phd in reproductive biology in usa

PhD Studies in Life and Biomedical Sciences

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• Biotechnology Systems and Synthetic Biology
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• Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery
• Developmental Systems and Stem Cell Biology
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• Reproductive Science
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Reproductive Science and Medicine

Program Description: Reproductive science and medicine encompasses the study of endocrinology, gonad development, gametogenesis and embryogenesis, and reproductive tract biology.  These areas of research influence health and disease, as they are fundamental to our understanding of fertility and infertility, contraception, infectious diseases, pregnancy, fetal origins of adult disease, and trans-generational epigenetic inheritance.   In addition, reproductive science has broad general health consequences because it is well known that gonadal hormones regulate sexual, bone, cardiovascular, immune, and cognitive functions.

Northwestern University is at the forefront of reproductive research, medicine, and technology. The Center for Reproductive Science (CRS) at Northwestern University was formed in 1987 and currently consists of almost 200 faculty members and 100 trainees across basic science and clinical departments. As a group, these researchers have received millions of dollars in research funding from government agencies and private foundations - enabling significant inroads into research on reproductive hormone signaling mechanisms, reproductive tract conditions, infectious diseases, determinants of gamete quality, ex vivo integrated reproductive tract systems, and ovarian cancer.  

Students in the Reproductive Science and Medicine cluster will partake in these research endeavors, can elect to partake in reproductive-focused courses, and will have full access to a wide away of programs and services offered through the CRS.

Courses: Although this cluster does not require specific coursework, we offer brand new courses focused on human reproductive health that RSM cluster members are encouraged to take. REPR_SCI 405: Female Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology Course Director: Pamela Monahan, PhD Offered: Fall Campus: Chicago This is a lecture-based course that provides a comprehensive survey of the structure and function of the female reproductive system. Throughout the quarter, students will discuss the fundamentals of female reproductive anatomy and reproductive axis function (hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal). Specific topics that will be covered include: female sex determination and differentiation, reproductive hormone signaling and action, the ovarian and menstrual cycles, oogenesis and folliculogenesis, pregnancy and parturition, and female reproductive technologies. Topics will be presented from molecular, cellular, and tissue perspectives and will span development, puberty, adulthood, and reproductive senescence. We will also consider perturbations to the female reproductive system that can lead to infertility, disease, or disorders. Lectures will be interactive and will consist of didactic fundamentals, deep dives into the historical literature, and examination of current and emerging topics in the field. REPR_SCI 407: Male Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology Course Director: Pamela Monahan, PhD Offered: Fall Campus: Chicago This is a lecture-based course that provides a comprehensive survey of the structure and function of the male reproductive system. Throughout the quarter, students will discuss the fundamentals of male reproductive anatomy and reproductive axis function (hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal). Specific topics that will be covered include: male sex determination and differentiation, reproductive hormone signaling and action, spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation and fertilization, male reproductive behavioral changes, and male reproductive technologies. Topics will be presented from molecular, cellular, and tissue perspectives and will span development, puberty, adulthood, and reproductive senescence. We will also consider perturbations to the male reproductive system that can lead to infertility, disease, or disorders. Lectures will be interactive and will consist of didactic fundamentals, deep dives into the historical literature, and examination of current and emerging topics in the field. REPR_SCI 406: Human Reproductive Development/Emerging Research in Reproductive Science and Medicine Course Director: Debu Chakravarti, PhD, and Julie Kim, PhD Offered: Winter Campus: Chicago This is a primary literature and critical thinking-based course designed to challenge students with historical, contemporary, and emerging concepts in reproductive science and medicine, particularly around the concepts of human reproductive development and ways to regulate and restore function. The ultimate goal is to provide students with the intellectual and critical thinking skills to become the next generation of leaders who will tackle research problems and fuel discoveries. Topics covered include model systems for reproductive science and medicine research, epigenetics, hormone receptor signaling, endocrine disruption for therapy and due environmental toxins, cancer stem cells, next generation sequencing, and reproductive engineering. The course is team-taught by instructors who are active researchers and leaders themselves in these research areas. Students will delve into the literature to examine how research questions are identified and how technologies are enabled or created to address them. A basic understanding of cell and molecular biology is a prerequisite for this course in addition to prior completion of REPR_SCI 405 and REPR_SCI 407. Students who have not completed REPR_SCI 405 and REPR_SCI 407 should contact Dr. Beth Sefton with the Center for Reproductive Science, [email protected] , for permission to enroll. REPR_SCI 420: Human Reproductive Health and Disease Course Director: Serdar Bulun, MD; Lia Bernardi, MD Offered: Spring Campus: Chicago This course covers human reproductive health and disease from a clinical angle – from physiology to pathology to therapeutic interventions. Aspects of both male and female reproduction are covered. The course is team-taught primarily by clinicians and physician-scientists who are experts in reproductive science and medicine and who are active in research and patient care. Topics include sexual function and dysfunction, infertility, reproductive aging, reproductive cancers, endometriosis, uterine leiomyoma, and pregnancy complications. Class sessions are interactive, and discussions focus on pathology, risk factors, diagnosis, standard of care, and the current status of research. A basic understanding of cell and molecular biology is a prerequisite for this course in addition to prior completion of REPR_SCI 405 and REPR_SCI 407. Students who have not completed REPR_SCI 405 and REPR_SCI 407 should contact Dr. Beth Sefton with the Center for Reproductive Science, [email protected] for permission to enroll.

REPR_SCI 415: Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Management Course Director: Maryellen Pavone, MD, MSCI Quarter: Spring Campus: Chicago This is a lecture and laboratory course that exposes students to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), embryology, and andrology. Course topics include gamete and embryo biology, assisted reproductive techniques and associated technologies, ethics, and an introduction to fertility clinic operation. Acquired techniques include sperm analysis, sperm processing for ART, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), time-lapse morphokinetics, embryo biopsy, genetic screening gamete cryopreservation and thawing. A basic understanding of cell and molecular biology is a prerequisite for this course in addition to prior completion of REPR_SCI 405 and REPR_SCI 407. Students who have not completed REPR_SCI 405 and REPR_SCI 407 should contact Dr. Beth Sefton with the Center for Reproductive Science, [email protected] for permission to enroll. Training Opportunities:

