The biosciences doctoral program is a research-oriented field of study that prepares students for significant contributions in academic or industrial settings. The concentration in cell and molecular biology includes microarray analysis of gene expression, sequencing and analysis of genes, gene family evolution, mechanisms of toxicology and mutagenesis, biotechnological applications, and developmental neuroscience. The concentration in microbiology and infectious disease stresses molecular mechanisms of infectious disease, genomic and proteomic analysis of pathogens, and the physiology and metabolism of pathogens.
The academic component is a three-tiered structure. The first tier provides a set of four core courses designed to advance research skills across all disciplines. The second tier comprises four or five core courses and elective courses. The first two tiers are designed to be completed in approximately two years, including the comprehensive qualifying exam. Only on completion of these requirements, the qualifying exam, and a successful dissertation proposal can the students advance to candidacy status. The third tier focuses on research and culminates in a dissertation.
This program of study is offered by the School of Systems Biology in the College of Science.
