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Individual Development Plan and Mentor-Mentee Agreement

Updated 8/1/2025

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. 

 

Rotation Research

Updated 8/1/2025

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:  9/22 - 11/21  (Rotation report on 11/21)

Rotation 2:  12/1 - 12/19 {suggested break} 1/5 - 2/13   (Rotation report on 2/13)

Teaching

Updated 8/1/2025

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

Research Seminars

Updated 8/1/2025

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.

Course of Study

Updated 8/1/2025

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

  • Establishing competence in disciplines central to molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, systems biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics and biochemistry

  • Gaining understanding in the quantitative approaches necessary to address complex problems in modern biology

  • Encouraging diversification of training

  • Maintaining flexibility within the framework of formal study

Advising

Updated 8/1/2025

The Directors of Graduate Study 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.

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