MCDB博士课程的理念是为学生提供分子和细胞生物学方面最新知识的坚实基础，同时还可以提供灵活性，以便学生可以选择自己的探究途径，侧重于个人研究。MCDB博士课程的平均完成时间为5 1/2至6年。在第一年，研究生完成了核心课程，并在MCDB实验室进行了三个10周的轮换。在选择了实验室和论文导师之后，研究生们开始进行论文研究，并在第二年完成课程学习并进行初试。由于该计划的重点主要放在研究培训上，因此根据个人需求定义了进一步的课程要求，使学生可以从MCDB和其他部门提供的广泛课程中进行选择。此外，学生在整个博士
The philosophy of the MCDB doctoral program is to provide students with a solid foundation of current knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, but also to allow flexibility so that students may choose their own path of inquiry, focusing on individual research. The MCDB PhD program has an average completion time of 5 1/2 to 6 years. During year 1, graduate students complete a core set of courses and also conduct three 10-week rotations in MCDB laboratories. After choosing a lab and thesis advisor, graduate students begin their dissertation research, and during year 2, complete their coursework and take preliminary examinations. Because the emphasis of the program is largely on training in research, further coursework requirements are defined on the basis of individual needs, enabling students to select from the wide range of courses offered by MCDB and other departments. In addition, students participate in journal clubs and seminars during their entire PhD tenure. At the beginning of their 3rd year, student proficiency in designing a research project and critical thinking is tested by passing a qualifying examination that results in Advancement to Candidacy. Years 4 and 5 are focused on completion of PhD research, including writing and defending a dissertation. For specific guidelines, go to PhD Requirements.