The core phase occupies the first year of study in which all students enroll in courses defined as the core curriculum courses. These courses include general biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and laboratory rotations. Students may be exempted from core courses by passing examinations prepared by the instructors for each course. During the major emphasis phase, students complete advanced courses and begin research in either the department of biochemistry, biomedical sciences, microbiology, pharmacology or physiology. The major emphasis phase ends when the student passes comprehensive examinations, thereby designating the student a candidate for the Ph.D. degree.
Most students require at least two years to complete the major emphasis phase.
During the dissertation phase, the student completes the research begun during the major emphasis phase and writes a dissertation on the research. The student must present a public seminar on the dissertation research and complete an oral examination testing his or her knowledge of the methodologies and findings of the dissertation project. D. program is offered jointly by the School of Medicine and the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The MSPH program is jointly sponsored by one of the Community Health Sciences in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine of the School of Medicine and the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The departments that participate in the graduate programs are housed on three floors of the West Basic Sciences Center.