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- The academic year at Baylor College of Medicine is divided into five terms of approximately two and a half months each. During their
first year, the students complete a rigorous series of courses including core courses in biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular and
classical genetics, and four specialized courses in developmental
biology. Aditionally, students participate in a weekly
Seminar in Developmental Biology every term during their stay at Baylor.
The concentration of the majority of the coursework in the first year enables the graduate students in Developmental Biology to
progress rapidly to full-time laboratory research efforts.
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- Term I
- Organization of the Cell (2 hrs)
- Molecular Methods (3 hrs)
- Genetics A (2 hrs)
- Classical Developmental Biology (2 hrs)
- Seminar in Developmental Biology (1 hr)
- Research Rotation (2 hrs)
- Term II
- Genetics B (2 hrs)
- Cell Division (2 hrs)
- Development (2 hrs)
- Cancer (1 hr)
- Seminar in Developmental Biology (1 hr)
- Research Rotation
- Term III
- Molecular Interactions (2 hrs)
- Gene Regulation (3 hrs)
- Neuroscience (1 hrs)
- Evolutionary Conservation of Developmental Mechanisms (3 hrs)
- Seminar in Developmental Biology (1 hr)
- Research Rotation
- Term IV
- Neural Development (3 hrs)
- Topics in Development (3 hrs)
- Seminar in Developmental Biology (1 hr)
- Research Rotation
- Term V
- Seminar in Developmental Biology (1 hr)
- Research Rotation
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- In order to introduce incoming graduate students to the Program faculty, a series of informal presentations is scheduled in August
and September. The objective of these presentations is to acquaint new students with the research projects of the faculty and to provide an
opportunty to meet faculty members who are interested in supervising students for rotations and thesis research.
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- Students carry out several research rotations. The purpose of these rotations is to expose the students to the actual research environment
of the selected faculty's laboratories, and to help them choose a major advisor. By the end of the first year, each student is expected to
have chosen a research advisor. Following the choice of a thesis advisor, the student enters the advisor's laboratory.
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- The qualifying examination takes place after the fourth term of the student's first year, typically in June or July. It is conducted
orally by a committee consisting of four faculty members who question the student to test his or her knowledge of all areas of developmental
biology, capability for original thought, and ability to approach research problems scientifically.
Upon successful completion of the examination and coursework, the student will pursue a thesis research project under the direction of the
major advisor and a thesis advisory committee.
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- The thesis proposal examination is conducted by the student's thesis advisory committee and typically takes place at the end of year two.
The student writes a proposal that encompasses his or her research project but is not limited to it. The proposal will contain all the
sections required for submission of an N.I.H. grant (specific aims, background and significance, preliminary results with the data obtained
in the student's first year of laboratory work, experimental design, and literature cited).
At the examination, the student gives an oral presentation describing the background, significance and experimental design of the proposal.
Following the oral presentation, the student is questioned about the content and experimental design, as well as about the basic knowledge
required to succeed with the project. The student will be an expert in the area of the proposal and will also be prepared to answer questions on general scientific knowledge.
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- The final step to completion of the Ph.D. is the preparation of a thesis and presentation of the thesis research work at a formal seminar,
followed by a defense to the thesis advisory committee.
The thesis research work is the single most important component of the doctoral program and is carried out under the supervision of the major
advisor and the thesis advisory committee. It must be of sufficient importance, rigor, and originality to warrant publication in high-quality
scientific journals.
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- Continuing professional enhancement is achieved by participation in numerous lecture and seminar series. The weekly
Seminar in Developmental Biology provides an important
opportunity for students to learn how to approach scientific literature directly and how to improve communication skills.
An excellent Seminar Series exists in the Program in
Developmental biology at which internationally-known scientists present their research.
Throughout the tenure of the graduate students at Baylor College of Medicine, attendance at seminars and journal clubs is strongly encouraged.
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- The Program is supported by the school, a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) training grant and by the Texas Gulf Coast
Chapter of the March of Dimes Foundation (MOD).
Financial aid, including tuition coverage, health insurance, and a competitive stipend ($23,000/year effective July 1, 2004 and $26,000 effective July 1, 2008), is
guaranteed for all students admitted to the Program. An Office of International Services provides assistance to international students.
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Select "Developmental Biology" as your first choice program.
Questions on applying? Contact Catherine Tasnier.
- Application deadline:
Applicants are urged to submit all required materials by January 1, 2008. However, early applications are encouraged! Classes start in
August (only).
- Prerequisites:
Entrance into the Program in Developmental Biology requires a baccalaureate degree or equivalent and acceptable undergraduate performance.
No restrictions are placed on the type of undergraduate major. Research experience is strongly recommended. Students from underrepresented groups
in science are encouraged to apply.
- A complete application includes:
- Free On-Line Application form
- Personal/Research Statement (including research interests and career goals).
- Official transcript from every school attended.
- Minimum three letters of recommendation (including at least one letter from a research advisor).
- Official General GRE scores (not more than 3 years old).
- TOEFL scores for international applicants who have not attended an English speaking university (not more than 2 years old).
- Application mailing address:
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences- Baylor College of Medicine
- One Baylor Plaza, N204
- Mail Stop Code BCM 215
- Houston, TX 77030-3498
- What happens to applications?
Applications are evaluated and qualified applicants are invited to visit the Program at Baylor College of Medicine to meet
participating faculty members and students (at our expense). Qualified international applicants are either invited to visit the Program
or interviewed over the phone. Interviews are coordinated by the Program Adminstrator's Office.
- Interview weekend for 2008:
February 21-24, 2008
- Questions on applying?
Contact Catherine Tasnier
Graduate Program in Developmental Biology- Baylor College of Medicine
- One Baylor Plaza T603
- Houston, TX 77030
- Tel: (713) 798-7696
- Fax: (713) 798-3694
- E-mail: cat@bcm.tmc.edu
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