research
graduate program

 

In general, students will be advised by faculty in the program through which they enter. They will help entering students in the design of their curriculum in the first two or three semesters.   Based on his or her academic background and research inclination, the student may be advised to take courses which will overcome insufficiencies in various aspects of biology, chemistry or mathematics. The curriculum is very flexible, but usually includes graduate courses in genetics, cell and developmental biology, biochemistry, mathematics and computer science. A broad range of courses is offered through the departments of Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, and Pharmacology.

Soon after entering the program, students begin the first of three rotations in laboratories of their choosing within the Cell and Molecular Biology group. The purpose of laboratory rotations is to acquaint the student with potential mentors, the scientific questions addressed, and the research approach employed. The usual rotation will last three or four months. Students may begin their graduate career in June rather than September if they desire to spend the first summer in a laboratory rotation. At the end of the third rotation, the student will choose his or her research advisor and will become a member of the department or program with which his or her mentor is affiliated. The doctoral degree will be awarded from that department or program. Department degree requirements for Cell and Molecular Biology students are modified somewhat to reflect the character of the training program. There are no foreign language requirements for the doctoral degree in any affiliated department or program. Qualifying examinations take the form of written examinations, oral research proposals, or both, depending upon the particular department.

In addition to formal course work and informal laboratory research discussions, the graduate student can attend a wealth of special seminars given by distinguished visitors. Active seminar programs in all departments provide expert knowledge in every area of modern biological science, and are an integral part of the general education of a research scientist. There is a monthly Data Club Dinner that all CMB students attend. During the dinner 2 students present their lab work to the group.  There is also a seminar series run entirely by students which bring in speakers from all over the country. These informal talks are presented from a didactic point of view and serve as mini courses in areas of special interest to the graduate students.

More program and application information can be found at the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program webpage (http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/bims/home.cfm .