• Reproductive Research Updates. Each week for over 30 years, the Center for Reproductive Science has hosted Reproductive Research Updates - a forum in which CRS trainees present their research to Northwestern scientists across the Evanston and Chicago campuses as well as the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute.
• Translational Lectures in Reproductive Science. The CRS sponsors the Translational Lectures in Reproductive Science (LRS) seminar series. This seminar series takes place seasonally and includes lectures by luminaries in the field of reproductive science and medicine. These seminars are open to the broader Northwestern community and interested members of the public. Our named lectures include: Erwin Goldberg Lecture in Male Reproduction, Neena B. Schwartz Memorial Lectureship in Reproductive Science, Danielle Maatouk Memorial Lectureship, and the CRS Alumni Lecture. View the upcoming schedule on Planit Purple. To participate in the program or to suggest a speaker, please contact the Executive CRS Director.
• Career Catalysts. The Center for Reproductive Science Career Catalyst Series is a monthly seminar that will provide trainees with a mix of professional development workshops, networking, and outreach activities. The series is aimed at preparing students for success, from industry or government careers, to workshops in PubMed and preparing manuscripts for publication. The Career Catalysts will take place in the CRS Collaborative Suite (645 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 630). Light refreshments will be provided.
• The Reproductive Science and Medicine Summit. This annual event showcases reproductive science and medicine research conducted at Northwestern and surrounding Chicago area institutions. An organizing committee composed of CRS trainees is central to the success of this event. The Summit includes distinguished internal and external speakers, and trainee oral and poster presentations.  Trainee and travel awards for this event have been funded through the Constance Campbell Memorial Fund since 1989.
• The Illinois Symposium on Reproductive Science (ISRS).  This annual regional meeting offers a unique opportunity for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and clinical fellows in the reproductive sciences to plan a meeting and present their research to their peers and senior scientists from across Illinois.  The meeting is hosted by a rotation of Illinois universities including Northwestern, UIUC, UIC, and Southern Illinois University (SIU). The goals of ISRS are to celebrate our strong research and educational heritage, to foster the exchange of scientific information in the reproductive sciences, to facilitate the training and career development of future reproductive scientists, and to leverage our collective institutional strengths to maintain Illinois in a preeminent nationwide position in this critical research field.

Training Resources:

• Career Hub. Do you need advice or help with: Your CV? An abstract? A manuscript? A proposal? A presentation? Your job search? A job application? A job interview? If so, come to the CRS Career Hub! Beth Sefton, PhD, will hold office hours every Tuesday from 11am-noon and is willing to help in whatever way you may need. These meetings can take place either by phone, video-conference, or in person. Contact Beth Sefton to reserve a date and time.
• Constance Campbell Memorial Research Awards. The Constance Campbell Memorial Fund supports oral and poster research awards which are granted at our annual Reproductive Science and Medicine Summit to the top trainee presentations.
• Constance Campbell Memorial Travel Awards. The Constance Campbell Memorial Fund supports Travel Awards which trainees may apply for. Applications for the travel awards are open twice a year (fall, spring). This award allows for trainees to travel to national and international professional scientific meetings to present their research to the broader scientific community.

Cluster Director

• Teresa K. Woodruff , PhD, Dean, The Graduate School, Associate Provost for Graduate Education, Thomas J. Watkins Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Director, Center for Reproductive Science

A list of CRS Faculty Members may be found here: http://www.crs.northwestern.edu/people/members.html

Driskill Graduate Program (DGP) 303 East Chicago Avenue Morton 1-670 Chicago, IL 60611-3008 Phone: 312- 503-1889 Fax: 312-908-5253 Website URL: DGP Email: [email protected]

Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences (IBiS) 2205 Tech Drive Hogan 2-100 Evanston, IL 60208 Phone: 847-491-4301 Fax: 847-467-1380 Website URL: IBiS Email: [email protected]

Reproductive Clinical Science - Embryology & Andrology (Ph.D.)

• Doctoral Programs

Reproductive Clinical Science - Embryology & Andrology (Ph.D.)

Become an independent researcher in the world’s only online reproductive clinical science (ph.d.) program., learn more about the program., meet with a program representative..

You should receive a confirmation email shortly with your submission information. Thank you for your interest.

• Mission & Goals
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Learn more about our program

Questions? Join our virtual information session to learn more about the Reproductive Clinical Science - Embryology & Andrology program, and meet the program director, faculty, and staff. We are offering two informational sessions this Fall where you can ask questions about the program, application process, and more.

Training the researchers of tomorrow

"We in the field commit to making our field better," says a Ph.D. student Brian LoManto (RCS MS '12), "because when our field gets better, our patients are more successful."

Our Ph.D. candidates develop the skills to push the field forward as independent research scientists.

Ready to make a difference through research at our medical school?

Program benefits

Research focus

Discuss ethics, explore IVF through evidence-based medicine and publish your research.

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Our goal is that every PhD student will publish research and present at a national or international conference. In our comprehensive program, you will also:

• Evaluate ethical and legal matters as part of an interprofessional team
• Learn protocols related to assisted reproductive technology
• Use evidence-based medicine to inform your decisions
• Develop your skills in literature review, grant writing and study design and analysis

Learn while you work

Our PhD program is designed with the working professional in mind.

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With an online executive PhD program, you can learn while working full-time. There are no other blended — online and face-to-face — RCS PhD programs in the world. Take most of your courses online, and make visits to campus for certification and training.

Teaching future educators

Learn how to lead others in lab and in lecture.

Toggle Teaching future educators

Training future educators.

Graduates of this program are prepared to lead others in the classroom and the lab. Here at the school, you will gain teaching experience early on. In your first-semester Journal Club, you will present existing research and provide your classmates with a broader understanding of current topics.

SGF Jones Institute

In 1981, the first baby conceived via in vitro fertilization was born thanks to the pioneering efforts of the Howard and Georgeanna Jones Institute. The Jones Institute became an international leader in clinical and scientific research and trained many prominent physicians and scientists. In 2021, the Jones Institute transitioned all patient care to its affiliated partner Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) , a premier fertility center and home to 85,000 babies born.  SGF Jones Institute operates on the campus in Norfolk, Va.

SGF Jones Institute's pioneering research has led to a series of firsts, including:

• First IVF baby in the U.S.
• First intracytoplasmic sperm injection research
• First U.S.-based online MS program in embryology and andrology
• First online r eproductive clinical science (Ph.D.) program in the world

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) keep graduates up-to-date about the changing field of RCS.

Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Reproductive Clinical Science - Embryology & Andrology  at Old Dominion University P.O. Box 1980 Norfolk, VA 23501

757.446.5002  or  757.446.8421

[email protected]

Get Directions 

Learn More 

For more information about this program, review our program brochure .

This website reflects current program information, including admission criteria and curricula. Information is subject to change.

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Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology, PhD

The Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology (ERP) Program is a multidisciplinary degree-granting program designed to promote research in both endocrinology and reproductive biology, to provide training and experience for pre- and post-doctoral students interested in these fields, and to provide training in problems of endocrine physiology and reproductive physiology in animals and humans. The program trains master's and PhD candidates for teaching and research careers in all aspects of the interrelated fields of endocrinology and reproductive physiology—basic, clinical and translational. Students have access to a full range of research facilities throughout campus. A joint MD/PhD degree is also offered by the School of Medicine and Public Health and student trainees are eligible to train for the PhD in the ERP program.

Postdoctoral Fellows are encouraged to join the program as associate members and participate in the program's diverse activities. While postdoctoral positions are arranged directly with individual faculty members, ERP also seeks NIH support in this area. The program supports and mentors the training of both PhD and MD fellows in translational studies.

The multidisciplinary research and the diverse interests of the faculty make possible many approaches to the study of both endocrinology and reproduction, providing the individual student with a wide selection of research training experiences. Research opportunities are available, but not limited to: endocrine molecular signaling, endocrine physiology in body function and dysfunction, stem-cell programming, gamete and embryo biology, pregnancy, lactation, neuroendocrinology and placenta development. Research models range from molecular and cellular all the way to whole animal including nonhuman primates and humans.

All students complete a core set of courses during the first two years of enrollment in the program including participation in the weekly seminar program. After fulfilling core course requirements, students have the ability to design a curriculum that meets individual research and career interests. Students also have multiple opportunities to present research work in courses, seminars and symposia, and at regional, national and international scientific meetings.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Admission to the program is competitive. Potential applicants will have a major in the biological sciences or other relevant field, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0, and appropriate preparatory courses in physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, calculus, statistics, organic chemistry, and/or genetics. Prior laboratory research experience is strongly recommended.

