Requirement for the PhD Degree

Students must fulfill the following requirements to earn a Ph.D. degree.

Satisfactory knowledge of biochemistry and genetics. These requirements are normally satisfied by completion of Biochemistry 223 and MBM 220 in the first semester of the first year, but can also be satisfied by passing exemption exams in these topics.

Satisfactory performance in elective courses chosen by the student with the advice of the first year advisor, and after the first year, the thesis committee. Elective courses can be chosen from those taught through the Molecular Microbiology program, other programs at the Sackler School, or other universities that allow cross-registration of Sackler School graduate students. Didactic coursework is usually finished in the first two years.

Satisfactory completion of a course in physical biochemistry. The Sackler School offers 'Molecular Recognition in Biology', BCH 231A.

Satisfactory knowledge of microbial physiology, pathogenic microbiology, prokaryotic molecular genetics, and eukaryotic molecular genetics. The Sackler School offers two or three courses in each of these areas. Completion of one "selective" in each area fulfills this requirement.

Annual participation in Journal Club (MBM 293/294) and Graduate Seminar (MBM291/292).

Successful completion of the qualifying exam.

Formal training in scientific ethics, which can be acquired by completing MBM 275.

Successful defense of a thesis that describes original research as determined by the thesis committee and an outside examiner.