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One Application - 13 Graduate Training Programs The Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) at the University of Michigan coordinates admissions and the first year of graduate studies for thirteen Ph.D. programs:
A major advantage of PIBS is that it combines maximal flexibility in training options with the ability to engage in individualized training in small, specialized graduate programs. Entering students are counseled by both the PIBS staff and representatives of the individual Ph.D. programs about which courses are most compatible with their training interests. Students can choose to affiliate with a particular program immediately upon arrival, or wait until later in their first year to decide among programs. The program has been designed to allow changes in field during the first year of study with minimal disruptions. Choosing a Research Laboratory The main goal of the
program is to train independent research scientists. To this end students
begin laboratory rotations soon after arrival and are immersed in research
projects even as they take courses their first year. Students participate
in at least two research rotations of approximately 3 months each in laboratories
of their choice. These rotations allow students to explore different disciplines
and to familiarize themselves with the research environment in the laboratories
of different potential Ph.D. mentors. Students can meet faculty to discuss
research opportunities in a number of different ways. Students with pre-existing
research interests are encouraged to contact individual faculty members
before or soon after arrival in Ann Arbor. In addition, individual programs
hold retreats and orientation events that are open to first year students
for interacting with the faculty and students in that particular program
in smaller settings. At the end of the first year students affiliate with
Ph.D mentors by mutual agreement and make final choices of Ph.D. programs.
Teaching and Progress to DegreeAll students are expected to take formal, graduate level courses designed to enhance training in their chosen field. Each of the thirteen graduate programs has designed a graduate curriculum with both essential and elective courses that are appropriate for that particular field, while maintaining flexibility for specialization within that field. For more detail on the content of the thirteen programs, links to the individual programs are provided from the PIBS home page. Students usually complete most coursework and pass preliminary examinations within the first two years, after which most of their time is devoted to research on their Ph.D. dissertation. Teaching committments are established by the individual Ph.D. programs, and typically total one term over the course of the graduate career.Graduate Thesis ResearchThe major emphasis of graduate training in the participating programs is on research. To expedite progress toward completing Ph.D. requirements, students are supported throughout their graduate studies. Tuition, and stipend (living allowance) are paid from a combination of individual fellowships, predoctoral training grant funds, institutional funds, or research grants. Health insurance, comparable to that of University of Michigan faculty and staff, is also offered to all students. In most disciplines students initiate their dissertation research within their first year while taking classes and are able to focus nearly full-time effort toward their thesis research by the end of their second year. A dissertation committee, including the thesis advisor, is formed in consultation with the student to provide regular advice and discussion of progress. Interactions with these committee members occur informally and at formal meetings, and often create the foundation for continued scientific interactions throughout a student's career. |