The application process includes the completion and submission of the online Graduate School application, payment of the application fee, submission of a personal statement for graduate study, receipt of English proficiency test scores (if applicable), receipt of three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and a current curriculum vitae.

Completed applications for entry are reviewed by a panel of faculty. Applicants who pass this first step will be invited to a campus visit to interview with faculty and learn more about the program.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

More than 95 percent of the program's enrolled students are supported by a research assistantship or fellowship. Incoming applicants are considered for competitive fellowships during the admissions process; no additional application is required. Additional fellowship support for minority and educationally disadvantaged students is also available (prospective students should contact the program administrator at the time of application). Teaching assistantships are discouraged until the student has passed the preliminary exam. Training-grant support may be considered in the third through fifth years of study for PhD students, assuming the student meets citizenship criteria, satisfactory academic progress, has a project that is relevant to the mission of NICHD, and continued funding by the National Institutes of Health. Financial support generally includes tuition remission, monthly stipend check, and participation in the State of Wisconsin health insurance program. Benefit costs change on an annual basis; contact the program administrator for current rates. Support for international students varies by faculty advisor. International students offered admission will be required to submit a notarized financial statement prior to visa documents being issued.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required Courses

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

With program approval, prior graduate coursework may satisfy requirements. Consult with the graduate program manager and director to determine if prior graduate coursework is relevant and can fulfill requirements. Students may transfer up to 7 credits. Credits earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree are not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Students may satisfy course content requirements beyond the 7 credit transfer maximum with prior graduate coursework, but additional credits do not transfer. Such course substitutions must be discussed with the program director. Students must still fulfill the Graduate School’s minimum credit requirements.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at other Institutions or UW-Madison

Occasionally, with program approval, students may satisfy course requirements with prior undergraduate coursework from UW-Madison or other institutions, but the associated credits do not transfer. Consult with the graduate program manager and director to determine if prior undergraduate coursework is relevant and can fulfill requirements. Undergraduate coursework completed ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree are not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Such course substitutions must be discussed with the program director. Students must still fulfill the Graduate School’s minimum credit requirements.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Credits Earned as a University Special student at UW-Madison

Occasionally, with program approval, students may satisfy course requirements with prior coursework as a UW-Madison University Special student. Consult with the graduate program manager and director to determine if prior undergraduate coursework is relevant and can fulfill requirements. Students may transfer up to 7 total credits from graduate coursework earned as a Special student. Undergraduate courses taken as a University Special student may satisfy course requirements, but the associated credits do not transfer. Credits earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree are not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Every graduate student is required to have an advisor. An advisor is a faculty member, or sometimes a committee, from the major department responsible for providing advice regarding graduate studies. An advisor generally serves as the thesis advisor. In many cases, an advisor is assigned to incoming students. Students can be suspended from the Graduate School if they do not have an advisor.

To ensure that students are making satisfactory progress toward a degree, the Graduate School expects them to meet with their advisor on a regular basis.

A committee often accomplishes advising for the students in the early stages of their studies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)  (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

Grievance Policy for Graduate Programs in the School of Medicine and Public Health

Any student in a School of Medicine and Public Health graduate program who feels that they have been treated unfairly in regards to educational decisions and/or outcomes or issues specific to the graduate program, including academic standing, progress to degree, professional activities, appropriate advising, and a program’s community standards by a faculty member, staff member, postdoc, or student has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing of the grievance following these grievance procedures. Any student who discusses, inquiries about, or participates in the grievance procedure may do so openly and shall not be subject to intimidation, discipline, or retaliation because of such activity. Each program’s grievance advisor is listed on the “Research” tab of the SMPH intranet .

This policy does not apply to employment-related issues for Graduate Assistants in TA, PA and/or RA appointments.  Graduate Assistants will utilize the Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures (GAPP) grievance process to resolve employment-related issues.

This policy does not apply to instances when a graduate student wishes to report research misconduct.  For such reports refer to the UW-Madison Policy for Reporting Research Misconduct for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Research Associates .

Requirements for Programs

The School of Medicine and Public Health Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology and Graduate Studies requires that each graduate program designate a grievance advisor, who should be a tenured faculty member, and will request the name of the grievance advisor annually.  The program director will serve as the alternate grievance advisor in the event that the grievance advisor is named in the grievance.  The program must notify students of the grievance advisor, including posting the grievance advisor’s name on the program’s Guide page and handbook.

The grievance advisor or program director may be approached for possible grievances of all types.  They will spearhead the grievance response process described below for issues specific to the graduate program, including but not limited to academic standing, progress to degree, professional activities, appropriate advising, and a program’s community standards.  They will ensure students are advised on reporting procedures for other types of possible grievances and are supported throughout the reporting process.  Resources on identifying and reporting other issues have been compiled by the Graduate School.

• The student is advised to initiate a written record containing dates, times, persons, and description of activities, and to update this record while completing the procedures described below.
• If the student is comfortable doing so, efforts should be made to resolve complaints informally between individuals before pursuing a formal grievance.
• Should a satisfactory resolution not be achieved, the student should contact the program’s grievance advisor or program director to discuss the complaint. The student may approach the grievance advisor or program director alone or with a UW-Madison faculty or staff member. The grievance advisor or program director should keep a record of contacts with regards to possible grievances.  The first attempt is to help the student informally address the complaint prior to pursuing a formal grievance. The student is also encouraged to talk with their faculty advisor regarding concerns or difficulties.
• If the issue is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may submit a formal grievance to the grievance advisor or program director in writing, within 60 calendar days from the date the grievant first became aware of, or should have become aware of with the exercise of reasonable diligence, the cause of the grievance.  To the fullest extent possible, a grievance shall contain a clear and concise statement of the grievance and indicate the issue(s) involved, the relief sought, the date(s) the incident or violation took place, and any specific policy involved.
• The grievance advisor or program director will convene a faculty committee composed of at least three members to manage the grievance.  Any faculty member involved in the grievance or who feels that they cannot be impartial may not participate in the committee.  Committee composition should reflect diverse viewpoints within the program.
• The faculty committee, through the grievance advisor or program director, will obtain a written response from the person or persons toward whom the grievance is directed. The grievance advisor or program director will inform this person that their response will be shared with the student filing the grievance.
• The grievance advisor or program director will share the response with the student filing the grievance.
• The faculty committee will make a decision regarding the grievance. The committee’s review shall be fair, impartial, and timely.  The grievance advisor or program director will report on the action taken by the committee in writing to both the student and the person toward whom the grievance was directed.
• The grievant will be notified in writing, within 5 business days of the written appeal, acknowledging receipt of the formal appeal and establishing a timeline for the review to be completed.
• The senior associate dean or their designee may request additional materials and/or arrange meetings with the grievant and/or others.  If meetings occur, the senior associate dean or their designee will meet with both the grievant and the person or persons toward whom the grievance is directed.
• The senior associate dean or their designee will assemble an ad hoc committee of faculty from outside of the student’s graduate program and ask them to prepare a written recommendation on whether to uphold or reverse the decision of the program on the student’s initial grievance.  The committee may request additional materials and/or arrange meetings with the grievant and/or others.  If meetings occur, the committee will meet with both the grievant and the person or persons toward whom the grievance is directed.
• The senior associate dean or their designee will make a final decision within 20 business days of receipt of the committee’s recommendation.
• The SMPH Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies must store documentation of the grievance for seven years. Grievances that set a precedent may be stored indefinitely.
• The student may file an appeal of the School of Medicine and Public Health decision with the Graduate School.  See the Grievances and Appeals section of the Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures .

