Student Timeline and Funding
 

  • 1st Year

    • Rotate through 3 labs (if admitted through Biology)
    • Teach courses in their home department
    • Take courses (typically 1 per term)
    • Complete quarterly exams.
    • Select their dissertation lab at the end of their first year (Biology). 
    • Funding:  Students are typically funded through a TA position through their home department during their first year. Students who qualify may also apply for a T32 training grant.

  • 2nd Year

    • Assemble their dissertation advisory committee (DAC)
    • Take a qualifying exam, written in an F31 grant application format on their dissertation topic.
    • Funding: many students are funded through a T32 training grant, or their dissertation lab during their second year. 

  • 3rd Year

    • Continue their research in their dissertation lab
    • Take any supplementary courses that may enhance their research
    • Meet with their DAC to ensure they are making progress, and to address any concerns.
    • Funding: many students are funded through a T32 training grant, or their dissertation lab during their third year.

  • 4th Year

    • Continue their research in their dissertation lab
    • Take any supplementary courses that may enhance their research.
    • Meet with their DAC to ensure they are making progress, and to address any concerns.
    • Funding: many students are funded through their dissertation lab, or a TA position, during their fourth year.

  • 5th Year and beyond

    • Continue their research in their dissertation lab
    • Defend their final thesis.
    • Funding: many students are funded through their dissertation lab, or a TA position, during their final years. Average completion time for students through biology is just under 6 years (5.89 years).