In addition to didactic courses and laboratory research
training, the Program in Molecular Biology supports a variety of
other activities that are important for the training
experience of graduate students, including a journal club, weekly seminar series, annual
mini-course, and an annual 3-day retreat in the Colorado Rockies.
Journal Club
Twice a month, our student-organized journal club meets to discuss papers pertaining to current topics of research interest.
Minicourses
The Molecular Biology Program offers a minicourse annually to the general university community. A topic is selected in an area of general interest that could benefit many research programs at the UCD. The influence of these courses on research conducted at UCD has become apparent.
Annual Retreat
A highlight of the program is an annual retreat for all participating faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows in Estes Park, Colorado at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is an opportunity for stimulating discussion and interaction about ongoing research endeavors within the program, interspersed with more relaxing afternoons that feature a variety of recreational opportunities, including the faculty-student basketball game.
Seminars
The Molecular Biology Seminar Series meets weekly and is a vital component of the training program. The seminar series allows students to develop a critical approach to scientific data and to perfect their public speaking skills as they present data from their own research. Prominent external scientists (12-14 per year) are also invited to present and discuss their data, and to meet with students over a luncheon. During these visits, graduate students are encouraged to interact with the visitors and to discuss their own work in order to gain new ideas and perspectives, and to establish contacts outside of the university.
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