Molecular and Evolutionary Systems Biology (Ph.D.)

Program Overview

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The Ph.D. in Molecular and Evolutionary Systems Biology (MESB) program trains students to become independent researchers and educators in the field. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research, deep knowledge in specific disciplines, and technical, professional, and personal skills. Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in academia, industry, or government research, and successful careers in teaching and research at the college and university level.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Ph.D. in Molecular and Evolutionary Systems Biology (MESB) is a coherently-designed doctoral program that promotes interdisciplinary research, deep knowledge in specific disciplines, and technical, professional, and personal skills needed by 21st-century scientists and educators. Graduates of the program are equipped for leadership roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic and government research laboratories, and successful careers in teaching and research at the college and university level.

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Objectives:

• Train students to become independent researchers and educators in the field of molecular and evolutionary systems biology
• Provide students with a strong foundation in the core areas of molecular and evolutionary biology, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct interdisciplinary research
• Prepare students for careers in academia, industry, or government research

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Program Description:

The MESB program emphasizes interdisciplinary research training, including co-mentorship across traditional disciplines. Students are exposed to a wide range of research areas through laboratory rotations upon entry to the program and through weekly graduate student seminar presentations and a departmental seminar series of invited speakers. The program also places a strong emphasis on the ethical, legal, and social implications of bioscience research.

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Outline:

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Course Schedule:

The MESB program consists of a required core curriculum of courses in scientific communication, applied bioinformatics, and ethical, legal, and social implications of modern biotechnology. Students also take a variety of elective courses in their areas of specialization. The specific course schedule will vary depending on the student's research interests.

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Modules:

The core curriculum of the MESB program is divided into the following modules:

• Scientific Communication: This module provides students with the skills necessary to communicate their research effectively in a variety of formats, including oral presentations, written reports, and grant proposals.
• Applied Bioinformatics: This module provides students with the skills necessary to use bioinformatics tools to analyze biological data.
• Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Modern Biotechnology: This module explores the ethical, legal, and social implications of modern biotechnology research and its applications.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Coursework: Students are assessed on their coursework through a variety of methods, including exams, papers, and presentations.
• Research proposal: Students must submit a research proposal for their dissertation research.
The proposal is evaluated by the student's guidance committee.
• Qualifying examination: Students must pass a written qualifying examination that covers the core areas of molecular and evolutionary biology.
• Dissertation: Students must complete a dissertation that is based on their original research.
The dissertation is defended before a committee of faculty members.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Coursework: Students are evaluated on their coursework based on their understanding of the course material, their ability to communicate their knowledge, and their overall academic performance.
• Research proposal: The research proposal is evaluated based on its originality, significance, and feasibility.
• Qualifying examination: The qualifying examination is evaluated based on the student's knowledge of the core areas of molecular and evolutionary biology.
• Dissertation: The dissertation is evaluated based on its originality, significance, and the student's ability to conduct independent research.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The MESB program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, seminars, and laboratory rotations. The program also emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, such as research projects and internships.

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Faculty:

The MESB program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in research in a variety of areas of molecular and evolutionary biology. The faculty members are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education and are committed to helping students achieve their career goals.

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Unique Approaches:

• Interdisciplinary Research Training: The MESB program emphasizes interdisciplinary research training, including co-mentorship across traditional disciplines.
This provides students with the opportunity to work with faculty members from a variety of backgrounds and to develop a broad understanding of the field.
• Laboratory Rotations: Upon entry to the program, students complete laboratory rotations to become familiar with different research laboratories.
This provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of research areas and to identify potential mentors for their dissertation research.
• Emphasis on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications: The MESB program places a strong emphasis on the ethical, legal, and social implications of bioscience research.
This provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex ethical issues that arise in the field of molecular and evolutionary biology.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

Graduates of the MESB program are prepared for a variety of careers in academia, industry, and government research. Some of the most common career paths include:

• Research Scientist: Graduates can work as research scientists in academia, industry, or government research laboratories.
• Professor: Graduates can teach and conduct research at colleges and universities.
• Industry Scientist: Graduates can work as scientists in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Government Scientist: Graduates can work as scientists in government research laboratories or agencies.
• Science Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as science policy analysts in government or non-profit organizations.

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Opportunities:

Graduates of the MESB program have the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting research projects, including:

• Molecular evolution of viruses: Students can study the molecular evolution of viruses, including their origins, transmission, and virulence.
• Genomics and bioinformatics: Students can use genomics and bioinformatics tools to study the structure and function of genes and genomes.
• Microbial ecology and evolution: Students can study the ecology and evolution of microbes, including their interactions with each other and with their environment.

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Outcomes:

Graduates of the MESB program have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and government research. Many of our graduates have published their research in top scientific journals and have received prestigious awards and fellowships.