Following successful completion of the Qualifying Exam, each student, together with the thesis mentor, will assemble a thesis committee. Thesis committees meet at least once a year(frequency determined at each meeting by the committee) to provide scientific input, assess student progress and support a reasonable timeline to graduation. After each meeting the thesis committee provides a written report on progress, also signed by the student. The committee advises on readiness of the student to defend the thesis and, together with an outside (outside of Columbia) expert, presides at the defense. Preparation for the defense and the defense itself are conducted strictly according to GSAS guidelines.
The program requirements are also listed here.
PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
The Program in Cellular and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics provides training in modern physiology, from biophysics and structure of proteins, to cellular metabolism, to organ system function.