A more extensive description of the requirements may be
found in the B&SB
Student Handbook.
Courses
The program of study consists of seven one-semester courses,
which are chosen, according to the individual student's
background and interests, by consultation with the Program
Chair. In addition, students take four 9-week laboratory
rotations and the non-credit course CONT 300b, which do
not count among the seven courses required.
Choice of dissertation advisor
At the end of the first year, each student chooses a Brandeis
faculty member as advisor for Ph.D. thesis research.
Teaching
Each student serves as a teaching assistant for two semesters,
in courses, sections, or labs, usually in the student's
second year of study.
Propositions
Propositions are research proposals that the student writes
and then defends in oral presentations. Each student must
pass two propositions, one in the general area of the student's
research lab, the other outside this area. These propositions
are completed during the student's the second year.
Progress Meetings
Starting in the third year of study, the student meets
with a faculty committee of three members at least once
every academic year to discuss progress towards completing
thesis research. Students should not view these meetings
as exams! Their sole purpose is to facilitate the
student's trajectory towards a successful dissertation.
Dissertation
The Ph.D. candidate must write a dissertation that summarizes
the results of an original investigation of an approved
subject and which demonstrates the competence of the candidate
in independent research. The student delivers a public lecture
on the dissertation research and defends the work in a meeting
with the dissertation committee.
For more information about the B&SB Program:
|
