Molecular Structure and Signaling (PhD)

The goal of the PhD program in Molecular Structure and Signaling is to train students to become future leaders in biomedical and related fields. The Molecular Structure and Signaling program includes structural biology of proteins, lipids and nucleotides and signaling mechanisms by these molecules. The program encourages students to tackle important molecular problems with a high degree of difficulty and learn about creative thinking, experimental design and problem-solving skills. The Molecular Structure and Signaling program emphasizes elucidation of novel mechanisms and insights into important biomedical problems. In addition, the program promotes its students to become master communicators in science. Prior to graduation, PhD students must demonstrate their understanding of the research, elucidation of a novel structure and/or signaling mechanism and a clear interpretation of its potential for developing novel diagnostics and therapeutics.

Molecular Structure and Signaling students are required to complete: INTD 549 , INTD 571 , INTD 575  and INTD 600 . Other courses may be substituted with the approval of the Molecular Structure and Signaling executive committee. In the second and subsequent years, students are required to register in INTD 575  every fall and spring semester. INTD 600  must be taken every fall and spring semester in years two through four. In addition, students are required to complete at least 4 units of MSS 794a Doctoral Dissertation ,  MSS 794b Doctoral Dissertation .

PhD students must supplement course work by registering for MSS 790 Research  during the fall, spring and summer semesters as needed to complete the minimum 60 units required for the PhD program.

As part of the requirements for the PhD degree in Molecular Structure and Signaling, students must adhere to the unit/course requirements, guidance committee and dissertation committee guidelines and must complete the qualifying examination, annual research appraisal, and dissertation and oral defense as outlined in the sections following the descriptions of the PhD programs.