A master's degree program in biotechnology, based on a variety of laboratory courses, is also available. The master's program provides excellent preparation for a career in industry or for advanced academic programs. The faculty maintains very active research programs funded by federal and private granting agencies. The research groups are generally moderate in size, assuring graduate students of direct faculty guidance in research projects. Individualized curricula are designed to fit each student's background and scientific interests.
Most course work is completed in the first year.
By the end of the first year, the student selects an area of dissertation research, and a committee consisting of a major adviser and 2 associate advisers is formed. Master's degree programs are usually completed in two years, and Ph.D. programs in five years. Graduates typically go on to postdoctoral positions at other major research universities or research institutes, and an increasing number of graduates are obtaining positions in industry, especially in the rapidly growing biotechnology companies located in southern New England. The principal research facilities are housed in the seven-story Life Sciences Annex, the Torrey Life Sciences Building, Beach Hall, and the Biotechnology Center. Construction has begun on a new biology research building, to be completed in spring 2000.