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This archived information is dated to the 2009-10 academic year only and may no longer be current.

For currently applicable policies and information, see the current Stanford Bulletin.

Doctor of Philosophy in Developmental Biology

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Developmental Biology

University requirements for the Ph.D. are described in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin.

The graduate program in Developmental Biology leads to the Ph.D. degree. The department also participates in the Medical Scientists Training Program (MSTP) in which individuals are candidates for both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees.

Students are required to complete at least six courses, including Developmental Biology (210); Advanced Genetics (203); Frontiers in Biological Sciences (215); and an advanced molecular biology, biochemistry, or biophysics course. Students are expected to attend Developmental Biology seminars and journal clubs.

Completion of a qualifying examination is required for admission to Ph.D. candidacy. The examination consists of two parts. One proposal is on a subject different from the dissertation research and the other proposal is on the planned subject of the thesis. The final requirements of the program include presentation of a Ph.D. dissertation as the result of independent investigation and constituting a contribution to knowledge in the area of developmental biology. The student must pass the University oral examination, taken only after the student has substantially completed research. The examination is preceded by a public seminar in which the research is presented by the candidate. The oral examination is conducted by a dissertation reading committee.

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