Courses and Requirements for the MCDB Training Track
The graduate training track in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology provides intensive training in the skills necessary to begin outstanding research and teaching careers in modern biology. The goal of the program is to produce graduates with both a broad foundation in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, as well as in-depth knowledge and skills in the specific area of their thesis research. New trainees undertake rigorous core coursework that emphasizes critical evaluation of scientific models and experimental results. New trainees also participate in three seven-week laboratory rotations and at the end of the first year initiate independent research, which ultimately leads to a dissertation. Second-year students take an oral qualifying exam. Graduate students work under the direct supervision of one of thirty-eight affiliated faculty members in a highly interactive, collaborative research environment. All students participate in a variety of seminars, advanced special topics courses, and research group meetings designed to provide continuing learning opportunities.
General Requirements
- Coursework: Students take 9 courses – 7 core courses and 2 electives (approved electives listed in graduate handbook)
- Research Rotations: Students complete 3 rotations in different laboratories during the 1st year
- Rotation Seminar: Students present a talk at the end of each rotation in the 1st year.
- Teaching: Students must fulfill no less than 2 TAships in their graduate career.
- Oral Qualifying Exam: Exam is taken at the end of the 2nd year.
- Research Seminar: Students formally present their research at the end of the 3rd year.
- Thesis Advisory Committee: Students must meet with their Thesis Advisory Committee at least once a year.
- Doctoral Dissertation: Students must submit a doctoral thesis to their Thesis Advisory Committee.
- Oral Dissertation Defense: Students must present a formal departmental seminar on their thesis research.
Required Coursework
Required Core Courses:
| BIOL 200A | Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature |
| BIOL 200E | Experimental Design |
| BIOL 200F | Logic and Approaches to Scientific Discovery |
| BIOL 215 | Applied Statistics for Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology |
| BIOL 288 | Pedagogy in STEM |
| BIOL 289 | Practice of Science |
| BIOL 230 | Grant Writing (Year 2) |
Students must also take 2 electives during their graduate career. Approved graduate electives can be found in the Graduate Handbook.
For additional questions specific to the MCD Biology training track, please email the MCDB Graduate Program Adviser, Carrie Niblett at cniblett@ucsc.edu.