Students making good progress in all areas appropriate to their year in the program are in “good standing.” A student who has not successfully completed the relevant milestones (class work, qualifying exam) or responsibilities (teaching) or has not suitably advanced the research project will be assigned a status of “warning,” as discussed below. The reasons for the warning status assignment are conveyed to the student in writing along with guidance for how to return to good standing.

Updated 8/24/2023

Overview

PhD students (mentees) are engaged in an intense period of personal and professional growth. During this period students develop into independent scientists with significant expertise in forming and addressing scientific questions. This requires focus, determination, time on task, significant technical, analytical, and personal support, and the ability to work with mentors and other team members to advance research goals. 

Updated 8/25/2023

Rotation Research

Early in the first semester, students will make arrangements with MCB faculty trainers to begin rotations in laboratory research. All students are required to pass three academic year rotations in three different laboratories of Program faculty, regardless of previous research experience or degree program.

The three academic year rotation periods are:

Rotation 1:     9/25 - 12/1                        (Rotation report on 12/1)

Updated 8/24/2023

The teaching requirement in the MCB Graduate Program is fulfilled by participating as a teaching assistant for one semester during the second year.

Updated 8/24/2023

Students are required to attend and participate in the MCB Graduate Program weekly invitational seminar series and monthly MCB Data Club.

Weekly MCB Graduate Program seminars are presented by visiting scientists invited by MCB faculty trainers and/or MCBGP students on Wednesdays noon-1 pm during the academic year. Students are expected to attend the seminar every week as a part of their training outside of the area of their thesis research. Students can also meet with invited speakers over lunch after the seminar.

For entering graduate students, the general course of study emphasizes the following:

Updated 8/24/2023

The Directors of Graduate Study and Director of Inclusion and Diversity will serve in the role of Faculty Advisors for students’ first year. This group will advise the student on academic matters and review the student's progress at the beginning of each of the first four semesters in the program. Topics covered in advising sessions include selection of coursework, research rotations, the Teaching Assistantship, participation in other activities in the program, and preparation for the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination.

Updated 8/24/2023