Steps in the grievance procedures must be initiated and completed within the designated time periods except when modified by mutual consent. If the student fails to initiate the next step in the grievance procedure within the designated time period, the grievance will be considered resolved by the decision at the last completed step.

Most Endocrinology - Reproductive Physiology students are 100% funded through research assistantships and/or fellowships, which include tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.

• Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

• Learning Outcomes
• Develop disciplinary knowledge (i.e., endocrinology, reproductive physiology, biochemical principles)
• Critically assess research in discipline
• Clearly articulate research findings
• Develop responsible and ethical research practices
• Develop confidence, independence, and identity as a researcher

For the most current list of faculty and descriptions of their research interests, visit the program website .

• Requirements

Contact Information

Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program School of Medicine and Public Health http://www.erp.wisc.edu

Christine "Bootsy" Harden, OD, MS, Graduate Program Manager [email protected] 608-265-5838 6140 Medical Sciences Center 1300 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706

Laura L. Hernandez, PhD, Director of Graduate Study [email protected] 608-263-9867

Manish Patankar, PhD, Assoc Director of Graduate Study [email protected] 608-262-8871

Grievance Advisor, Manish Patankar, PhD [email protected] 608-262-8871

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health

Onsite | Full-Time | 4 years

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About the PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health Program

The emphasis of the PhD program is to integrate coursework in life course, population health, and core PFRH areas of interest with the application of a range of research methods. Doctoral program requirements include a core set of courses that cover developmental, demographic and social science frameworks that represent common conceptual foundations for the work of PFRH faculty. Students also complete coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, and data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Upon completion of required courses and preliminary exams, students engage in dissertation work. Students complete one or more research apprenticeships and serve as teaching assistants for PFRH courses. 

PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health Program Highlights

World-renowned centers and initiatives.

Work directly with faculty on grant-funded research and publishing opportunities at 11 PFRH centers, institutes, and programs

Interdisciplinary methods

Explore and expand your expertise, with courses in social science, demography, epidemiology, health economics, and health services research and evaluation 

Community Engagement

Partner with local and international collaborators to understand and influence public health

Participate on Research Teams

The Bloomberg School is the leading recipient of NIH research funding among U.S. schools of public health, providing unparalleled hands-on research opportunities

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Population, Family And Reproductive Health?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
• Senior Research Analyst
• Program Officer Evaluation Consultant
• Assistant Professor

Curriculum for the PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory . 

Areas of Interest

The Department's current areas of interest in the PhD program include:

• Child and Adolescent Health
• Maternal, Fetal and Perinatal Health
• Population and Health
• Women's, Sexual and Reproductive Health

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

Prior Coursework

A general-level biology or biological science course

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the  CBA  to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond  can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. 

Academic Program Manager Gilbert Morgan (Primary Contact)  410-614-6676 [email protected]

Academic Program Manager Kristen McCormick 410-955-1116 [email protected]

+1 (210) 458-6568

One UTSA Circle San Antonio, TX 78249

Reproductive Biology Research Program at UTSA

Join in on our Reproductive Biology research enterprise, a significant facet of the  Developmental & Regenerative Sciences (DRS) PhD program  at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Nestled within the renowned College of Sciences, our program is a gateway to the world of reproductive science, fostering the next generation of leaders in fertility research.

Immersed in Comprehensive Fertility Studies

Our Reproductive Biology Research Program presents a unique opportunity to dive into the complexities of research on fertility and infertility. Here, students explore a broad spectrum of topics—from embryology and genetics to germ cell biology to advanced reproductive technologies—preparing them to tackle the multifaceted challenges in fertility research and contribute significantly to this critical field.

Prospering Career Paths

A PhD degree from UTSA’s DRS program specializing in Reproductive Biology research paves the way for an array of promising career opportunities. Our graduates excel in various sectors, including academia, healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, our comprehensive career services ensure that our students are well-prepared for their chosen career paths.

State-of-the-Art Research Facilities

UTSA’s Reproductive Biology Research Program is supported by modern laboratories and research facilities furnished with cutting-edge technologies. Immersed within a stimulating academic environment, these resources equip our students to unravel the complexities of reproduction and contribute to life-changing discoveries.

Apply to UTSA DRS

Joining our Developmental and Regenerative Sciences program means more than just pursuing a PhD—it’s about becoming part of a community that’s passionate about improving Reproductive Health. We invite you to embark on this exciting journey with us and contribute to shaping the future of Reproductive Biology research.

Start your path toward pivotal discoveries and advancements in Reproductive Science today. Apply to UTSA’s DRS PhD program and join our mission to revolutionize Reproductive Biology research.

• Lacy Barton
• Brian Hermann
• John McCarrey
• Christopher Navara
• Jeffrey Vegandayagam
• UTSA Institute of Regenerative Medicine
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Applications for Fall 2025 admission into the DRS PhD Program are now open! Application Deadline for Fall 2025 admission is November 1, 2024 for consideration for fee waivers and/or additional financial incentives, or December 1, 2024 for all applications.

Information: (210) 458-6568

[email protected]

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Texas A&M University Catalogs

Doctor of philosophy in physiology of reproduction.

The Department of Animal Science offers graduate coursework leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physiology of Reproduction. The mission of the Physiology of Reproduction Program is three-fold: research the fundamental elements of reproductive biology necessary for development of systems to enhance the efficiency of animal reproduction and productivity, teach the latest principles and strategies/practices of reproductive biology to undergraduate and graduate students and through established extension programs, translate the acquired knowledge into reproductive systems to benefit producers and consumers.

The Physiology of Reproduction graduate program includes graduate courses designed to challenge students with state of the art information in the areas of animal reproduction, growth, stress and lactation. A distance learning teaching format is being used in one course. In addition to course work, students enrolled in the Physiology of Reproduction Graduate Program are required to conduct research. The research effort is strong because of the number of nationally recognized scientists who have diverse areas of expertise. Their interests vary from molecular biology to the application of the technologies in a production setting. The program is strengthened by numerous collaborative relationships between the scientists. These relationships are fostered by the Interdisciplinary Faculty of Reproductive Biology composed of over 45 faculty members from 10 departments located in four colleges at Texas A&M University, and across four campuses and three off-campus centers of the Texas A&M University system. The Robert Justus Kleberg, Jr. Animal and Food Science Center provides laboratories for research and graduate training across the Animal Science discipline, including Physiology of Reproduction. Special equipment available in these laboratories or in readily accessible facilities, such as at the Computing Services Center, offer a wide array of opportunities for study and research. Dairy, beef, horse, and swine herds and sheep and goat flocks at the main station or at research centers afford opportunities to study various problems in Physiology of Reproduction. Texas A&M AgriLife Research projects also offer opportunities for graduate students to participate in current research activities. Support areas such as biochemistry and biophysics, economics, genetics and statistics may be readily arranged. 

