The Ph.D. program emphasizes cell and microbial biology. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for teaching, research, and administrative careers in biological or biomedical sciences. Courses in this program provide a foundation in biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and virology. In addition, presentations and participation in a graduate seminar program prepare students to be effective teachers and communicators. All graduate students accepted in the doctoral program are required to do some teaching during graduate training.<br><br>Standard prerequisites for graduate work in biology include two years of chemistry, two years of biology (including biochemistry and microbiology), one year of physics, and one year of calculus. Students admitted to the department with a deficiency take the required courses during the first year of graduate work. Applicants must include results of the Graduate Record Examination, preferably including an advanced test in one of the biological sciences.