Course Schedule

The following is an example of the IPN course schedule. Students typically complete the program in 5 years. Students are expected to attend the Seminar and Journal Club and the Student Seminar Series during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students have the flexibility to tailor the training towards their interests.

Transfer Credit/Advanced Standing: A PhD student may make a written request for the transfer of credit for specific applicable courses or apply for advanced standing. Please speak with program leadership and review the policy on transfer credit and advanced standing.

M.D./Ph.D. students should consult the M.D./Ph.D. Course Schedule.

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Years 4-5

Year 1

Before July 1st, register for all Fall 1 and Summer 1 courses listed below for Health Insurance purposes.

Summer 1

• Review the BGE New Student Checklist
• Attend the mandatory IPN and Biomedical Graduate Education Summer Orientation
• Sign up to take the Environmental Health & Safety training before students enter the labs
• Review the requirements and expectations of Lab Rotations

Fall 1

• Send a Post-Rotation Form to the head of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) for 1st rotation
• Give Student Seminar Series talk at Fall Retreat
• Register for Spring Courses and 3rd Rotation

Spring 1

• Send a Post-Rotation Form to the head of the SAC for 2nd rotation
• Give Student Seminar Series talk about 2nd Rotation
• Register for Summer 2 and decide on taking the 4th Rotation or choosing a thesis lab
• Register for Fall 2 Courses
• Take the Written Comprehensive Exam before the end of Year 1

Year 2

Summer 2

• Send a Post-Rotation Form to the head of the SAC for 3rd Rotation
• Give Student Seminar Series for 3rd Rotation in the Summer
• Begin writing a grant proposal (i.e., NRSA, foundation)
• Register for Fall 2 Courses

Fall 2

• Begin thesis research
• Register for Spring 2 Courses

Spring 2

• Continue thesis research [register for NSCI 9999-01; if not taking any electives and are only in research]

• Choose Oral Committee and schedule Oral Exam
• Register for Summer 3 Thesis Research

Year 3

Summer 3

• Organize thesis committee and get SAC Approval by August
• Register for Fall 3 Thesis Research

Fall 3

• Full-time Thesis Research [register for NSCI 9999-01]

• Give Annual Student Seminar Talk 

• Set up the 1st meeting with the thesis committee and bring the completed GSAS Thesis Proposal form for approval

Years 4-5

• Full-time Thesis Research [NSCI 9999-01]
• Meeting with the thesis committee
• Expect to submit your first manuscript before the end of your 4th year
• Completion of Degree
• PhD Graduating Student Checklist
• Follow the Graduating Student Checklist to apply for graduation in your second-to-last semester, receive your degree and attend Commencement