Course Work: The primary aim of the graduate program is to train students to do independent, original and creative research. To allow the student to tailor a program of study to his or her own needs, the required course work is minimal, comprising a single core course, Principles in Cell Biology; electives are chosen in consultation with the advisory committee. Because teaching is an important scholarly activity, students are required to teach one semester in a course of the student's choosing, subject to the approval of the advisory committee.

Laboratory rotations: An integral part of the graduate program are a series of research rotations during the first year. The students may use this opportunity to improve technical skills, to broaden research experience, and to choose a dissertation advisor.

Research Seminars: The Department has established a continuing series of student research colloquia to give students experience in formal presentation of scientific results.

Journal Club: Students and faculty meet weekly to present and discuss current articles from scientific literature.

Departmental Seminar Series: In addition to the formal course work, graduate students are strongly encouraged to attend the weekly departmental seminar series. Students can also benefit from the active seminar series and symposia in related life sciences departments.

 Preliminary Examination: In accordance with Graduate College requirements the Department administers a preliminary examination to all students. This examination has two parts, written and oral. The written preliminary examination is a comprehensive test of the student in his or her chosen course work. The oral examination consists of a presentation based on a written proposal focusing on his or her dissertation research which is in the form of an NIH or NSF grant proposal. Questioning emphasizes the student's knowledge of the chosen research area.

Dissertation and Final Examination: Students are required to complete a dissertation based on original research completed in the laboratory of a faculty member. The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation.