Institute of Molecular Biology Graduate Program

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Training Program

The goal of the graduate program is to train students to think independently, creatively, and critically about problems in contemporary molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. These skills are essential to a successful research career. Students interested in pursuing a career in teaching at the university level have the opportunity to gain substantial teaching experience.

To help them choose a laboratory in which to do their dissertation research, new graduate students rotate through three laboratories of their choice during their first year. The purpose is to introduce students to the intellectual environment in each laboratory and to familiarize them with various experimental techniques and philosophies. First-year students work with an interim advisory committee to design their own curricula of course work according to their specific background and interests. All graduate students are required to teach for at least one academic year during their graduate career; at least a portion of this teaching takes place the first year.

Students choose a laboratory in which do their dissertation research at the end of the first year. During the second year, they must pass a comprehensive examination that requires the writing and oral defense of an original research proposal. Thereafter, the primary focus is on the dissertation research.

Students also participate in journal clubs and attend seminars by invited outside speakers. Advanced students regularly present their results to colleagues here at the University of Oregon and at national and international conferences.

Financial Assistance

Students admitted into the graduate program are guaranteed four years of financial support, consisting of twelve-month stipends and tuition waivers. In practice, students who make satisfactory progress toward their degree routinely receive support from the time they join the program until they receive their Ph.D. Stipend levels are adjusted annually to be competitive with those offered by other major research institutions. Sources of support include research assistantships, graduate teaching fellowships, and federally supported training grants.

Training Grants

Several training grants are available to provide support for students, to fund student travel, to bring in outside speakers, and to enhance the overall training program. Students admitted to the training program will automatically be considered for support by an appropriate training grant.

Admission

The graduate program is designed for students working toward a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The major criterion for admission is the student's potential for a successful research career. Because only academic departments at the University of Oregon can confer degrees, students should apply for admission to the biology, chemistry, or physics department. All admitted students are free to do laboratory rotations and choose a dissertation adviser in any department or research institute. However, because teaching is generally done within the admitting department, students should apply to the department that they feel best matches their background and interests.

Applications from members of minority groups are strongly encouraged. Admission and application materials are available at the following mailing and website addresses.

The application deadline for Biology is December 15^th for admission in September of the following year.

Graduate Affairs Committee, Department of Biology,
1210 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1210

The application deadline for Chemistry and Physics is January 10^th for admission in September of the same year.

Graduate Selection Committee, Department of Chemistry,
1253 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1253

Graduate Admissions, Department of Physics,
1274 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1274

IMB Home | Department of Physics | Department of Chemistry
Department of Biology | UO Life Sciences | University of Oregon

Institute of Molecular Biology
297 Klamath Hall Hall, 1229 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1229
Telephone: 541-346-5151 Fax: 541-346-5891