The PhD program is part of the Coordinated Doctoral Programs in Biomedical Sciences within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences on the uptown campus of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The program begins in fall term, requires full-time attendance, and provides full funding. Students rotate labs their first year before selecting a permanent research advisor. Milestones include two preliminary examinations leading to the MA and MPhil degrees, a dissertation proposal exam and a dissertation defense. Students present research in colloquia, submit to conferences and publications, and assist faculty with teaching two courses. The application deadline is early December.