CMB Ph.D. training is individually developed according to the student's research background and scientific interests. A typical Ph.D. timeline in CMB is as follows:
1st-Year PIBS/G0 MSTP (Rotation Year, Pre-Candidate)
- Lab rotations (at least 2 for MSTP and 3 for PIBS; additional possible) - from July before to end of academic year
- PIBS and core coursework - Fall & Winter semesters
- Training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) - Fall semester (PIBS 503)
- Training in Rigor, Reproducibility and Transparency (RRT) - Winter semester (PIBS 504)
- Selection of dissertation advisor - by end of academic year
- Student seminar (CMB 850) if interested in CMB - Fall and/or Winter semester
- For the most recent PIBS curriculum and rotation information, visit the PIBS website.
2nd-Year/G1 MSTP (Pre-Candidate; First Year as a CMB Student)
- Core coursework - finish by Fall semester (before prelim exams in Winter)
- Student seminar (CMB 850) - attend throughout graduate training
- Presentation of first seminar for CMB 850 - by end of 2nd/G1 year
- Short course (CMB 630) - may begin taking short courses (4 required before defense)
- Preliminary exam - Winter of 2nd/G1 year
- Advancement to candidacy - end of 2nd/G1 year, once passing oral/written prelim exam
- Formation of dissertation committee - immediately after passing prelim exam
- Attend CMB dissertation defenses - 4 per academic year required
3rd Year and Later/G2+ MSTP - (CMB Candidate)
- Dissertation committee meetings - by 6 months after candidacy, and every 6 months thereafter
- Student seminar (CMB 850) - attend throughout graduate training
- Short courses (CMB 630) - at least 4 required before defending
- Teaching (one term) - typically during 3rd/G2 or 4th/G3 year
- Attend dissertation defenses - attend 4 per academic year
- Write and defend dissertation, complete Ph.D. requirements - with target of end of 5th year/G4 MSTP. (CMB Average Time to Degree: 5.5 years - including PIBS year.)
More details are available in the CMB Handbook (see CMB Policies page), or on the CMB Curriculum page.
For MSTP students, CMB recognizes the contribution of some medical school coursework to their graduate education and individualizes their curricula accordingly.