Curriculum
Ph.D. students are expected to enroll as full-time graduate students. Initially students take formal course work and become familiar with current research topics through seminars, discussion groups and lectures by distinguished scientists. Students will also rotate through a minimum of three research laboratories to decide their preferred laboratory and dissertation research. Once a match has been made between the student and the faculty advisor they will begin their dissertation research.
The total number of credit hours required for graduation will vary depending upon the qualifications of the student on entering the program, the nature of research being conducted or in the funding status of the student. Further information can be found in the graduate bulletin. Many students often end up taking more than the minimum number of hours required for their degree program.
Professional Development
Students will get experience in writing and submitting NIH personal fellowships. They will give an annual oral presentation in our Research in Progress lunchtime series and a poster presentation at our annual research day. In addition, all students will attend at least one national conference to present their work.
We offer an individually tailored Research Skills and Career Development course. Working with your research mentor you will complete myIDP, an online tool to help you identify future career options. You will then work with the course director to access and develop skills that you may need to pursue your career.
We offer two personal development fellowships and one research day award that you can use to further your career. These can be used to attend workshops, professional courses or conferences.
Students can also avail themselves of the many professional development opportunities offered by the VCU Graduate School and have the option of enrolling in the Broadening Experiences for Scientific Training Program to explore their career options. Students interested in an academic career can enroll in the Preparing Future Faculty Program.
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Required courses |
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OVPR 601 |
Scientific Integrity |
1 credit |
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BIOC 530 |
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology |
2 credits |
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BIOC 531 |
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology |
1 credit |
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BIOC 532 |
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology |
1 credit |
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BIOC 533 |
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology |
1 credit |
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BIOC 543 |
Statistical Methods I |
3 credits |
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MICR 653 |
AMG: Bioinformatics |
3 credits |
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Core courses |
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OCMB 701 |
An Introduction to Oral Biology |
2 credits |
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OCMB 702 |
An Introduction to Oral Pathogenesis |
2 credits |
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OCMB 703 |
Research Topics in Oral Biology |
1 credit |
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OCMB 704 |
Oral Biology Seminar Series |
1 credit |
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To be taken for up to 8 credits |
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OCMB 706 |
Proposal Preparation |
1 credit |
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OCMB 707 |
Research Skills and Career Development |
1 credit |
Electives
Students must also complete 8 elective credits. Students will work with their advisors to select the most appropriate electives for their research and career aspirations.
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Research requirements |
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OCMB 705 |
Oral Biology Directed Research |
1-15 credits |
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To be taken repeatedly to fulfill the research requirements of the Ph.D. |
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Further details can be found in the graduate bulletin.