Appendix 6. Typical Student Schedule, Ph.D. Candidates

First Year

Fall

• MOLCLBIO 642 - Advanced Molecular Biology - 4 credits
• MOLCLBIO 696 - Independent Study (Lab Rotation) - 3 credits
• BIOLOGY 891A SECTION 02 - MCB Seminar - 1 credit
• MOLCLBIO 691A - MCB Colloquium - 1 credit
• Teaching Assistantship (pg 7) - no credits
• No Journal Club (pg 6) - no credits

Spring

• MOLCLBIO 641 - Advanced Cellular Biology - 4 credits
• BIOCHEM 623 - Advanced General Biochemistry -  4 credits
• MOLCLBIO 696 - Independent Study (Lab Rotation) - 5 credits (split into 2/3)
• MOLCLBIO 692 - MCB Seminar - 1 credit
• MOLCLBIO 691A - MCB Colloquium - 1 credit
• Teaching Assistantship (pg 7) - no credits
• No Journal Club (pg 6) - no credits
• Selection of Dissertation Laboratory - start May (pg 6)

Summer

Meet with OPD and begin preparing Fellowship Application

Second Year

Fall

• BIOLOGY 891A - MCB Seminar - 1 credit
• MOLCLBIO 691A - MCB Colloquium - 1 credit
• Journal Club - 1 credit
• Elective course (pg 5) - 3 credits
• Submit Fellowship Application (October)
• Student/Advisor Meeting about Original Research Proposal
• Preparation of Abstract for Original Research Proposal - due first day of spring classes (pg 8)

Spring

• MOLCLBIO 692 - MCB Seminar - 1 credit
• MOLCLBIO 691A - MCBColloquium - 1 credit
• Journal Club - 1-2 credits
• Elective course (pg 5) - 3 credits
• Complete Comprehensive Examination - prepare proposal and defend (pg 8)

Third Year and beyond

• A minimum of 9 credits total in graduate-level elective courses (pg 5)
• Dissertation Committee appointed by September 30, at beginning of 3rd year. Meets at least annually (pg 10)
• Dissertation Prospectus submitted by August 31, at end of 3rd year (pg 10)
• Data defense completed at least two months prior to final defense (pg 10)
• MOLCLBIO 899 - Dissertation Research (1-9 credits per semester); 18 credits total required
• BIOLOGY 891A SECTION 02/MOLCLBIO 692 - MCB Seminar; continued until 5th year (pg 5)
• MOLCLBIO 691A - MCB Colloquium; continued until 5th year (pg 5)
• Journal Club; continued until 5th year (pg 5)

Students are eligible for Continuous Enrollment (an alternate form of registration), after passing the Original Research Proposal/ Comprehensive Exam during any semester when taking NO courses for formal credit. Students should NOT register for this, unless they expect to finish their degree work before the end of the spring semester. Refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about registering for Continuous Enrollment.