Courses and Course Requirements Incoming MCO students are required to take three core courses during the first semester, corresponding to three track concentrations: Genetics, Genomics and Evolutionary Biology (MCB 291); Cellular, Neuro and Developmental Biology (MCB 292); and Physical, Chemical and Molecular Biology (MCB 293). The objective of these courses is to provide students with a broad foundation in the life science disciplines and prepare them for a future in science that will undoubtedly draw from many disciplines in biology. In addition, these courses will help students choose a specific track for elective courses to be taken in the second semester, and to choose their lab rotations. Students also enroll in MCB 300, the course designated for lab rotations (explained below). By the spring of the G1 year, students choose one of the three MCO tracks, depending on their area of interest and will enroll in two elective courses in their chosen track. All currently approved track electives are listed below. In addition, a course in quantitative methods and approaches to biological problems is required in the second semester of the first year (MCB 111). A placement test is held prior to students enrolling in MCB 111. The intent of the quantitative requirement is to strengthen the mathematical skills necessary to approach complex problems in modern biology. The corresponding foundational courses associated with each MCO track include the following:
The corresponding foundational quantitative course is required for all MCO students:
MCO Student/Faculty Journal Club (First and Second Year)
Laboratory Rotations All students must complete at least three eight-week laboratory rotations, two of which must be in laboratories with faculty members who are participating in their training program. Trainees are allotted significant flexibility in scheduling these rotations, as they are essential in finding the right laboratory fit – both intellectually and personally. The rotations expose trainees to the practices of a number of different labs outfitting future scientists with the broad intellectual framework they will inevitably draw on as they conduct cutting edge science in subsequent years. Students must enroll in MCB 300 once each semester during the G1 year. MCB 300 is the course designated for lab rotations.
Teaching Ordinarily in their second and third year, students are required to serve as teaching fellows (TFs) for two terms. In one of these terms, students teach one of the major undergraduate courses and lead their own discussion section; in another term, students can teach for a more advanced course with heavier emphasis on reading and research. It is not required that students TF for one of these courses before the other, but both assignments should be completed by the end of the G3 year. Once required teaching has been completed, students may elect to teach for additional terms with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.
Thesis Research and Acceptance for Candidacy Working with the faculty, students identify their permanent faculty sponsor and begin thesis research at the end of the first semester. Four to five years of full-time research are usually required for completion of the Ph.D. degree. Completed research work is presented for approval as a written thesis. A student is formally evaluated twice during the course of his or her studies in the MCB graduate program, once at the G2 Candidacy Exam and again at the Dissertation Defense.. In the spring of the second year, each student’s progress is evaluated by a committee of three faculty members chosen in consultation with the student, the thesis supervisor and the Graduate Committee. A written progress report is prepared and discussed in the meeting, outlining research results and a timeline for completing the thesis. The committee gives written feedback to facilitate the timely completion of the degree. Formal acceptance of the student as a candidate for the Ph.D. degree is contingent upon the continued approval of the committee. During subsequent years, students must arrange to meet at least annually with their thesis committee to discuss the progress of his/her research.
Seminars and the Annual Retreat The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology hosts a variety of events designed to foster scientific and professional interactions. Our weekly seminars bring invited lecturers from around the world to discuss their current research with students. Training program seminars offer graduate students and postdoctoral fellows the opportunity to discuss their work with faculty and peers in an informal setting. There is an annual two-day scientific retreat held off-campus each autumn which is attended by the faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. While enjoying the beautiful scenery of New England, the retreat offers faculty and students the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss their research in both formal and informal settings.
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