Biological sciences offer a complete education in modern biology, ranging from molecular structure and mechanisms to cells, microorganisms, animals, plants, and clinical applications. Graduate students have the opportunity of working not only in their specific fields of interest, but also in related areas. Interdisciplinary work across traditional departmental boundaries is prevalent, and a wide array of seminar programs exists. Graduate training in the biological sciences is organized through both departments and programs. The majority of students begin training in the department that ultimately awards them a doctoral degree, but in many cases university programs are used as a point of entry.
Students are free to transfer between departments.
Graduate training is an ongoing process by which all students are encouraged to pursue their intellectual curiosities. Because it is acknowledged that some of the most exciting research today crosses many fields, it is imperative that graduate students be afforded broad training opportunities. The University Programs in Biological Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biophysics, Molecular Cancer Biology, and Toxicology are mechanisms that help facilitate cross-disciplinary training and collaboration. Besides the departments mentioned above, there are faculty in chemistry that participate in these programs. Students can be accepted into a program and be trained in a particular field, such as cell and molecular biology, and can draw on the expertise of faculty in almost every department in the University.