The first component involves course work designed to provide students an in-depth knowledge of mechanisms of disease, immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology, disease agent biology, and most importantly, a solid framework from which to perform hypothesis directed research. The second component is the research proposal. We do not use conventional comprehensive written and oral preliminary examinations. Ph.D. students develop a research proposal under the direction of a faculty advisor and committee. The dissertation proposal allows application of theoretical concepts to actual research problems.
Faculty examine students on the research proposal orally.
The graduate student then conducts the research proposed. The final exam is an oral defense of the dissertation. Finally, additional activities in the department complete the research training experience. Organized seminar series are presented by distinguished researchers in a variety of health related fields. Students and faculty participate in weekly research seminars at which they present and discuss their research results.