Students completing the Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology of Reproduction will work with their thesis committee in order to design a degree and research plan that best meets their long-term objectives. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate’s grasp of the subject matter in the physiology of reproduction and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and convincingly in both oral and written form. The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

Program Requirements

• Student's Advisory Committee

Degree Plan

Transfer of credit, research proposal, preliminary examination, preliminary examination format, preliminary examination scheduling, preliminary examination grading, failure of the preliminary examination, retake of failed preliminary examination, final examination, final examination grading, dissertation, student’s advisory committee.

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of their major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of  no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty  representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and  at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department . The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.

The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for up to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign  en masse . The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education and degree objectives. The committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a proposed degree plan and outline a research problem which, when completed, as indicated by the dissertation (or its equivalent for the degree of Doctor of Education or the degree of Doctor of Engineering), will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.

This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website  http://ogsdpss.tamu.edu . A minimum of 64 hours is required on the degree plan for the Doctor of Philosophy for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student who has completed a DDS/DMD, DVM or a MD at a U.S. institution is also required to complete a minimum of 64 hours. A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree will be required to complete a 96-hour degree plan. Completion of a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD degree at a foreign institution requires completion of a minimum of 96 hours for the Doctor of Philosophy. A field of study may be primarily in one department or in a combination of departments. A degree plan must carry a reasonable amount of 691 (research). A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Additional coursework may be added by petition to the approved degree plan by the student’s advisory committee if it is deemed necessary to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Approval to enroll in any professional course (900-level) should be obtained from the head of the department (or Chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.

No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

For non-distance degree programs, no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs. 

Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable. Coursework  in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.

As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the dissertation research proposal should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student’s advisory committee, the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Request for the Final Examination.

Compliance issues must be addressed if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards and recombinant DNA. A student involved in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety at (979) 458-1467 to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities. Additional information can also be obtained on the website  http:// rcb.tamu.edu .

Examinations

The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and their advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.

The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.

The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:

a.     a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;

b.     an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;

c.     an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.

The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.

The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.

Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.

Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.

If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:

a.     offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.

b.     assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.

c.     forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.

Students are eligible for to schedule the preliminary examination in the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) if they meet the following list of eligibility requirements:

Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.

An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.

Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.

Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.

At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.

Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.

If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee. A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their preliminary exam.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.

If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS. The approval of the designated department approver is also required on the request.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the Fall 2023 semester will expire at the end of the Fall 2027 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the Summer and Fall 2023 semesters will expire at the end of the Summer 2027 semester.

First Failure

Upon approval of a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), and approval of the Department and Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed a preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s department head or designee, intercollegiate faculty, or graduate advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding their scholastic deficiency.

Second Failure

Upon failing the preliminary exam twice in a doctoral program, a student is no longer eligible to continue to pursue the PhD in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the department as a result of the second failure of the preliminary examination.

Adequate time must be given to permit a student to address inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate to the student, in writing, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest.  When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam.  The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.

Candidates for the doctoral degrees must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the  Graduate and Professional School Calendar  each semester. A doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.

No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.

Refer to the  Admission to Candidacy  section of the graduate catalog for candidacy requirements.

A request to schedule the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.

The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. Only one committee member substitution is allowed with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School. If the substitution is for the sole external member of the advisory committee - with an appointment to a department other than the student's major department - then the substitute must also be external to the student's major department. In extenuating circumstances, with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School, an exception to this requirement may be granted.

The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document. Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School will be automatically notified via ARCS of any cancellations.

A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their final exam. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS.

The dissertation,  which must be a candidate's original work demonstrates the ability to perform independent research . Whereas acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. Dissertation formatting must be acceptable to the Graduate and Professional School as outlined in the Guidelines for Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study.

After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department (or chair of intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), a student must submit the dissertation in electronic format as a single PDF file to https://etd.tamu.edu/ . Additionally, a dissertation approval form with original signatures must be received by the Graduate and Professional School through the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS). Both the PDF file and the completed ARCS approval form must be received by the deadline.

Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the  Graduate and Professional School website .

Each student who submits a document for review is assessed a one-time thesis/dissertation processing fee through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.

A dissertation that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head or chair of the intercollegiate faculty . The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process to graduate.

Additional Requirements

Continuous registration, admission to candidacy.

• 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degree

Application for Degree

A student who enters the doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree must spend one academic year plus one semester in resident study at Texas A&M University. A student who holds master’s degree when they enter a doctoral degree program must spend one academic year in resident study. One academic year may include two adjacent regular semesters or one regular semester and one adjacent 10-week summer semester. The third semester is not required to be adjacent to the one year. Enrollment for each semester must be a minimum of 9 credit hours each to satisfy the residence requirement. A minimum of 1 credit hour must be in a non-distance education delivery mode. Semesters in which the student is enrolled in all distance education coursework will not count toward fulfillment of the residence requirement.

To satisfy the residence requirement, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester or 10-week summer semester in resident study at Texas A&M University for the required period. A student who enters a doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree may fulfill residence requirements in excess of one academic year (18 credit hours) by registration during summer sessions or by completion of a less-than-full course load (in this context a full course load is considered 9 credit hours per semester).

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of employment to the Graduate and Professional School. An employee should submit verification of employment at the time they submit the degree plan. See  Registration.

See  Residence Requirements .

All requirements for doctoral degrees must be completed within a period of ten consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.

A final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file must be cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one year of the semester in which the final exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a final exam taken and passed during the fall 2022 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A final exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2022 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.

A student in a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy who has completed all coursework on a degree plan other than 691 (research) are required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed. See  Continuous Registration Requirements .

To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:

• completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, or 791.
• a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
• passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
• submitted an approved dissertation proposal,
• met the residence requirements. The final examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.

A student is required to possess a competent command of English. For English language proficiency requirements, see the Admissions section of this catalog. The doctoral (PhD) foreign language requirement at Texas A&M University is a departmental option, to be administered and monitored by the individual departments of academic instruction.

99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the  Tuition Calculator  at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Medical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neurosciences (College of Medicine)
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Sciences
• School Psychology

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

Wayne State University

School of medicine, obgyn obstetrics & gynecology, phd in physiology (concentration in reproductive science).

This is an integrated Ph.D. program incorporating the teaching, research and physical resources of two departments, Physiology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, at Wayne State University's School of Medicine and offers interdisciplinary doctoral training in the Reproductive Sciences with the degree earned through the Department of Physiology. The program's integration into the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology allows students the unique opportunity to obtain a Ph.D degree in a clinical environment. This close association of basic science and clinical medicine affords students a better comprehension of translational research opportunities directed toward ultimately benefiting reproductive medicine and health.

The curriculum represents an academic focus directed toward graduate education and research training in reproduction and development including genomics, proteomics, molecular biology and bioinformatics. Dissertation research is typically performed in basic science laboratories located at the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development under the mentorship of Ob/Gyn graduate teaching faculty.

Wayne State University

School of medicine, physiology physiology, phd in physiology (concentration in reproductive science).

This is an integrated Ph.D. program incorporating the teaching, research and physical resources of two departments, Physiology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, at Wayne State University's School of Medicine and offers interdisciplinary doctoral training in the Reproductive Sciences with the degree earned through the Department of Physiology. The program's integration into the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology allows students the unique opportunity to obtain a Ph.D degree in a clinical environment. This close association of basic science and clinical medicine affords students a better comprehension of translational research opportunities directed toward ultimately benefiting reproductive medicine and health.

