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Years 1 and 2
During the first two years students complete didactic course work required for a Ph.D. The core curriculum courses — Genome Biology, Chemical Principles of Biological Systems, Biostatistics, and Molecular Cell Biology — provide a broad foundation of knowledge needed to interpret current research findings and successfully perform laboratory research. Additional classes such as Molecular Pharmacology, Receptor Biology and General Pharmacology, focus on the basic principles of drug action and metabolism and the rapidly evolving concepts of receptor and signal transduction mechanisms relevant to pharmacology and all of biology. Based on research interests, students also select from a menu of small-group tutorials that provide in-depth learning experiences covering pharmacogenomics/genetics, drug discovery, cell signaling, drug metabolism, DNA damage signaling/repair, cardiovascular biology, and neurodegeneration.
During the first year students rotate with three research mentors to identify mentors best matched to their scientific interests and then select a research mentor prior to beginning the second year.
Students have the option of taking the qualifying exam at the end of their first or second year.
Year 3 and Beyond
The most important part of the Ph.D. program is thesis research leading to a significant contribution to the body of scientific knowledge. Students begin this process during their second year, and work full-time on their thesis research after completing class work and passing the qualifying exam. The average time to complete the Ph.D. for MPET students is just over five years.
Other Learning Opportunities
Graduate students also have excellent opportunities to learn from national and international experts outside of Mayo Clinic. Active seminar programs in each department bring many distinguished scientists to the Mayo campus. Students have ample opportunity to interact with these distinguished visitors in formal and informal settings. You are encouraged to attend seminars sponsored by any of the graduate school departments and programs as an important part of your broader scientific education.
Communication Skills
To excel, scientists must also develop effective communication skills. Throughout graduate training, students
gain these skills by participating in weekly student seminars (where students present published articles or thesis research), lab meetings, and class tutorials. Funding is also available for you to attend and present your work at national scientific meetings.
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