Continuing Student Guide

Doctoral Survival Guide - Winter Quarter and Beyond

Written by students, by students!... with some help from faculty and the graduate program coordinator!

 

Below is a guide written by previous students for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility of students to read and understand the full degree requirements. Your Graduate Advisor and Program Coordinator can help if you have questions about official requirements. A summary of requirements is also available.

Typical Timeline

  • Year one
  • During the first year, a great deal of time is spent taking classes. This is also when you will find a permanent research home for the rest of your thesis work. A PI and permanent laboratory should be chosen by the beginning of spring quarter, at which time you should begin work on a research project.
  • Year two
  • You will complete your course requirements this year, as well as one quarter of experience as a TA.

    Before you begin your third year, you should take the Qualifying Examination. During this examination (three hours), five professors will question you. You may begin by describing your proposed dissertation research. The exam covers some general knowledge, but is mostly focused on the dissertation proposal.

  • After the QE
  • After passing your QE, you will form a Dissertation Committee composed of your PI and two additional faculty. This committee will guide your research. The committee must be approved by your academic advisor and Graduate Studies. It is important that you advance to candidacy as soon as you pass your QE. During the last two or three years, you will devote all your time to your doctoral research (taking a course load of 12 BCB 299 units each quarter). The successful completion of an original, significant research project is determined by the dissertation committee. When your dissertation is completed, the three professors sign the cover sheet. You will give an exit seminar for the group on your research (this is not a defense). This is also a great opportunity to put together a slideshow for interviews with potential employers. Then it is time to celebrate!

    Students have 12 registered quarters from the quarter they pass their QE to submit their dissertation. Students will be notified when they are close to nearing their time-to-degree. Failure to submit their dissertation will result in academic probation. Students will be given a maximum of 3 quarters to rectify and submit their dissertation. 


Overview of Doctoral Requirements

  • Complete coursework in Years 1 and 2
  • Fall quarter will go by fast, and once spring quarter approaches, it is time to start thinking about your class schedule for the next 2 years. Keep all class requirements in mind. 

    Often, the hardest part of scheduling classes is working in the areas of specialization with other required MCIP courses. 

    To keep full-time student status, you will need least 12 units per quarter. Once you are finished with coursework, you will register for 12 research units per quarter.
  • TA for one quarter
  • You are required to be a teaching assistant (TA) for one quarters in a physiology related course. The course must be approved by your academic advisor. Most students do not TA until their second year. There is an exception to the requirement for students that attain certain internal and external fellowships; check with your Graduate Advisor for more information. 

    It is mandatory that you attend the Orientation for New Teaching Assistants that is only offered in the Fall.

    You may TA for more than one quarter, if you want. TAing is an excellent way to secure funding for a quarter for those who do not have funding yet. Remember, "full" funding is normally considered a 50% position, but you only need a 25% position for full fee remission. TA positions do NOT cover your out-of-state tuition, if applicable. Out-of-state and international students who would like to TA in their first year should contact their Program Coordinator to discuss out-of-state tuition payment. 

    In order to TA, you must first attend the mandatory Orientation for New Teaching Assistants that is only offered in the Fall. You will also need to fill out an application for each of the departments that offer TAships which interest you. Apply early.  Each department has a different application process

    While individual background will dictate which departments you will feel comfortable teaching for, many BMCDB students TA across a variety of courses, such as BIS, MCB, and NPB. Leverage your, and your PI's, connections to find faculty who are seeking TAs!

  • Pass your Qualifying Exam before the start of Year 3
  • In fall of your second year, the Advising Chair and the Graduate Program Coordinator will have an informal Q&A with the cohort, where Enoch talks through his step-by-step guide to the QE

    You choose 3 members of the QE committee; Enoch chooses the other two, but you have veto power with no questions asked. Your 3 members, including the Chair, are due to Alyssa by the end of fall quarter. In winter, you will be asked to approve/veto the other 2, and all members are notified. Start scheduling early!

    In general, QEs consist of two parts: the research proposal, and the oral exam. All information and answers will be presented in "chalk talk" format. 

    In order to prepare for the QE, it is a common practice to schedule mock QEs with other BMCDB students. Try to schedule more than one mock meeting and do it in advance - this also helps you motivate and organize your studying.

    There are three possible outcomes to your Qualifying Exam: Pass, Retake , or Fail. Pass means you may advance to candidacy. Retake means you must retake part or all of your exam; you only get one retake. Fail (extremely rare) results in a disqualification from the PhD program.
  • Advance to candidacy
  • Advancing to candidacy signifies that you have met all the coursework requirements of a doctoral candidate, assembled your dissertation committee, and have only to submit your thesis.
  • File your dissertation and present your exit seminar
  • Your dissertation committee will consist of three (or four) faculty members, including your major professor. You are required to meet with them at least once a year following advancement to candidacy. Be sure to check with Graduate Studies for important dates for filing your dissertation. You will also be required to present your dissertation at an exit seminar.
  • (Optional) Volunteer in student leadership positions!
  • Volunteering to help with various BMCDB committees and events is a great way to learn how the university works and what faculty do. It is also a great way to get to know the faculty and network with them for jobs and advice.

Nice Things to Know

  • Core Courses
  • This series of classes is designed to cover the principles of biochemistry, molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. This is a team-taught series, meaning that each class will have several different instructors who cover their own specialties. Fall quarter consists of 210 (the model organisms course), 211 (biochemistry and structural bio), and 220L (rotations class). Winter consists of 212 (cell bio), 213 (developmental bio), and 220L again. Spring consists of 214 (molecular bio) and 215 (methods course). 

    *Note: The workload and amount of material will change when transitioning from winter to spring, as you will have joined a lab and will be expected to spend a lot of time there. Accounting for this will help you plan research/rotations and study hours more appropriately.

  • Designated Emphases
  • BMCDB students often join the Biophotonics and Bioimaging, Biotechnology, or Reproductive Biology DEs. You should decide if you want to join a DE as soon as possible. You CANNOT add a DE after you take your QE.
  • General tips for a rewarding graduate school experience
  • Keep open and clear communication with your PI (this usually evolves as your graduate career advances) and academic advisor.

    Schedule your time wisely, especially in your second year when classes, researching, teaching, and studying for your QE all overlap. 

    Keep an open mind and learn from mistakes. Experimental failures, constant writing, and imposter syndrome are common obstacles that encompass graduate school. You are not alone. 

    Stay in touch and involved with the BMCDB graduate group, and especially your peers! The impact of obstacles feels less burdensome when shared with other graduate students and friends.