The curriculum represents an academic focus directed toward graduate education and research training in reproduction and development including genomics, proteomics, molecular biology and bioinformatics. Dissertation research is typically performed in basic science laboratories located at the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development under the mentorship of Ob/Gyn graduate teaching faculty.

• Program Requirements
• Application Information

UC Davis Graduate Studies

Reproductive biology, about the program, learn more about the program.

The DE in Reproductive Biology offers research opportunities ranging from molecular to organismal, and from basic research to applied studies in agricultural and health related sciences. The astonishing breadth and depth of the campuses research programs in this field have created a dynamic research environment that promotes collaborative investigations and provides outstanding opportunities for graduate education.

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Ambulatory and Production Medicine for service on farms within 30 miles of Ithaca, NY

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Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401

BBS PhD Program

In this section :, research areas, reproductive biology.

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Reproductive Biology

The field of reproductive biology includes study of the impacts of endocrine dysfunction on fertility, as well as the many physiological processes that are impacted by reproductive hormones, such as immune function, stress responsiveness, bone turnover, metabolism, cardiovascular function. Clinical outcomes related to alterations in reproductive function include fertility, fracture risk, bone health, reproductive cancers, and cardiovascular disease. Methodological approaches range from clinical research in humans to large and small animal models and cellular systems.

Faculty Working In Reproductive Biology

Potential Specialization Areas

• Chronic low energy availability on reproductive function in humans and animals
• Infertility
• Gonad and mammary gland function
• Reproductive genomics and immunology
• Biological clocks

• Search This Site All UCSD Sites Faculty/Staff Search Term
• Mission & Vision
• Administration
• Complex Family Planning
• Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Maternal-Fetal (Perinatal) Medicine
• Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI)
• Obstetrics & Gynecology (Generalist)
• Hospitalist
• Advanced Practice Providers
• Nurse Midwifery Program
• Diabetes and Pregnancy Program
• Pelvic Health After Birth Program
• Section for Global Women's Health
• OB Refugee & Asylee Case Navigation Program
• Faculty Mentor Training Program
• Reproductive & Oncofertility Science Academy (ROSA)
• Medical Student Education
• Career Development Programs: WRHR and RSDP

Fellowships

• Residency Program
• Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Course (MNNC)
• Faculty Labs
• Clinical Trials
• Center for Reproductive Science & Medicine
• Center for OBGYN Research Innovation
• Research Administration
• Glycobiology Research & Training
• Pregnancy and Birth Care
• Birth Control and Abortion Care
• Women and Infants Patient and Family Advisory Council
• Values Statement
• Cultural Arts
• Department of OBGYN & Reproductive Sciences
• Education & Training
• Reproductive Sciences

Postdoctoral Training in Reproductive Sciences

Program Director: Pamela L. Mellon, Ph.D.

Co-Directors: Alexander S. Kauffman, Ph.D. , H. Irene Su, M.D., M.S.C.E.

About the Fellowship

This training program for Ph.D. postdoctoral fellows aims to provide outstanding training for future academic faculty or biotechnology leaders with a concentration on research in reproductive biology. It is coupled with training for M.D. clinical fellows in obstetrics and gynecology that qualifies them for subspecialty boards to produce highly qualified physician scientists with a commitment to clinical and basic research. This integrated basic, translational, and clinical research training program is designed to provide PhD, MD, MD/PhD trainees for successful careers with well-rounded training and a foundation for leadership in reproductive sciences.

Research opportunites range from computational and molecular to patient-oriented research utilizing bioinformatics, in vitro analyses, cell culture models, whole animal, and clinical research methodology. The breadth of the research opportunites for our trainees covers the lifspan: germ cells, placental growth and function, gonadal physiology and development, pituitary/hypothalamic development and neurophysiology, puberty, pelvic floor muscle biology, vaginal, urinary, and gut microbiome, metabolism and stress, and epidemiology of infertility and preterm birth. Faculty mentors are carefully selected for their research focus and commitment to reproductive sciences, their substantial funding record, their experience in training postdoctoral and clinical fellows, and their willingness to participate in mentoring and training activities of the program.

Program History

A training program for postdoctoral fellows in basic, translational, and clinical Research in Reproductive Sciences, this program has been continuously funded by NICHD/NIH since 1982 via the T32 training mechanism to support postdoctoral fellows at the UC San Diego School of Medicine with a commitment to research in reproduction. This grant has been consistently renewed and has been funded now for more than 40 years, first under the leadership of Dr. Samuel S.C. Yen, M.D. (with Dr. Pamela L. Mellon as Co-Director 1993–1998), and renewed in 1998 under the leadership of Dr. Mellon, Ph.D. This program received the highest honor conferred by NIH for a T32 program, a Mentor Award, in 2003. This award cited our program for excellence and extended the funding for a full 10 years. This grant was renewed for 2013–2018 with a perfect score of 10. We were recently awarded another five years in 2023, extending the grant through 2028, which will be year 45 of this exceptional training program. 

This cohesive group of faculty members provides a conducive academic environment to pursue high quality and contemporary training. The faculty mentors and their expertise are listed below:

• Marianna Alperin , M.D., M.S. – Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Impact of pregnancy, birth injury, and aging on the structure, function, plasticity, and regenerative potential of the female pelvic soft tissues. Alperin Laboratory
• Kellie Breen Church , Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Utilizes powerful in vivo and in vitro models to unravel the intricate, integrative mechanisms and neural loci whereby stress diminishes reproductive function. Breen Church Laboratory
• Heidi Cook Andersen , MD, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Post-transcriptional Mechanisms Driving the Oocyte-to-Embryo Transition. Cook-Andersen Laboratory
• Kathleen Fisch , Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Translational Genomics in Maternal-fetal Medicine. Fisch Laboratory  
• Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman , M.D. – Professor and Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Preterm Birth, Obstetric Complications, Perinatal Epidemiology. Gyamfi-Bannerman Profile
• Alexander (Sasha) Kauffman , Ph.D. – Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Co-Director T32 Training in Reproductive Sciences. Neuroendocrinology of reproductive physiology, puberty, and fertility; sex steroid actions on reproductive neural circuits in females and transgender men. Kauffman Laboratory
• Louise Laurent, M.D. – Vice-Chair for Translational Research, Co-Director Center for Perinatal Discovery, Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Stem cell biology, molecular, and genomic approaches to discover the molecular events that occur during early human development. Laurent Laboratory  
• Mark Lawson , Ph.D. – Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Signaling in the Pituitary. Lawson Laboratory
• Amanda Lewis , Ph.D. – Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Director of the Glycobiology Research and Training Center. Glycobiology and the Vaginal Microbiome. Lewis Laboratory
• Pamela Mellon , Ph.D. – Vice-Chair for Research, Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Neurosciences, Director T32 Training in Reproductive Sciences. Molecular and genetic mechanisms in the neuroendocrine regulation of mammalian reproduction. Mellon Laboratory
• Mana Parast , M.D, Ph.D. – Professor of Pathology, Co-Director Center for Perinatal Discovery. Trophoblast Differentiation and Placental Development. Parast Laboratory  
• David Schlaepfer , Ph.D. – Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Signals Controlling Reproductive Development and Tumorigenesis. Schlaepfer Laboratory  
• Francesca Soncin , Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Pathology. Trophoblast Cell Identity in Placental Development. Soncin Laboratory
• H. Irene Su, M.D., M.S.C.E. – Professor Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Co-Director T32 Training in Reproductive Sciences. Epidemiology, Clinical Trials, Implementation Science, Oncofertility, and Ovarian Aging. Su Laboratory
• Varykina Thackray , Ph.D. – Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Host/microbe Interactions Regulating Sex Steroids and Reproduction. Thackray Laboratory
• Nicholas J.G. Webster , Ph.D. – Professor of Medicine. Metabolic effects in reproduction and signaling in the pituitary. Webster Laboratory
• Miles Wilkinson , Ph.D. – Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Spermatogenesis and transcriptional regulatory pathways that control embryonic stem cell and germ cell development in vivo. Wilkinson Laboratory

