Our graduate program offers a well-rounded curriculum designed to provide a strong foundation across physical sciences, biological sciences, and biophysics. Students will gain proficiency in key concepts like quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, biochemistry, and cell biology. The coursework is flexible and customizable, allowing students to work with faculty advisors to tailor their studies according to their academic background and career goals. This may include exploring advanced topics and choosing electives that enhance their understanding of various scientific fields. Typically, students complete their coursework by the end of their second year, ensuring they are well-prepared for future research or professional opportunities in the sciences.
General Timetable to Ph.D. Conferral
The General Timetable to Ph.D. Conferral provides a year-by-year overview of coursework and program requirements in our Ph.D. program. As part of these requirements, students should expect to complete two key assessments, the Checkpoint 1 and Checkpoint 2 Exams.
The Checkpoint 1 Exam, conducted in the spring of the first year, requires students to demonstrate their qualification to advance in the Ph.D. program by analyzing primary research articles and writing a two-page NSF GRSP-style research proposal based on a related topic. A student officially becomes a Ph.D. candidate once they pass this exam.
By the end of the second year, the Checkpoint 2 Exam must be completed, involving a defense of a student's thesis proposal before their dissertation committee. The goal of this exam is to ensure that students possess the necessary formal background to successfully implement their proposed research project(s).
