Formal course work is developed through consultation between the student and an advisory committee of faculty members. All incoming students' curricula are structured to achieve competence in modern biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, and molecular and cellular biology. Course requirements toward the end of the program are more closely related to the students' research interests and include participation in seminar programs to present accomplishments in the laboratory. Students select a research advisor before the end of their first year. Students select a small set of laboratories for extensive interactions on the basis of faculty seminar presentations at the start of the first semester.
Every effort is made to facilitate an early entry into the world of laboratory work.
Each student has a progress review committee composed of three members of the faculty who follow and advise the student throughout his or her career, conduct annual reviews of research progress independent of the formal research advisor, and ensure a productive and harmonious training environment. Graduate students in Biochemistry and Cell Biology have the opportunity to obtain valuable experience in undergraduate teaching. This exam consists of a written research proposal on the student's specific field. The proposal is similar to a grant application and is defended orally before the progress review committee and thesis advisor. The annual oral examination on the thesis is a formal, public presentation of the completed body of work.