 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Introduction | | | Our Program | | | Resources | | | Courses |
The Reproductive Biology Training Program at Illinois
Predoctoral Opportunities
The Ph.D. degree is awarded by each of four participating units: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Animal Sciences, Veterinary Biosciences, and Biochemistry. There are some differences in course requirements among departmental programs, but most students who participate in the Reproductive Biology Training Program take the same core courses. Ample opportunity is provided for specialized programs to fit each student's needs and interests.
Normally, four or five years are required to complete a doctoral degree. Graduate student trainees usually spend much of the first two years taking course work. In most cases, students choose their research advisor by the middle of the first year and begin research by the end of the first year. By the end of the second year, most course work is completed and research work is undertaken. Students formulate their research proposals in consultation with their advisor, although they may seek advice from other members of the training faculty. After the second year, full-time effort is devoted to research for the Ph.D. dissertation.
Weekly research conferences serve as a medium for students to present their research proposals and progress reports for evaluation and discussion by other students, postdoctoral fellows, and training faculty. First- and second-year students often are involved in teaching, but there is no uniform rule that applies to all students in the program.
The Graduate College requires 24 units (1 unit = 4 to 5 credit hours) of graduate course work beyond the baccalaureate for the Ph.D. degree. A minimum of eight units must be in independent research. Students may major in Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Animal Sciences, Veterinary Biosciences, or Biochemistry. While course requirements vary with specific departments, trainees obtain thorough training in reproductive biology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, statistics, and related areas.
Postdoctoral Opportunities
Postdoctoral fellows usually spend two or three years in the Program. Although they are occupied primarily with research and have no formal course requirements, they may audit courses of special interest and attend conferences given at the Medical School and Veterinary College. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to participate in the weekly research conference and the advanced endocrinology course. They are not required to engage in formal teaching, but many are encouraged to present a limited number of lectures on subjects of their special competence.
Maximum latitude in scope of research is allowed, with the proviso that it fall within the competence of the advisor and capabilities of the laboratories. To ensure breadth, as well as depth, in research training, postdoctoral fellows may gain experience in more than one laboratory if practical.
Research
For both predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows, the research component is the major facet of their education. Trainees are encouraged to seek advice not only from their major advisor but also from others in the program and from other University faculty. Great effort is made to ensure that the research experience of all trainees entails active participation in a project at the forefront of knowledge in an area in which the participant can make an original contribution of a fundamental nature.
Seminars
At a weekly Research Conference, in which all trainees are expected to participate, a trainee or staff member presents either a research proposal or progress report of the research accomplished since their last appearance on the program. At this time, research proposals, accomplishments, or failures are freely discussed; constructive criticisms are made and suggestions are offered. In this manner, each member of the group keeps informed of the research activities of the entire group. Postdoctoral and predoctoral trainees also attend the weekly Advanced Endocrinology Seminar. Predoctoral students are expected to take this course for credit for at least two semesters. To fulfill requirements for the course, they must prepare a synopsis of their topic and present a seminar on this material. In addition to these formal seminars, most faculty members hold weekly or biweekly laboratory meetings with their own or allied groups to discuss current research reports and research in their laboratories.
Billie A. Field Endowment
The Billie A. Field Endowment was received by the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 and is used to support a variety of programs related to reproductive biology and contraception. One of the highest profile programs is the annual Field Lecture series. Started in 2001, these lectures bring in some of the most renowned scientists in reproductive biology to discuss their work and interact with campus reproductive biology faculty and students. Past speakers have included
2003 Martin Matzuk
2003 John Nilson
2004 Tony Means
2005 Sally Camper
2005 Gerald Cunha
2006 Doug Stocco
2007 Richard Behringer
2007 Martin Dym
Scientific Meetings
The progress of science is critically dependent on the effective communication of new research findings; thus, a strong effort is made to have trainees attend and participate in regional and national scientific meetings. The faculty are convinced that it is highly beneficial for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows to prepare and present their research to their peers at scientific meetings.
Home | The Program | The Faculty | The Departments and How To Apply
Seminars, Lectures and Conferences | News and Announcements | Current Trainees
