Requirements
Courses
First-year students must pass the following core courses with the grade of B- or better.
Genetics - MOL 395F
Basic principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics, and an exploration of the genetic toolbox using examples of analytic methods and modern manipulations; focus on the genetic analysis of model organisms; use of genetic tools in dissecting complex biological pathways, developmental processes and regulatory systems. An introductory course in genetics is strongly recommended.
Biochemistry - MOL 395G
Detailed consideration of the structure and function of proteins, with discussion of enzyme mechanisms and kinetics, the biochemistry of energy production, and the metabolism of lipids and nucleotides. A one year undergraduate sequence in biochemistry is required.
Cell Biology - MOL 395H
Detailed consideration of mechanisms of growth control, cell regulation, mitosis, cell signaling, protein targeting, and the integration of these processes in various cellular processes.
Molecular Biology - MOL 395J
Detailed consideration of prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms of DNA replication and transcription; post-transcriptional processing of transcription products; mechanism and regulation of the translation of messenger RNAs.
Student Seminar - MOL 190
First-year students use papers relevant to core course topics to practice reading, presenting and discussing the primary literature.
Laboratory Rotations
In the first year, students complete rotations in at least three different faculty laboratories. Once admitted, students also have the option to complete a rotation in the summer before their first fall semester in the program.
Permanent Laboratories
Students join the laboratory of a Ph.D. mentor after rotations. From that point forward, the emphasis of the student’s training is on laboratory research rather than formal course work.
Teaching
In the fall or spring of their second year, students are required to fulfill a one semester teaching assistant requirement
Qualifying Examinations
After one year of working in the lab of their mentor, students advance to doctoral candidacy. To be admitted to candidacy, a student must display a satisfactory depth and breadth of knowledge through their performance on a qualifying examination that takes place during the spring semester of the second year. The candidate must formulate a feasible research plan for her or his doctoral studies.
Graduation
To receive the doctoral degree, the student must accomplish creative, independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and document that research in a scholarly dissertation. The usual time to completion is five years.
Annual Retreat
The Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology hosts an annual retreat in the Texas Hill Country. The three-day event is an exciting opportunity for faculty, post-docs, and graduate students to meet and discuss science in an informal setting.
Student Handbook
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