Beginning in the second year, students have the opportunity to develop their teaching abilities by contributing to instructional Medical School courses offered by our department. As a vital part of graduate training, students refine communicative skills by presenting discussions of research literature in a weekly seminar course, Microbiology 812 . Additionally, numerous journal clubs are organized by students and faculty around special topics, including molecular pathogenesis, virology, and immunology. Graduate students also meet regularly to discuss their research activities amongst themselves in an informal, relaxed setting. These activities are complemented by frequent departmental colloquia presented by recognized scientists from leading research institutions around the nation.
Students complete preliminary examinations within two years of matriculation.
This involves the submission of three proposed research topics on a fundamental research problem and an oral examination based on the assigned proposal. Ph.D. candidacy is achieved by successfully completing the formal course work and preliminary examinations, thereby freeing students to concentrate on research projects. Research experiences of students are expected to lead to productive scholarship in the form of national meeting presentations and peer-reviewed journal publications. Degree candidates meet annually with their faculty committee to ensure continued progress towards completion of thesis project. The Ph.D. degree is granted upon submission of a written thesis and presentation of an oral defense based on the student's original, independent research.