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Doctoral Program

In the doctoral program of the Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology academic requirements are divided into two different areas: course work and dissertation studies. Required course work in the first year provides students with advanced knowledge in the areas of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology. Students also learn to critically evaluate research and practice presentation skills through a four quarter journal club course. Electives, taken in the first and second years, are required to provide more in-depth knowledge in several disciplines of the student's choice. In preparation for selecting a laboratory for their dissertation work, first year students are also expected to do a minimum of two research rotations. In these rotations (typically lasting 6-10 weeks) students begin to learn both the technical and the critical analytical aspects of performing research at the bench. An academic mentor will be appointed for each new student to guide him/her through the first year until a dissertation advisor is chosen.

Once a student chooses a permanent research advisor, dissertation research toward the Ph.D. can begin in earnest, under the guidance of both the advisor and a Dissertation Committee. The candidacy (or qualifying) examination is taken at an appropriate point during the second year. This exam takes the form of a written research proposal, followed by an oral defense of the proposal before a candidacy examination committee. In the final years of study, students meet at least yearly (often more frequently) with their Dissertation Committee to assess progress in research and maturity as a scientist. Graduation occurs after the student's dissertation is written, approved, and defended at an open seminar. During their research years students will be expected to present research findings at seminars, poster forums, and at national and international meetings, and to publish their data in peer-reviewed journals.

Students should anticipate the completion of their graduate work in about five years of full-time study. The minimum requirement for a doctoral degree from the University of Cincinnati is three years of full-time graduate study. Eligibility for graduation requires a minimum of 135 graduate credits, the last 45 of which must be completed at the University of Cincinnati.

Doctoral Program Coursework (taken during Years 1 & 2)

  • Molecular Biology of the Cell I: Proteins and Enzymes
  • Introduction to Molecular Genetics
  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Proteins: Structure, Function and Engineering
  • Graduate Seminar: Journal Club (Autumn/Winter/Spring, Year 1; Autumn, Year 2)

In addition to the required courses listed above, students will complete four elective classes in specialized topics (hours variable, but not less than 10 credit hours). Examples of such elective courses include:

  • Advanced Molecular Genetics: Gene Regulation
  • Structural Biology
  • Pathogenic Mechanisms
  • Mechanisms of Signal Transduction

Financial aid
All doctoral students not already receiving a scholarship from a national or international institute, foundation or organization, will receive a stipend (or Graduate Assistantship) worth $23,000 for the academic year 2009/2010. In addition, there is full remission of tuition, plus payment of additional student fees and single student health insurance. These awards are renewed annually for all students who remain in good academic standing, for a total of five years. No service-related functions (e.g., teaching and laboratory assistantships) are required. All students are expected to devote full-time (12 months per year) to their academic and research training.

Several opportunities exist for the awarding of special fellowships or scholarships - not only are these prestigious awards but they carry a modest increase in stipend levels in addition. Examples include the University Distinguished Graduate Fellowships, the College of Medicine Functional Genomics Fellowships, and the Albert J. Ryan Foundation Fellowships (awarded jointly to students at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Dartmouth College and Harvard University). These awards can be applied for through the UC Graduate School and Financial Aid department.