Integrative Molecular Biology, PhD

Degree Requirements

This is an accelerated program that provides the opportunity for students to complete their degrees in approximately 4 years. Students enter the Program in the summer session, and after performing three rotations identify an advisor and area of research. Areas of research focus include Genomics, Proteomics, and Gene Function and Cellular and Developmental Dynamics. Required course work is completed during the first year. At the end of the first year students take a comprehensive examination that includes the submission of a research proposal to national fellowship programs. Students receive career mentoring during the third and fourth years to ensure a seamless transition to the postdoctoral level. Additional information can be found at the following Web site: www.pimb.pitt.edu/curriculum.php.

A minimum of 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree is required for the PhD degree. 32 of these credits are completed taking required and elective course work, and 40 of these credits are taken as dissertation research credits upon completing the comprehensive examination and advancing to candidacy. Required course work includes the following:

• MSIMB 2000 or
• IMB 2000 - LABORATORY RESEARCH ROTATIONS - 9 credits - taken in the summer prior to the first year

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• INTBP 2290 - SCIENTIFIC ETHICS AND THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH - taken during the summer of the second year
• BIOST 2041 - INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL METHODS 1

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• MSIMB 2050 or
• IMB 2050 - PIMB RESEARCH SEMINAR - the Department/Program Seminar and Journal Club/Conference are taken each fall and spring term until graduation

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