| Biology, Molecular and Cellular |
The First Two Years• Graduate students in Molecular and Cellular Biology enter one of two training programs: The Molecules, Cells and Organisms Training Program (MCO) is comprised of faculty members from MCB as well as the departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB); Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB); and Stem Cells and Regenerative Biology (SCRB). The Engineering and Physical Biology Training Program (EPB) includes faculty from MCB and the Department of Physics and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).
Coursework• Students in the MCO Training Program are required to take three introductory courses in the first term that correspond to three training program tracks: Genetics, Genomics and Evolutionary Biology; Physical, Chemical and Molecular Biology; and Cellular, Neuro- and Developmental Biology. By the beginning of the second term, students declare a track and are then required to take at least two elective courses in that track (the second track elective may be completed in the second year). Students must also take a course in Quantitative Methods such as MCB 111, ordinarily completed by the end of the first year. Electives are selected primarily from Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) department offerings, as well as other offerings in departments participating in the MCO Training Program. Students select courses in consultation with their neutral advisor, faculty designated as track leaders, as well as the Director of Graduate Studies. With approval of the Director of Graduate Studies, students may cross-register in courses offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). • Students in the EPB Training Program should speak directly to the training program faculty to devise a plan of study. • In addition to academic coursework, students must complete a course in the Responsible Conduct of Research by the end of the second year of study. • All degree candidates must maintain an average equivalent to B or better to continue in the program. Satisfactory progress is reviewed annually and students who fall below the grade minimum will ordinarily be given one term to improve their grades.
Laboratory Rotations• During their first year, students spend about 25% of their time conducting experimental research in the laboratories of faculty members. Each rotation is for eight weeks, and there is an option for a fourth rotation following the end of the second term. Additionally, some students pursue an additional rotation during the summer preceding their first year. Both the summer rotation and the additional rotation at the end of the second term require special permission. Students select the laboratories in which they wish to rotate; however, the Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Training Program Director make final decisions. At least two laboratory rotations must be with faculty participating in the student's training program. Rotations with non-training program faculty require approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. During the laboratory rotations, students are able to interact with individual faculty members and explore possible subjects for future dissertation research. • In addition to regular coursework, students register for MCB 300 once in each of the first two terms. MCB 300 is the course number designated for all laboratory rotations.
Nanocourses• At least one Nanocourse will be offered in each of the three tracks in the Molecules, Cells and Organisms Training Program during the course of an academic year. Participation in nanocourses is required for all students in the MCO Training Program.
Foreign Languages• There is no foreign language requirement for the PhD degree.
Dissertation Research• Each student arranges for a permanent faculty dissertation advisor by the end of the first academic year and begins dissertation research thereafter.
Master of Arts (AM)• Conferred as a non-terminal degree only.
Teaching• Each student is required to serve as a teaching fellow for two terms, usually one term in each of the second and third years. In one of these terms, the student must teach in one of the major undergraduate courses such as Life Sciences 1a, 1b, MCB 52, or MCB 54. For a listing of which courses are considered “major undergraduate courses” please consult the Graduate Programs Office or Director of Graduate Studies. Once required teaching has been completed, a student may, with the approval of the director of graduate studies, teach for an additional term.
Advising• At the beginning of the first year of study, each student is assigned a Neutral Advisor. The neutral advisor is chosen from a research area different from that of the student’s, so that the advisor may serve as a sounding board and general guide. Although many students indicate an area of interest during the application process, interests can change during the first year of graduate study. The neutral advisor serves as a resource during the important decision-making process of the first year, as well as during the entire training period. • By the end of the first year of study and after at least three laboratory rotations, each student declares a home lab and a faculty advisor. • Before the end of the second year, students select a dissertation committee in consultation with their faculty advisor. The dissertation advisory committee consists of at least two training program faculty members, and the Chair of the student's committee must be a senior faculty member. The third member may be chosen from another department or school. The faculty advisor may be present at all committee meetings and at the dissertation defense meeting, but may not be part of it. An om-buds committee composed of two faculty members is in place should problems arise between student and advisor.
Candidacy Examinations and Evaluation• In the spring of the second year, each MCB student assembles a committee of three of more faculty for the candidacy examination. The student delivers a written dissertation proposal and the subsequent oral examination is conducted in the form of a “chalk talk.” It centers on the dissertation proposal and also explores the student’s foundation knowledge in the chosen discipline. Visual aids are limited to a maximum of two slides. If the student fails, the examination may be repeated once. • Students accepted to candidacy arrange to meet annually with their dissertation committee for a formal report on the progress of their research.
DissertationDissertation Defense• Three to four years of full-time research are usually required for completion of the PhD degree. Students are expected to complete the program in their fifth year of study. Support is not provided beyond the sixth year. • Completed research is presented for approval as a written dissertation. Candidates should submit a copy of their dissertation to each member of their dissertation committee at least two weeks prior to their defense. • Granting of the degree requires the approval of the candidate’s dissertation committee members, who review the dissertation and examine the student on the contents of the dissertation. Candidates will also be called upon to demonstrate the ability to formulate and defend original ideas on scientific topics not directly related to the subject of the dissertation.
Dissertation• The dissertation should include an abstract of not more than 350 words, stating the purpose, main results, and research conclusions. • Procedures and requirements for the final dissertation manuscript are described in The Form of the PhD Dissertation that is available at the Registrar’s office or online. |