Laboratory Rotations
Students rotate through four laboratories of their choice to become familiar with the research programs, gain technical expertise, and immediately become involved in research. In addition to the research labs in MCDB, students may also choose from labs in several of the other departments here at CU. Projects begun during laboratory rotations often develop into doctoral thesis projects. Final decisions regarding choice of research adviser and thesis topic are usually made during May of the first year.
Coursework
All graduate students are required to complete a rigorous core set of during the first and second years. These are team taught by two or more faculty members and are designed to provide advanced instruction in the areas of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, eukaryotic molecular biology, and developmental biology, including the methods and logic of contemporary research in these areas. Critical analysis and discussion of research papers from the original literature is heavily emphasized.
Teaching
Two semesters of teaching in undergraduate courses are required. These courses include Biology of the Cancer Cell, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Introduction to MCD Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Immunology, and others.
Examinations
By the end of the first-year, students must pass a preliminary examination that consists of eight exams administered over the course of the first year. The student must maintain a B average for these exams.
