In general the department does not require that students first earn a Master's Degree before they seek the PhD. Thus, the department does not award very many Master's Degrees and these are only available by special arrangement. Students interested in pursuing the Master's Degree should interact with the Director of Graduate Studies to explore the possibilities before submitting an application.
During your first year, your coursework will include a core curriculum
that will provide a basis for your later research. You will also complete
at least one laboratory rotation. This activity provides the student with
first hand exposure to research. During this time, you will choose a thesis
advisor, a mentor to provide you with direction and support during your
thesis project. Your thesis advisor will help you to choose your thesis
committee. Your thesis committee consists of 3-4 faculty members that
guides your progress through the program, and serves as your examining
committee for your final defense of thesis.
Students participate in journal and research clubs throughout their graduate career. These clubs allow for students to present recent journal articles, or their own research for discussion. During journal club meetings, participants review and critique the journal articles to enhance their analytical and communication skills. Research presented at research clubs is discussed, and suggestions are offered by participants for future experimentation.
Students will also complete their teaching requirement in the first year (Masters students are not eligible to be Francis H. Snow Scholars).
During your second year, you, your advisor, and your thesis committee
will meet to discuss your coursework for the second year. This coursework
will be a specialized curriculum to aid you in your thesis research. Advanced
courses are available in a variety of contemporary topics such as Modern
Biochemical and Biophysical Methods, Advanced Molecular Virology, Control
Methods in Development, Brain Disease and Neurological Disorders.
In addition to aggressively pursuing your research goals in the laboratory,
you will continue to participate in Journal and Research Clubs. You will
attend regional, national and international meetings in the specialized
area of your research. You will write papers for publication in peer reviewed
journals, and your thesis.
A Masters degree is awarded upon successful completion of your original research, writing of a thesis, and presentation of your thesis results in a formal seminar to the faculty members of the Department.
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