The selection of courses is largely governed by individual student interests and needs, in consultation with his/her committee. However, all degree candidates are required to complete the following coursework as part of their academic program.

First Year: Molecular Biosciences Core Curriculum Requirements

Fundamentals of Molecular Biosciences (16:695:538) 6 credits
Experimental Methods in Molecular Biosciences (16:695:539) 2 credits
Essential Skills I (16:695:551) 1 credit
Ethical Scientific Conduct (16:115:556) 1 credit
Lab Rotation I and II (16:695:615) 2 credits
Mini-Courses in Molec Biosciences (16:695:621-638, 1 credit each) 6 credits
Essential Skills II (16:695:552) 1 credit
Lab Rotation III (16:695:615) 4 credits

Total: 23 credits

Years 2 and beyond: Courses Required for completion of the PhD degree

1) One of the following courses with a grade of B or better - 16:682:501 Microbial Life-3 credits, 16:681:543 Current Concepts in Immunology-3 credits,16:681:535 Human Genetics-3 credits

2) One Statistics Course  (select one of these: 16:115:557 or 16:125:578, or 16:960:501, taken in 2nd or 3rd year) 3 credits

3) Seminar Courses - 3 seminars - these are in addition to seminars taken during 1st year core curriculum-1 credit each - 3 credits total

The Seminars in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics are intended to expose the student to the current research literature in the discipline, and to serve as a training ground for oral presentations and critical evaluation of papers. It is recommended that students (1) take courses in a variety of different topic areas in order to sample different disciplines; and (2) informally audit seminars to gain experience by observing other student presentations, particularly in the early semesters. The following seminars may also be used to fulfill this requirement: Seminar in Cell and Developmental Biology (16:148:598), Seminar in Biochemistry (16:115:613) and other 1st year minicourses can be taken to fulfill the seminar credit requirement.

4) Progress Reports of Graduate Students in Molecular Biosciences (taken from 2nd year on in Fall and Spring) 16:695:600 - 0 credits each

The Graduate Student Research Seminar brings together students from all of the Graduate Programs in Molecular Biosciences on a weekly basis to learn about the science conducted by their colleagues. As a speaker, the opportunity to present in a friendly and constructive environment is a great way to prepare for delivering presentations at regional and national scientific meetings, or to a prospective post-doc advisor or employer. Audience members learn about the science, approaches, techniques and ideas of their fellow students. Thesis advisors are expected to attend and students are strongly encouraged to invite members of their thesis committees to their talks.

5) Research in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - Research Credits (variable) - Fall 16:681:701/Spring 16:681:702

6) 16:115:558 Ethical Scientific Conduct Refresher. This course is required of all 5th year graduate students as well as MD/PhD in the 3rd year of PhD. This is a case-based course that reviews the most important topics in Responsible Conduct of Research. It complies with NIH requirements.