First Year
The PGP student enters with all other students accepted into the GPiBS. Students will enroll in the combined integrated curriculum for all first year students. In addition, students will typically finish three rotations in laboratories affiliated with the GPiBS. A list of the Pathology Graduate Program Faculty Mentors and a description of their research interests can be found by following the hyperlinks. Please note that not all Pathology graduate faculty mentors serve as GPiBS faculty mentors.
Second Year
The student successfully completing the GPiBS curriculum (i.e. achieving no less than a "B" grade in course work and having completed 3 rotations) and choosing to perform their dissertation research in the PGP will select a faculty mentor (see below: Selecting a Major/Dissertation Advisor affiliated with pathology and an advisory committee.
In the fall semester of year 2 the student will be enrolled in advanced courses of study including Principles of Pathobiology and other advanced electives that will complement his/her planned course of study. The student will also attend weekly seminars, an advanced journal club, and be actively involved in research in his/her mentor's laboratory. On successful completion of this course work the student will be expected to prepare for the General or Qualifying exam. The student must pass both written and oral qualifying exams to be admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.
In the spring semester of year 2, the student will prepare a mock grant proposal that is not directly related to his/her final dissertation. This will constitute the written portion of the General exam. The student will be required to defend this proposal at the oral exam. Emphasis at the oral exam will be placed on the ability of the student to synthesize and apply information to investigative endeavors. Successful completion of both written and oral components are required before the student can advance to candidacy.
Subsequent Years
The student will be primarily involved in his/her dissertation research. Participation in journal club and seminars is also required. Any extra course work deemed necessary by the student's advisor may also be taken any time during these subsequent years. Within 6 months of advancing to candidacy, the student must submit a research proposal based on his/her proposed research dissertation.