During the first year, students complete the core curriculum course work and three laboratory rotations. A statistics course and three advanced electives complete the course requirements. In the second year, students write and orally defend a theoretical research proposal as the first part of a two-part qualifying examination. After choosing a dissertation adviser, they prepare for their second exam at the end of the third year. This involves obtaining preliminary data for the dissertation project and formulating and orally presenting a plan for completion of the research.
Students generally receive their Ph.D. in the fifth year.
Course Work Course work consists of several required classes in addition to a minimum of 15 units of electives. The required course work consists of systemic physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, molecular pharmacology, biostatistics, and ethics in research. Required classes are generally completed by the end of the first year. In addition to the course work, both a minor and major proposition are required. The minor proposition is generally completed by the end of the second year.