Timeline to Ph.D.

Take 1-3 courses each semester
Complete seminar course(s) based on track requirements
Complete 3 laboratory rotations
Select a research lab/dissertation advisor and have this formally approved by the DGS within 2 weeks of the end of your final laboratory rotation
Initiate research in selected lab and discuss potential dissertation projects with your advisor
Apply to the PPTP, CBTP or other BBS-associated NIH-funded training program as appropriate.
Discuss with your advisor whether to apply for an NSF GRF (due in October of Year 2)

Complete additional coursework as required
Take PHAR 540 “Qualifying Exam Prep Class for Pharmacology” in the Spring semester
Select members of your qualifying committee
Complete qualifying exam by the end of April
Prepare and submit an NRSA F32 fellowship (or equivalent) application (NRSA deadlines: August and December).

Prepare your prospectus and complete initial Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Submit your Prospectus and hold your first Dissertation Committee meeting during the fall semester
Committee must complete Committee Form during/after this and all subsequent committee meetings
Submit external fellowship application as appropriate (discuss with advisor).
Advance to Candidacy in April, following faculty vote
Submit first DPR
Hold a second Dissertation Committee meeting 6-9 months after the first, based on Committees' discretion
Update the Individual Development Plan (IDP) as required (see IDP section) prior to second (and subsequent) committee meeting
Complete Teaching Fellows requirements by serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in 2 Pharmacology or other program courses within BBS. Submit your choices to the corresponding department Registrar (and CC Pharmacology Registrar) by July each year
Present your first Research in Progress (RIP) Talk

Continue research on your dissertation project
Submit (or resubmit) external fellowship application(s) as appropriate (discuss with advisor).
Continue to hold Dissertation Committee Meetings every 6-9 months during year 4 and thereafter at least every 6 months
Continue to update the IDP
Continue to present at RIP Talks
Complete year four responsible conduct of research (RCR) refresher
Update DPR annually

Attend Pharmacology Seminar Series
Regularly attend lunch with the Speakers in the Pharmacology Seminar Series (at least 6 times per academic year)
Attend RIP Talk Presentations
Attend student-led Research Chats
Attend annual Yale Pharmacology Retreat