Degree Requirement

Degree Requirement, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology

Doctor of Philosophy Program

The Cellular and Molecular Biology program prepares students for careers in academia or in industry. In a rapidly changing world, it is essential to train research investigators who (1) are capable of evaluating new developments in biology, (2) can formulate significant questions about these developments, and (3) have the resources to carry out the experiments that will answer these questions.

The program offers research training in molecular biology, cellular biology, human and mammalian genetics, cancer biology, and DNA replication. Faculty actively collaborate with members of other departments at RPCI and within the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

During the first year, students take courses and rotate in the laboratories of three different faculty members. Students should choose a thesis advisor by the end of the first year. In the second year, time is spent in the laboratory and library, and students take courses that support their research interests and prepare for preliminary exams. Subsequent years are devoted to laboratory work, writing scientific papers, and, eventually, writing a thesis. Eight semesters of participation in student seminar are also required.

Examinations

Students usually finish their course work in their third semester and are expected to pass a preliminary written examination in January. Students then define and write their research proposals, which they defend orally before a thesis committee as a second preliminary exam by the end of their second year.

Core Courses

The following core courses are expected of all students in the Cellular and Molecular Biology Program unless they have had equivalent training elsewhere. Students must achieve a grade of "B" or better in the core courses.