Advising
Students will receive advising by the chair of the
Biomedical Sciences Interdisciplinary Program and the chair of the
department of Anatomy and Reproductive Biology prior to the selection
of their faculty adviser and thesis committee. For additional
information, students may contact the following graduate program
chairs:
Dr. Martin D. Rayner
John A. Burns School of Medicine
Biomedical Sciences Interdisciplinary Program
1960 East-West Road, Biomed A-209
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dr. Scott Lozanoff
John A. Burns School of Medicine
Department of Anatomy and
Reproductive Biology
1960 East-West Road, Biomed T-309
Honolulu, HI
96822
Graduate Study
Master’s Degree
In general, only students possessing or working on
an advanced degree (e.g., MD) may be admitted to the master’s degree
program. Specific information regarding qualifications for admission
may be obtained from the Department of Anatomy and Reproductive
Biology graduate program chair.
Requirements
The master’s degree is restricted to Plan A
(thesis), in which students conduct thesis research in addition to a
minimum of 12 credit hours of approved course work. Admission and
examination requirements are similar to those listed for the PhD
program.
Doctoral Degree
Students participate in research projects relating
to the anatomical sciences or reproductive biology in mammals,
including humans and large farm animals. The research strengths of the
program include endocrinology, female reproductive biology, gamete
maturation and fertilization, and neuroscience of behavior. Faculty
interests include developmental, biochemical, molecular, and
physiological aspects. Excellent, well-equipped research facilities
exist, including electron microscopy.
Specialization in cell and molecular biology and
neuroscience of behavior is available in conjunction with the anatomy
and reproductive biology program, as well as with various other
graduate departmental programs throughout the University. A concurrent
degree program for students enrolled as MD candidates can also be
arranged (requirements of both the Graduate Division and the School of
Medicine must be met).
Requirements
The GRE General Test and the subject test (biology
or chemistry) are required before requests for admission are
considered. Students with an undergraduate major in biology or a
strong background in the biological sciences are preferred. Two
letters of recommendation and a statement of the applicant’s career
goals and reasons for applying specifically to the program should be
sent directly to the program chair.
Formal course requirements are specified by the
advisory committee as appropriate to the student’s background and
research plan. A written, qualifying examination covering completed
course work is usually given during the second year. A dissertation
committee and program adviser are appointed in consultation with the
student at this time. An oral comprehensive examination conducted by
the dissertation committee, as well as the presentation of the
dissertation proposal, should be completed by the end of the second
year of the program. Submission and defense of an acceptable
dissertation complete the PhD program requirements.