#  Academic Milestones 

 



       ![BBS Students](/sites/g/files/omnuum5321/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2024-09/2017%20G1%20class.jpg?itok=pL-DtBR3) 

 

 



 

 



 

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The BBS program is designed to support students throughout their Ph.D. training. From first-year orientation activities to their thesis defense, we are here to help students succeed and reach their full potential as a future scientific leader. A brief overview of the Program’s support structures and training activities is presented below.

## **YOUR FIRST YEAR (G1)**

  
**Program Advising**  
During their first year, students are supported by a program advisor. These faculty mentors will serve as a G1's guide to the program and the research environment at the medical school and beyond. They will advise students regarding rotation laboratories, scientific research, and can also help solve problems that might arise as students adjust to life in graduate school.

**Courses and Curriculum**  
The BBS program requires that students complete 28 credits towards their Ph.D. training, some are "core courses" that serve to reinforce and extend knowledge of fundamentals in the biosciences and some are electives. In the first year, students can select 2 of 3 required core courses: Principles of Genetics, Principles of Molecular Biology, Principles of Cell Biology. Students will also take the skill-building core course BBS 230, which teaches how to critically analyze the primary research literature and establish analytical tools and elements of novel experimental design and project development. ([Read more about our curriculum](https://bbsphd.hms.harvard.edu/program/flexible-curriculum)).

**Laboratory Rotations**  
Rotations provide an excellent opportunity for students to try out a variety of labs to find the one that best fits their interests for pursuing thesis research. Students are required to perform three laboratory rotations throughout the first year. The length and timing of the rotations are flexible, but we recommend that students spend at least 8 weeks in each lab. Moreover, the maximum time in between rotations should be no longer than 3 weeks. To help students identify potential rotation labs, current students organize a weekly Rotation Club where they present their experiences rotating in different labs. Additionally, there is a Faculty Seminar Series that allows faculty to present their science to students. ([Learn more about our outstanding faculty](https://bbsphd.hms.harvard.edu/bbs-faculty))

**Thesis/Dissertation Laboratory**  
At the conclusion of a student's first year, they will choose a dissertation advisor and laboratory. The faculty member that directs the lab will be their primary mentor for the remainder of their graduate training. Additionally, the department and/or special interest program to which the advisor belongs will become the student's intellectual and community “home.” These communities organize numerous activities throughout the year, including: research seminars, trainee talks, social hours, annual retreats, career workshops, and more.

## **YEAR TWO (G2)**  


**Courses and Curriculum**  
In year two, students will take Critical Thinking and Proposal Writing to help them prepare for their qualifying exams as well as Responsible Conduct of Research. Additionally, students take elective courses and typically complete their course requirements by the end of year two. ([Read more about our curriculum](https://bbsphd.hms.harvard.edu/program/flexible-curriculum))

**Preliminary** **Qualifying Exam**  
During year two, students will prepare a written research proposal based on their dissertation research. This proposal is then defended orally to an examination committee of three Program faculty members. The goals of the exam are twofold: (i) to strengthen written and oral communication skills and (ii) to confirm possession of the basic fundamentals and field-specific knowledge necessary to successfully complete the proposed thesis project. Areas needing further study may be identified, along with strategies to provide additional support.

## **YEAR THREE AND BEYOND (G3 +)**  


Most students complete their course requirements by the end of year two. In year three and beyond, effort is largely dedicated to making exciting discoveries in the laboratory and completing the dissertation research. The student's dissertation advisor and DAC will be the primary mentors during this process, but the program directors and staff are always available should the student wish additional support or advice. The average time to degree for the program is ~5.8 years.  
  
**Dissertation Advisory Committee (DAC)**  
Upon passing the qualifying exam in the spring of year two, students will choose three faculty members to serve as their dissertation advisory committee (DAC). The DAC will typically meet once or twice annually to provide advice on the dissertation project. The committee will be the student's advocate and serve as an additional set of mentors. Their role is to support the student in accomplishing training goals and in successfully completing dissertation research.