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The overall goal of the Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) Program is to equip students with the background and research training needed to contribute to the rapidly evolving and exciting areas of research in cell and developmental biology. We anticipate that this experience will serve as a foundation for a career in academics and/or the biotechnology industry. The primary emphasis of the CDB Program is on original research and the development of the student as an independent investigator. We seek to provide a strong background in cell and developmental biology and related fields. This objective is achieved through a combination of formal coursework in the first year, graduate colloquia, various seminar series, and journal clubs. Considerable time and attention are devoted to the primary literature and how to read, write and converse in the language of science. During the first year, the student is also introduced to the research experience through research rotations that are intended to facilitate the selection of a laboratory and mentor for dissertation research. The second year completes the transition from more didactic learning to increased dependence on the scientific literature and immersion in hypothesis-based laboratory research. Beyond Year-2 and following completion of a comprehensive examination and defense of a dissertation proposal, the student’s time is devoted mainly to dissertation research. Guidance is provided by the student’s mentor and through regular meetings with the dissertation committee. This phase of training also includes vigorous participation by the student in the intellectual life of the CDB Program by attending seminars and participating in colloquia, advanced courses (within and outside the university), research in progress meetings, and journal clubs. The goal is the emergence of the student as an investigator-scholar in cell and developmental biology who is proficient in both quality bench research and effective communication of results and information. Achievement is validated by preparation and publication of research findings in high visibility peer-reviewed journals. The training culminates with the writing, successful defense and public presentation of the dissertation with the Ph.D. degree ultimately being awarded by the mentor’s academic department. |