The following constitutes introductory information regarding the graduate degree program. For a complete outline of degree requirements, see Program Requirements for UCLA Graduate Degrees available in the program office and accessible from the Graduate Division homepage at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu.
Applicants for graduate study in the Master of Science program are expected to have completed an undergraduate degree in biological or physical sciences. In general, at the time of admission students should have completed a year of coursework in each of the following: calculus, physics, biology, inorganic chemistry, and organic biochemistry. A grade-point average of at least 3.0 (B) in all upper division undergraduate coursework is required. A departmental faculty committee considers applicants on the following bases: (1) prior scholastic performance, (2) three letters of recommendation, and (3) applicant's statement of purpose, which should include (a) relevant background or preparation; (b) field of emphasis, specific study interests, and type of research sought; (c) expectations, goals, degree objective; (d) one or more departmental faculty members whose research area parallels the study interest. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required as part of the admission file.
A brochure of faculty names and research interests is available from the department. Applicants are encouraged to communicate directly with the faculty, and personal interviews are encouraged.
Consult the department.
The M.S. degree requires nine courses, including a second-level statistics or research design course.
A minimum of six of the nine courses must be graduate-level (200) courses, toward which two 596 courses may be applied. Coursework is selected by the student and the student's advisory committee, with approval by the graduate affairs committee. All coursework must be completed by the end of the second year.
Courses 597 and 598 may not be applied toward any of the course requirements for the degree. There is no limit on the number of times a master's student may enroll in course 597 or 598.
If this plan is elected, the student must achieve a passing mark on a comprehensive examination. Breadth of knowledge is demonstrated by passing a written comprehensive examination administered at the end of the Fall and Spring Quarters. Preparation for the examination varies with background; students follow a curriculum during the master's program that is designed to prepare them for the examination. Coursework, including formal courses and tutorials, is selected from the offerings in Physiological Science or other departments. The examination consists of three sections in the context of general physiological problems: (1) molecular biology or neurochemistry; (2) cell biology or cellular neurophysiology; and (3) systems physiology or systems neuroscience. The examination is scored (1) passed at the master's level of achievement; (2) passed at the Ph.D. level of achievement, which permits the student to continue into the Ph.D. program; or (3) failed at the master's level of achievement, and therefore also at the Ph.D. level of achievement. Students failing the examination at either the master's or Ph.D. levels of achievement are required to retake the examination at the next offering. Students wishing to continue into the Ph.D. program who fail the examination at the Ph.D. level on the second attempt will be awarded a terminal Master of Science degree.
If the thesis plan is elected, the student must report the results of an original research investigation. Under the guidance of the thesis committee, the student must propose a problem area or outline of study, conduct original research in a specific area, and report the results. With committee approval, the student may submit either a thesis manuscript or a manuscript suitable for publication.
Doctoral students are expected to have completed the same admission requirements as outlined for the M.S. degree. In addition to the above, students may also be admitted to the program through UCLA ACCESS to Programs in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences, 172 MBI, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1570, (310) 206-6051.
Consult the department.
Nine courses, at minimum, are specified for the doctoral degree. Two 596 courses may be applied toward the degree requirements.
Courses are selected by the student and the student's advisory committee and approved by the graduate affairs committee.
Breadth of knowledge is demonstrated by passing a written preliminary examination administered at the end of Fall Quarter of the second year. Preparation for the examination varies with background, and students follow a curriculum during the first year of study that is designed to prepare them for the examination. Coursework, including formal courses and tutorials, is selected from the offerings in Physiological Science or other departmental curricula. The examination consists of three sections in the context of general physiological problems: (1) molecular biology or neurochemistry, (2) cell biology or cellular neurophysiology, (3) systems physiology or systems neuroscience. The examination is scored passed at the Ph.D. level of achievement, passed at the master's level of achievement (students are required to pass a second examination at the Ph.D. level within the following six months), or failed (students are required to leave the program). Alternatively, students receiving a master's level of achievement score may leave the doctoral program and complete the M.S. degree.
After successfully passing the departmental written qualifying examination, and before advancement to candidacy, a University Oral Qualifying Examination is conducted by the doctoral committee. This examination must be passed by the end of the third year of study. Students present a written research proposal of their intended dissertation project to their advisory committee and one member of the graduate affairs committee at least two weeks prior to the examination. Students are expected to have formulated a research plan, have demonstrated appropriate research capability, and be knowledgeable of relevant research literature. Students may petition the graduate affairs committee for extension of this deadline. If a student does not pass, the examination may be rescheduled once at the discretion of the doctoral committee.