Doctoral studies in biology at Saint Louis University emphasize intensive research training under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. Once a biology Ph.D. student at SLU successfully completes required coursework and the written and oral qualifying examinations, he or she is expected to design and conduct an original research project and to work independently. The student will be required to present his or her work at local and/or national professional meetings and may also be expected to seek external funding to support the research project. Ideally, the student's research will result in publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Past biology Ph.D. students at SLU have gone on to careers as research scientists, teachers, university faculty, and in various capacities in pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.