Graduate Program Curriculum
Beginning Graduate School: Welcome Aboard
- Students should arrive in Houston prior to orientation
- Orientation starts the Wednesday before classes begin (usually the last week in July)
- Classes begin the first week in August.
Curriculum
Year 1
Year one is arranged in five cumulative terms with one-week vacations between each term.
- Term 1 (August - September)
Organization of the Cell
Molecular Methods
Genetics A
MCB Seminar
Reading*
Research Rotation - Term 2 (October - December)
Genetics B or Development
Cell Division
Science as a Profession
Reading*
Research Rotation
(Electives) - Term 3 (January - February)
Molecular Interactions
Gene Regulation
Reading*
Research Rotation
(Electives) - Term 4 (March - May)
Structure of Macromolecules
Cells, Tissues, and Organs
Cellular Signaling
MCB Seminar
Reading*
Research Rotation
(Electives) - Term 5 (June - July)
Students select a lab by the end of term 4 (May 1) of year one
Students are encouraged to complete four research rotations.
* Students need to complete at least two readings in the first year.
Students are required to take at least three elective courses.
Electives:
Bioinformatics/Genomic Analysis
Biostatistics
Cancer, Neuroscience and Immunology (Must take all three for one elective)
Concepts of Learning & Memory
Flow Cytometric Applications
Fundamentals of Clinical Investigation
Gene Therapy
Introduction to Biostatistics for Translational Researchers
Introduction to Molecular Carcinogenesis
Laboratory in Integrated Microscopy
Mammalian Molecular Genetics
Reproductive Biology
Translational Breast Cancer Research
Topics in Development
Other electives require GEC approval
Year 2
Qualifying exams are usually taken at the beginning of year two
Students are usually admitted to candidacy by the end of year two