Training Resources

• Fellowship Training in Clinical Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
• Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
• Training in Bioethics
• UC San Diego Training Grants

Application Process

This NIH T32 training program requires applicants have U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence for stipend support. To apply, please send a curriculum vitae and cover letter to Dr. Mellon: [email protected]

• Maternal-Fetal (Perinatal)
• Reproductive Endocrinology

Pioneering Research to Solve Global Challenges in Womens’ health and more broadly in Human and Animal Reproduction. Be part of it.

Video provided by Mariana Wolfner

What is CoRe?

In the era of Covid19 there are many global issues that demand a renewed intense focus on reproductive biology. Many of these areas are already represented by research labs at Cornell, led by a renowned group of researchers focused on Reproductive Biology. Read more about CoRe’s mission >

News and Breakthroughs

Dr. Mandi de Mestre Publishes PNAS Article on Equine Miscarriage and Chromosomal Aberration

August 2024 Dr. Mandi de Mestre's (Dorothy Havemeyer McConville Professor of Equine Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baker Institute for Animal Health) laboratory published a research article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) this month. The work, co-led by Postdoc Shebl Salem and laboratory manager Don Miller, along with previous [...]

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Department of Biomedical, Sciences, Veterinary Research Tower, Ithaca, NY 14853 [email protected]

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THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

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Reproductive Science and Medicine

Degree requirements.

Learn more about the program by visiting the Master of Science in Reproductive Science and Medicine Program

See related Interdisciplinary Clusters and Certificates

Degree Types: MS

The master of science in reproductive science and medicine (MS-RSM) is a full-time, terminal master of science  degree focusing on human reproductive biology and medicine. We offer thesis and non-thesis tracks to meet the  needs of our applicants and their professional goals. Students will also be part of a vibrant community of  reproductive scientists through the Center for Reproductive Science .

Program courses and activities are located on the Northwestern University Chicago campus in Illinois,  USA. However, the program is cross-campus and some electives and thesis research opportunities may be  located on the Northwestern University Evanston campus and the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Lurie Children's Hospital, also  in Chicago, Illinois. University shuttles connect the campuses and are free to students.

Program graduates will be prepared for research and technical positions with academic, clinical, and pharmaceutical  laboratories. Students will also have a foundation for further training to PhD and medical degree programs.

Additional Resources:

• Program website
• Program handbook(s)

Program Statistics

Visit Master's Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.

Program Contact

Contact Nimra Chohan Senior Program Coordinator 312-503-6306

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in  The Graduate School Policy Guide .

Thesis Track

Total Units Required: 12

Other MS Degree Requirements-Thesis Track

• Examinations : A written thesis and public presentation are in lieu of a final examination.
• Research/Projects : Students are required to join a thesis lab during winter quarter of their first year.
• Master's Thesis : The MS-RSM thesis track requires a written thesis submitted during the student’s final quarter in the program.

Non-Thesis Track

Other MS Degree Requirement-Non-Thesis Track

• Examinations : Students complete a written final examination, as well as an oral examination, to earn the MS degree.
• Research/Projects : Students are not required to perform research for the degree. Students have the option to complete research during the summer quarter after required courses and the final examination are complete.
• Master's Thesis : The non-thesis track does not require a master’s thesis.

Electives (Optional)

Students may choose from a variety of electives to complete their degree. Electives enable students to tailor their degree to professional and personal interests by developing a focus area and/or achieve breadth. Reproductive Science and Medicine electives include REPR_SCI 415: Medical Management of Fertility , and REPR_SCI 430: Translational Topics in Fertility Preservation and Oncofertility . However, electives can span topics outside of reproductive science. General areas of interest are listed below. Students may take any TGS course and are not limited to the list when determining electives. 

• Anthropology
• Public Health
• Medical Humanities and Bioethics
• Clinical Investigation
• Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety
• Biostatistics and Epidemiology
• Gender Studies
• Life Sciences  
• Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biotechnology

Last Updated: September 6, 2024

We have 17 Reproductive Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Reproductive Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

A PhD in Reproductive Biology would provide you with the time and resources to conduct a three to four-year research project into an area of reproduction. These projects could involve the study of pollinators, researching reproductive organ conditions such as the endometriosis or developing drugs to for contraception. Regardless, your work will contribute to the current understanding of Reproductive Biology.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Reproductive Biology? 

As a PhD student in Reproductive Biology, you’ll likely gain experience with a range of laboratory techniques. Depending on your project, you may work directly with patients or observe and sample organisms in the field. Therefore, you’ll also develop an excellent understanding of ethics.

Some typical research topics in Reproductive Biology include:

• Studying reproductive hormones in animals
• Developing novel drugs for contraception or to assist conception in humans
• Investigating the response of natural pollinators to environmental changes
• Researching a specific condition such as polycystic ovaries
• Study the formation of the placenta in healthy or diseased cases

In a standard workday, you’ll be working in the laboratory, studying patients, or taking part in field work, depending on your research topic. You’ll also be writing up the results of previous experiments, analysing data and discussing your current work and plans with your supervisor.

Your PhD will end with you writing a thesis of roughly 60,000 words and a viva exam , in which you’ll defend your thesis.

Almost all Reproductive Biology projects have a research proposal attached outlining the work, which is written by the supervisor. Many of these projects come fully-funded, though some request you self-fund, which can be tricky since you must pay both PhD and bench fees.

Funding challenge also makes proposing your own research in Reproductive Biology uncommon, as well as the difficulty of finding a supervisor with research interests that overlap with your project, who also has adequate equipment.

Entry requiements

The  entry requirements  for most Reproductive Biology PhD programmes involve a Masters in a subject directly related to Biology, with at least a Merit or Distinction. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need to show that you have the right level of  language proficiency . 

PhD in Reproductive Biology funding options 

The research council responsible for funding Reproductive Biology PhDs in the UK is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). They provide fully-funded studentships including a stipend for living costs, a consumables budget for bench fees and a tuition fee waiver. Students don’t apply directly to the BBSRC, you apply for advertised projects with this funding attached.

It’s uncommon for Reproductive Biology PhD students to be ‘self-funded’ due to the additional bench fees. However, if you were planning to fund yourself it might be achievable (depending on your project) through the UK government’s PhD loan and part-time work.

Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Tackle real world challenges, make a difference, and elevate your career with postgraduate research in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at Manchester. From biochemistry to neuroscience, cancer sciences to medicine, audiology to mental health and everything in between, we offer a wide range of postgraduate research projects, programmes and funding which will allow you to immerse yourself in an area of research you’re passionate about.

