Cell Biology and Physiology M.S. Program Curricula

Graduate study in Cell Biology and Physiology is designed to provide students with the critical thinking skills as well as the theoretical and technical training to become an independent scientist. The program will provide:

Training in the fundamentals of cell biology and physiology through graduate courses in four areas Interdisciplinary training in classical and contemporary experimental techniques through laboratory courses, optional rotations among research laboratories, and the design and implementation of the thesis or dissertation research. The opportunity for students to present their research in seminar courses and journal clubs as well as at the Cell Biology and Physiology Symposium, a quarterly meeting of the faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students in which current research projects are discussed. Teaching experience through graduate instruction of undergraduate laboratory courses.

The course of study depends on the student's research area and academic history, and is determined by an agreement among the student, the student's advisor, and the advisory committee.

M.S. Degree

At the end of their first year students must provide an acceptable research proposal to their advisor and advisory committee. The M.S. degree requires a minimum of 45 total credit hours (including research and thesis), of which 30 hours must be formal course work. Students are encouraged to complete the program within two years; the average is two and one quarter years.

Ph.D. Degree

Students normally finish their course work within the first two years. During their third year students must pass a qualifying examination and provide an acceptable research proposal to their advisor and advisory committee. In their remaining years students concentrate on their research while taking appropriate specialized elective courses. The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 135 total credit hours (including research and thesis), of which 45 hours must be formal course work. Students are encouraged to complete the Ph.D. program in five years; the average is five and one half years.