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BMOL PhD Student Handbook Timeline

Suggested Timeline of Students in the Biomolecular Sciences Ph.D. Program

The following table briefly summarizes important dates and activities that students should be cognizant of during the course of their graduate studies.

Year(s) Deadlines*Activity
0FallEncouraged to contact potential mentors
Request transcripts/request letters of recommendation
Jan 10thDeadline to submit completed application
SpringAnalysis of graduate student applications
Late Feb.Student “Preview Weekend” (by invitation)
Early Mar.Notification of student acceptance into the program
April 15thEarliest date to register for fall semester courses
1SummerAssignment of duties for graduate assistants
(~Aug. 14th)New student orientation and TA training
FallBegin coursework
Enroll in BMOL 598, BMOL 601, BMOL 605, BMOL 615, BMOL 616, and other courses
Submit transfer credit request as needed
Complete Graduate Student Annual Review form with major advisor or program director if advisor not chosen yet
SpringEnroll in BMOL 602, BMOL 598, BMOL 555, and other courses
May 15thComplete Graduate Student Annual Review form with major advisor
Formal selection of major advisor (by end of 1st year)**
2FallSubmit Appointment of Supervisory Committee form**
Prepare and submit Academic Checklist**
Meet with Supervisory Committee**
Enroll in BMOL 598, BMOL 605, BMOL 603, BMOL 606
SpringEnroll in BMOL 598 and other courses per degree plan
May 15thSubmit Graduate Student Annual Review form
Signup for summer enrollment for BMOL 687 [preliminary exam] and fall enrollment for BMOL 691 [comprehensive exam]
SummerTake written preliminary examination (BMOL 687) by (2nd week of summer)
3FallEnroll in any remaining coursework
Attend BMOL 598
Submit written proposal by first day of fall semester (distinct from dissertation research) to examining committee
Take comprehensive examination (BMOL 691)
SpringAttend BMOL 598 and enroll in BMOL 607
May 15thSubmit Graduate Student Annual Review form
Submit Application for Admission to Candidacy
4 +Fall & SpringAttend BMOL 598
Complete/submit Graduate Student Annual Review form
Submit Final Oral Examination Permission form (at least one month prior to projected dissertation defense date)

*Estimated dates, check yearly academic calendar for specific dates
**These forms or activities may be submitted/completed as early as the first semester of study
*** Students are strongly encouraged to work with an advisor – this document is not comprehensive