There is no language requirement. Graduate courses in the departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pathology, and other departments are available for those students seeking special preparation in these areas. The preliminary examination and oral examination scheduled at the end of the second year stress written and oral command of selected scientific disciplines rather than a broad comprehensive test of the field. During subsequent years, students focus on the execution of an independent research project, under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students are usually required to serve as laboratory assistants for one semester each during their second and third year.
Most students complete the work for the Ph.D. in five to six years.
DNA structure, function, and interactions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, including chromosome structure, replication, recombination, repair, and genome fluidity. Three lecture hours. Prerequisites, at least one undergraduate course in both biochemistry and genetics and permission of the instructor. RNA structure, function, and processing in biological systems including transcription, gene regulation, translation, protein and RNA transport. Open only to dental students.