The MCB Program lowers interdisciplinary barriers and allows each individual the opportunity to select the most suitable mentor. They are brought together weekly for scientific seminars where the opportunity for interacting with students and faculty members from other departments is available. MCB students do research rotations in three laboratories during the first year. After their third rotation, students choose a research adviser and convene a Ph.D. program committee. The second year of study includes advanced courses in areas of emphasis, written and oral preliminary examinations, and thesis research.
Students serve as teaching assistants during the first or second year.
The program requires four to five years to complete, and continuous participation at seminars and journal clubs is expected. Most of the laboratories in the MCB Program are housed in three interconnected buildings and are fully equipped for research in all areas of modern molecular and cell biology. Close physical proximity fosters extensive scientific and personal communication essential to the success of a multidisciplinary program. Electron and confocal light microscope facilities are available. Excellent centralized computing resources dedicated to biological computing are available to students on campus networks and through Xterminal laboratories.