Program Description, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

Coursework Requirements

Regular meetings with the Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC) before both the fall and spring terms ensure selection of appropriate courses for each individual student. Generally, first-year students enroll in three courses per semester, including the required core courses. Students are required to maintain a minimum quality point average (Q.P.A.) of  3.0.
All graduate students attend the Departmental Research Seminar and participate in the weekly Graduate Research Seminar (Journal Club). These series comprise a variety of presentations by outside scientists, Carnegie Mellon faculty and students, permitting a penetrating look at varied scientific disciplines and contemporary investigative approaches. Students also attend various informal seminars whose topics range from scientific integrity and ethics to professional development.
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Laboratory Rotations

During their first year, students rotate through the laboratories of three faculty members of their choice. By carrying out a small research project in each lab, the students gain an in-depth look at the ongoing research projects being performed in a given laboratory, the different techniques being used and the culture of each laboratory group. Each rotation experience is intended to enable the students to determine which laboratory and mentor best match their interests, and to allow the faculty to ascertain whether the student would make a positive contribution to their research program. In keeping with the Carnegie Mellon tradition of interdisciplinary scholarship, most rotations offer the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines within a single project.
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Selecting a Research Advisor

Near the end of the first year, students choose a research area in which to conduct their thesis work. Every effort is made to give students their first choice of a faculty Research Advisor; this match involves mutual agreement between the student and the faculty member, and requires approval by the Department Head. Faculty who are currently training students may hold positions in other Carnegie Mellon departments.
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Qualifying Examinations

The Graduate Student Qualifying Examinations are intended to evaluate the ability of students to (1) identify important unanswered questions in various disciplines, (2) formulate scientific hypotheses or develop methods to solve these problems, (3) design and interpret scientific experiments, and (4) write clearly and persuasively. These exams serve as an educational vehicle to enhance the training of students, and allow the faculty to assess the suitability of students to progress to the next phase of the graduate program.

The exams consist of two sections: The Comprehensive Core Exams and the Thesis Proposal Defense. The Comprehensive Core Exams are administered during the first year at the end of each module of the Core course; the Thesis Proposal Defense, which consists of the preparation and defense of a doctoral thesis proposal, is carried out by February 1 of the second year (approximately nine months after the beginning of a student’s thesis research).
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Doctoral Dissertation

Students begin research for their doctoral thesis the spring semester of their first year. The RAC meets with each student at yearly intervals to discuss progress and to provide guidance. After their second year and in all subsequent years, students present their work-in-progress at various Departmental seminars to gain additional feedback.

During the final year of research, the Thesis Committee is appointed for each student; this committee consists of the members of the RAC and an additional scientist not holding a faculty appointment in the department. To receive the Ph.D. degree, each student must write and publicly defend a Doctoral Dissertation, which should make a significant contribution to science and contain material worthy of publication.
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Teaching Requirement

Consistent with the Departmental mission of training excellent and independent researchers and educators, each student is required to work as a grader and teaching assistant (TA). Additional training for students who wish to sharpen their teaching skills is provided by the Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence.

All requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed within six years of entering the program.
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Annual Stupakoff Research Conference

In early September, the Department of Biological Sciences gathers for a conference at Camp Kon-O-Kwee, located 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. Students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty discuss their research and enjoy recreational activities in a relaxed setting. During this retreat, new graduate students have an opportunity to become well-acquainted with the department and learn in detail about the research interests of each laboratory. Faculty members and senior graduate students present informal talks, while others present posters.
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