The core curriculum is the main lecture requirement. It contains four courses:

• Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Cell Biology
• Biostatistics/Bioinformatics
• An advanced topic course in Current Topics in Biology

Workshops on writing skills and oral presentations are also offered.

A course in the Responsible Conduct of Research is required during the first or second year. An additional advanced topic course is required after the first year. Students after the first year are also required to take a literature-based Journal Club every year.

Contemporary lectures are given by prominent scientists invited by the students. All students are required to participate in a discussion group prior to the lectures.

Special tutorials are provided, as needed, on an individual basis.

Advanced Topic Courses
Available advanced topic courses include:

• Current Topics in Biology (offered every year)
• Advanced Topics in Neurosciences
• Advanced Topics in Immunology
• Advanced DNA or RNA Topics
• Advanced Topics in NMR
• Advanced Topics in Microscopy
• Advanced Topics in Development
• Advanced Structural Bioinformatics
• Advanced Virology
• Advanced Stem Cell Biology

Most of these courses are offered every two to three years.

Proposals and Oral Presentations
The Ph.D. qualifying procedure consists of a written and oral research proposal at the end of the first year based on an original topic not related to previous work conducted by the student; and a written and oral research proposal at the end of the second year based on the student's proposed thesis work.