Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Molecular Virology

Students entering through BSTP begin the first of three research rotations during the summer and participate in the Core Curriculum in Cell and Molecular Biology (C3MB), two integrated courses which provides formal instruction in modern cell and molecular biology. Some exceptional students with strong backgrounds, such as a previous Master’s Degree, may be eligible to be exempted from part of the Core Curriculum, and instead enroll in one or more advanced courses during the fall semester. Some students may be eligible to apply for the transfer of credit from their previous institution. Transfer credit must be requested prior to beginning coursework at CWRU. A student who chooses a thesis advisor from Cell Biology, Molecular Biology Microbiology or Molecular Virology can become a member of one of these three PhD programs. To earn a PhD a student must complete 400-level graduate Core and Elective coursework including responsible conduct of research as described in the course of study. Students in each program are expected to attend the joint student seminars (MBIO 435 Seminar in Molecular Biology/Microbiology/MVIR 435 Seminar in Molecular Biology/Microbiology/CLBY 435 Seminar in Molecular Biology/Microbiology) for at least 3 semesters (3 credit hours). Continued participation in the seminars after completion of this requirement is encouraged. Up to 4 credit hours can be allocated to the seminar course (one credit per semester). Molecular Biology and Microbiology/ Molecular Virology and Cell Biology students should take the MBIO 450 Cells and Pathogens/MVIR 450 Cells and Pathogens/CLBY 450 Cells and Pathogens. In addition, Cell Biology Students entering in 2009 or later must take two of the three following fundamental courses: (CLBY 422 Topics in Cell Biology); (CLBY 526 Cell Biology and Human Disease/MBIO 526 Cell Biology and Human Disease); or (CLBY 488 Yeast Genetics and Cell Biology). Beyond that, any combination of graduate courses from within or outside the department can be used to fulfill the requirement as long as the planned program of study has the approval of the student's advisor and committee. In addition, each PhD student must successfully complete a qualifier examination for advancement to candidacy in the form of a short grant proposal with oral defense. The qualifier is generally completed in the summer after year two. During the dissertation period, students are expected to meet twice a year with the thesis committee, present seminars in the department, and fulfill journal publication requirements. Throughout the doctoral training, students are expected to be enthusiastic participants in seminars, journal clubs, and research meetings in the lab and program.