Attached to this Description Program of Study Washington University, by virtue of its interdisciplinary graduate program and highly interactive and collaborative environment, is ideally suited for training and research in molecular microbiology and microbial pathogenesis.
Students typically begin the program by enrolling in two core courses during the first semester.
In addition, to learn about various areas of research, first-year students choose three research rotations of three months' duration each. Students may enroll in special topics courses, including journal clubs, at any time during their studies. After taking a qualifying examination, the student chooses a thesis committee and submits a formal thesis proposal. Students are encouraged to complete and defend their dissertations no later than the fifth year of graduate study. Research Facilities Extensive modern facilities for research, including books, journals, and computer services relevant to modern biology, are located on both the Hilltop and Medical campuses.