dissertation is then filed for completion of the Ph.D.

Doctoral Committee and Dissertation Research

Students convene an initial three-member doctoral committee in Fall Quarter of 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 Winter Quarter of hte second year in preparation for the Oral Qualifying Exam in Spring.
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.

Teaching Assistantship

TIME-TO-DEGREE SCHEDULE

Year 1

Year 2

Fall Quarter: 298 Student Seminar 4
Convene initial 3-member (pre) Doctoral Committee
Written Dissertation Proposal (submit to Doctoral Committee)
Winter Quarter: 298 Student Seminar 5
Meet with (pre) Doctoral Committee to discuss dissertation project
Convene remaining 2 members of Doctoral Committee
Spring Quarter: Submit Orals Proposal and Present Oral Qualifying Exam

Year 3

Year 4

Teaching Requirement