Overview
Molecular and Cellular Biology Program at Dartmouth College Offers Outstanding Resources for Ph.D. Students
The molecular and cellular biology program at Dartmouth College provides a unique setting for Ph.D.-level graduate studies in virtually any area of the molecular and cellular life sciences. The MCB graduate program combines Dartmouth's hallmarks of academic excellence and close faculty-student ties with a diverse and energetic research environment that rivals those of much larger universities.
Research labs of the molecular and cellular biology program have an outstanding record of grant-supported research, which combined with the generous research support of the college and medical school, has contributed to recent expansion of the program. The MCB graduate program currently has 72 faculty members and approximately 160 students in eight departments representing 16 broad research disciplines.
All students admitted to Dartmouth College's molecular and cellular biology program receive a generous stipend, health insurance, and a full-tuition scholarship. In addition to the wide range of research opportunities, the program provides students with numerous related course offerings, and broad exposure to research outside of Dartmouth through journal clubs and seminar series featuring internationally recognized speakers. In addition, the students refine their own presentation skills through annual participation in a research in progress seminar series that showcases their own work.
Vibrant Cultural Life at Dartmouth's Scenic New Hampshire Campus
One of the benefits of attending Dartmouth College is the chance to enjoy the fantastic quality of life of the Upper Valley region of the Connecticut River. A vibrant cultural life is anchored by the many events at Dartmouth's Hopkins Center, and extended with considerable off-campus offerings of movies, theater and music, and excellent bookstores. Extensive athletic facilities and a wide range of dining and entertainment options are associated with the college community.
The Upper Valley is located at the boundary of the foothills of the Green Mountains of Vermont to the west and the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the northeast. The area provides Dartmouth College students excellent opportunities for all types of seasonal outdoor activities. It is truly a beautiful place to live, while still maintaining proximity to larger metropolitan areas.
Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities at a High-Quality MCB Graduate Program
At a time of unparalleled scientific opportunities, Dartmouth College's molecular and cellular biology program offers students the chance to train in cutting-edge research at an institution where the tradition of excellence and the quality of life are superb. The quality of Dartmouth's MCB graduate program is reflected each year in the enthusiastic response of applicants to the college's interview weekend and research symposium, which highlights both the achievements and the collegial spirit of the MCB graduate students and faculty.
The MCB graduate program and the unique environment offered at Dartmouth College is the next step toward achieving career goals. Furthermore, as of 2009, Dartmouth Graduate Studies and Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business offer a new dual degree program, which allows Dartmouth Ph.D.s to obtain an accelerated MBA degree.
Comprehensive Coursework, Lab Rotations, and Research Form Foundation of Dartmouth's MCB Ph.D. Program
First year molecular and cellular biology program students establish a comprehensive knowledge base by taking a core course that covers major topics in molecular and cellular biology and related areas. The core course is offered in the fall, winter, and spring terms of the first year.
Dartmouth students also receive training in critical reading of the primary scientific literature by participating in a journal club each term that covers an area of interest. Students' focus on research is initiated through a series of three laboratory rotations (12 weeks each, September through June) that allows them to become familiar with the research and technologies used in labs that they are considering for their thesis research.
At the end of the spring term of their first year, students select a lab and begin to conduct thesis research. During graduate training, MCB program students round out their formal coursework by taking four advanced courses.
Second year molecular and cellular biology program students participate for one term as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate course in the biological sciences. During their second year, students begin giving annual presentations in the MCB Research in Progress seminar series.
Also, during the second year, and no later than the beginning of the third year, molecular and cellular biology students write and defend a postdoctoral type of research grant proposal that will serve as the basis of a qualifying exam. Passing this exam allows for advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.
