Courses During the first semester of their first academic year, students enroll in three courses with laboratory rotations counting as a fourth course. Students are generally expected to choose from a select list of courses recommended by their particular training program. The training program committees meet with students prior to the start of each term to review and recommend interdisciplinary course offerings in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, and Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. Students may also cross-register in courses offered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Harvard Medical School. Laboratory Rotations The first year is divided into three rotation periods in which students carry out experimental research in different faculty laboratories. In addition to the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, students may apply to rotate in the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. Students may also consider a laboratory rotation at the Division of Medical Sciences at Harvard. An additional rotation during the summer preceding the first year is also an option. During laboratory rotations, students work together with individual faculty members to explore possible future thesis research topics. Teaching Generally in their second and third year, students are required to serve as teaching fellows for two terms. In one of these terms, students teach one of the major undergraduate courses required by their particular training program. Once required teaching has been completed, students may elect to teach for additional terms with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. Thesis Research and Acceptance for Candidacy Working with the faculty, students identify their permanent faculty sponsor and begin thesis research at the end of the first semester. Four to five years of full-time research are usually required for completion of the Ph.D. degree. Completed research work is presented for approval as a written thesis. A student is formally evaluated twice during the course of his or her studies in the MCB graduate program. In the spring of the second year, each student’s progress is evaluated by a committee of three faculty members chosen in consultation with the student, the thesis supervisor and the MCB Graduate Committee. A written progress report is prepared and discussed in the meeting, outlining research results and a timeline for completing the thesis. The committee gives written feedback to facilitate the timely completion of the degree. Formal acceptance of the student as a candidate for the Ph.D. degree is contingent upon the continued approval of the committee. During subsequent years, students must arrange to meet at least annually with their thesis committee to discuss the progress of his/her research. Seminars and the Annual Retreat The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology hosts a variety of events designed to foster scientific and professional interactions. Our weekly seminars bring invited lecturers from around the world to discuss their current research with students. Training program seminars offer graduate students and postdoctoral fellows the opportunity to discuss their work with faculty and peers in an informal setting. There is an annual two-day scientific retreat held off-campus each autumn which is attended by the faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. While enjoying the beautiful scenery of New England, the retreat offers faculty and students the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss their research in both formal and informal settings. |
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