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MCDB Training At-a-Glance

The MCDB program is an interdisciplinary doctoral program providing cutting-edge training in molecular, cellular and genetic approaches to the mechanisms of life and the development of living organisms.  MCDB students conduct three laboratory rotations of their choice before selecting a dissertation advisor. 

With over 200 mentoring faculty whose research spans broad areas of biology and biomedical research, the MCDB program offers students the opportunity to choose from a diverse menu of research topics, model systems and technical approaches.  Located at one of the largest research-intensive universities in the nation, MCDB offers a vibrant, collegial and collaborative training environment. 

Under the guidance of their adviser and advisory committee, MCDB students gain a mastery of technical approaches and disciplinary knowledge and become independent thinkers capable of critically analyzing the scientific literature and conducting independent and rigorous scientific inquiry.

 

Overview

Coursework, research, seminars, and professional development activities
YearCourseworkResearchSeminarsProfessional Development
Year 4
Year 1
  • Core Courses
Lab Rotations

Attend and Present:

  • Weekly Seminar Course (Years 1-3)
  • Molecular Life Sciences Seminar Series
  • Departmental Seminars
  • Mentoring & Ethics
Year 2
  • Electives
  • Grant writing
  • Candidacy Exam
Thesis Research
  • Career & Professional Seminars
  • IGP Symposium
  • Oral & Poster Presentations at National Conferences
  • Grad Student Organization
  • Mentoring & Outreach Opportunities
Year 3N/A
Year 5Defend Thesis & Graduate

Course detail

How courses are split-up over a student's academic career
YearCoursesSeminarsResearchProfessional Development
Year 1
  • Macromolecules (Fall)
  • Molecular Biology (Fall)
  • Cell Biology (Spring)
  • Developmental Biology (Spring)
  • Elective 1 (Spring)
  • Student Seminar (Fall, Spring)
  • Molecular Life Sciences Faculty Seminar (Fall, Spring)
Lab Rotations (Fall, Spring)
  • Mentoring & Ethics class (Fall)
Year 2
  • Electives 2 & 3 (Fall, Spring)
Thesis Research (Fall, Spring, Summer)
  • Grant Writing class (Fall)
Year 3N/AN/A
Years 4 & 5N/A

View our Core Courses

Learn more about our Typical Schedule and Requirements

View a list of our Approved Electives