Characterising the functional and transcriptomic differences between the inner and outer layers of human myometrium; towards understanding their roles in uterine pathophysiology and developing next generation therapies

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Unlocking the role of environmental cues in phenological change

Competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Maternal anxiety and language delays in children – both outcomes of the same epigenetic alteration?

Mapping neuroimmune interactions at mucosal sites, neural basis of decision-making, self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Deciphering the Antenatal signature and pathological placental lesions in second trimester miscarriage (the DAHLIA Study)

Exploration of the disease sequalae of gestational diabetes (part of the elemi womens health program), establishing and orienting causal relationships between sleep characteristics and reproductive function, the evolutionary basis of feeding preferences: a geometric framework approach, differential equation modelling to address male infertility, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Unraveling the Impact of Epigenetic and Microenvironmental Factors on Breast Cancer Development and Progression

Extreme conservation: reproductive strategies of malagasy shorebirds, the evolution of reproductive strategies from dinosaurs to modern birds, heads and tails - tracking the sperm's beating flagellum, investigating the connection between early embryo architecture and embryo viability.

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Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology

Faculty and student researches in the reproductive physiology/ endocrinology group conduct projects investigating physiological processes that range from the cellular/molecular level to the integrative/ organismal level. Research interests include topics with clear relevance to human health, such as elucidation of aberrant signaling pathways in polycystic ovarian syndrome, prostate and ovarian cancer, and biochemical regulation of sperm motility and egg activation/ fertilization. Another area of active investigation focuses on the adverse effects of environmental pollutants in a variety of animal models. Basic questions regarding the underlying regulation of gonadal function, such as steroidgenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis, are also under investigation. Researchers have access to excellent resources for physiological research,including a vivarium, tissue culture facility, confocal microscope/ visualization facility, laser capture microscope, genomics and proteomics facilities located within the department, and the School of Biomedical Sciences.

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Graduate students in Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology are enrolled in the M.S. or Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences (Physiology concentration), or the Neurosciences or Cell and Molecular Biology programs in the School of Biomedical Sciences. Students in these programs also interact with faculty and students at NEOUCOM and the Cleveland Clinic who also participate in these programs.

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Home » Biomedical Sciences (M.S.) – Reproductive Technology Specialization

Biomedical Sciences (M.S.) – Reproductive Technology Specialization

​The Department of Biomedical Sciences is a major location for biomedical education from undergraduate through postdoctorate and for translational biomedical research for Colorado State University.  Faculty members’ interests vary greatly from reproductive biology and endocrinology to neurotransmitters and molecular signal transduction.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Sciences – Reproductive Technology Specialization

Areas of study (one-year coursework program).

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Within certain graduate degree programs, well-defined specializations are offered. A Graduate Specialization is formally approved with a defined curriculum addressing a specialty within a graduate degree program. Transcripts are endorsed to reflect specializations.

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Students pursuing graduate work in biological sciences are diverse in motivation, interest, and career aspirations. For some, that will be to join biotechnology industries to pursue tools for the improvement of humanity. Others will seek to focus on academic research and teaching, and others will work to enhance the communication between scientists and non-scientists, through policy, outreach, and science communication. Regardless, all of these careers require rigorous training in the skills and habits of successful researchers.

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At the core of our program is the exciting research carried out by our graduate faculty. Our Department's research efforts are recognized nationally and internationally. An important index of scientific excellence is the level of external funding awarded to a research program: Biological Sciences faculty hold research awards ~$5,000,000 in external grants were awarded to support Biological Sciences research efforts. Graduate students will work with the nearly 40 faculty members of the Department of Biological sciences with research foci in the areas of:

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• Netherlands
• EXPIRES SOON
• Maastricht University via AcademicTransfer
• Posted on: 3 September 2024

PhD Position in Systems Biology: improved metabotyping through hybrid modeling of multi-omics data

Job Information

Offer description.

Ever wondered how your metabolism really ticks? Help us build smarter tools to find out! Job Description At the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio) we focus on connecting the dots between different types of biological data. A key part of our mission involves developing computational and modeling tools that go beyond simple classification to explore the complex intricacies of metabolism. By doing so, we aim to uncover the subtle nuances of how our bodies process nutrients and respond to interventions, ultimately leading to personalized health strategies and better disease prevention. In this PhD role, you will develop and apply hybrid approaches that blend the knowledge-driven biological precision of genome-scale metabolic modeling with the adaptive, data-driven power of machine learning. In doing so, you will focus on leveraging multi-omics data—spanning genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and possibly more. Thus, you will be at the forefront of creating cutting-edge tools that not only enhance metabotyping but also provide deeper insights into the complexities of human metabolism. Your research will aim to maximize the insights gained from multi-omics data, enhancing our understanding of variations in metabolic phenotypes and the prediction of responses to metabolic interventions. A specific area of interest will be the development of methods to study the genetic and epigenetic regulation of metabolism, uncovering how these mechanisms shape individual metabolic responses. You’ll be joining a dynamic, interdisciplinary team, collaborating with experts in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and systems biology. Your research will contribute to ongoing projects in molecular cardiology and precision nutrition, offering a unique opportunity to explore and innovate within a well-supported and data-rich environment. Responsibilities and tasks:

• Develop innovative frameworks that integrate genome-scale metabolic models with machine learning;
• Create computational and modeling methods to incorporate and analyze multi-omics data within these paradigms;
• Investigate how genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to metabolic regulation;
• Contribute to advancements in precision nutrition and molecular cardiology through impactful research;
• Collaborate with nutritionists and clinicians with the potential to translate your findings into practical, individualized health strategies;
• Present findings at scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with strong analytical skills and a passion for interdisciplinary research. You should be an effective communicator, able to work both independently and as part of a team, and have a strong interest in the intersection of multi-omics, metabolism, and systems biology. Our ideal candidate has:

• A MSc in Biomathematics, Biostatistics, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology or equivalent (required);
• Experience with genome-scale metabolic modelling and/or machine learning methods (e.g. elastic net, neural networks, random forests) (required);
• Excellent data analysis skills (required);
• Proficiency in the English language (required);
• Familiarity with multi-omics data integration and regulatory genomics is a plus;
• Strong interest in working at the interface between biology and technology;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Programming experience in R and Matlab, Java, Python or equivalent languages.

What we offer As PhD Position in Systems Biology: improved metabotyping through hybrid modeling of multi-omics data at Faculty of Science & Engineering , you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2872,00 and €3670,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here . Maastricht University Why work at Maastricht University? At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research. In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers. With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community. Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together. Click here for more information about UM. Faculty of Science and Engineering At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development. FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention. The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work! FSE at the Brightlands Campuses Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services. Department Launched in 2015, the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio) aims to develop a set of computational and mathematical models and methods that will advance our understanding of biological systems, and predict the progression and treatment of complex diseases over time. MaCSBio strives to perform cutting edge research in the interdisciplinary field of Systems Biology to create a “Digital Twin”, a set of computational and mathematical models based on biological evidence that will help to understand and predict human systems. Research projects at MaCSBio focus on modelling across multiple scales of time and space, tackling areas that are highly relevant for society: systems biomedicine, computational neuroscience and systems toxicology. Curious? Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Michiel Adriaens [email protected] for more information. Any questions regarding the procedurecan also be directed there. …

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