Anyone here a PhD? Or working toward one?

The Ph.D. degree in the biological sciences (and related professional schools) is a research degree, which means the coursework is a small part of the total program. It may be different in DMV/Ph.D. programs, though. In Biology, the research takes up most of the four years of the program, including collecting preliminary data so a research prospectus can be filed with the Ph.D. committee (usually in first year), the department and the university. Then, written (not always) and oral exams (always) are administered in the second year, including an oral defense of the research proposal. Passing this means the individual is advanced to candidacy (now a Ph.D. candidate). The bulk of the last two years is strictly research, culminating with a defense of the dissertation (oral presentation followed by grilling by the committee--in the last semester).

As for time involvement, let me give you a quote from my Ph.D. advisor back in the day: "Being a Ph.D. student isn't an eight-to-five job. That's why I gave you a key to the building." The message came through loud and clear. It was one of the most sleep-less times of my life, but one of the best as well since everything was so new and so original (high on the creativity quotient).

My initial reaction (sorry if it is blunt) is that a Ph.D. is not a "if I can't do that" degree. It's a complete journey in itself. Of course, depending on the chosen research project, it could be less challenging than what you are doing now, in a physical sense. Don't expect it to be less challenging in an academic sense, though. And realize that all the research has to be both meaningful to the field and an original contribution (breaks new ground). That's were the creativity comes in, and where the research is so rewarding.

Sounds interesting. I wish you the very best in it. If its what you would like to do, than go for it. I have a Bachelors Arts Degree in Business Management and Urban Development at University, which was 4 years. The first year was Foundation Built Environment to get acreditted into the Urban Design School. Previously I studied a 3 year Business Studies course at College, so Business was no problem. Hoping to start a Masters (research degree) in September, to follow my BA. The Masters will be more specialised in the research area I am aiming to go into, which is MSc Building and Urban Design in Development. (Community oriented approach to building/planning/design) This will be 1 year. Just like to add this Masters is more expensive than my 4 year degree put together. It's just under £10,000. (British Money)

My two sisters went on to have PhDs.

I didn't.


That doesn't help, does it?

Have you e-mailed the faculty and asked them whether it would be suitable?

I've done research ( only at degree level) and while it's not exactly physically demanding in what you do ( depending on what form the research takes I suppose), the hours may take their toll if you aren't careful.

Ask the Profs what is required for labs. Different disciplines will require dif. amounts of work.

My partner is a PhD in molecular biology and chemistry and she did 10-14 hour days combining lab and classes plus 4 yrs of post doc.

Some Profs will work your butt to the bone and that to a nub, others will be awesome, most will be in between.

good luck

Oh. PhD. You know what that stands for, right?

You start with BS (bull shit). Move up to MS (more shit) and then PhD (Piled Higher and Deeper).

And I do research every day for writing. I didn't know you could get a degree in that.

Sure, I have a PhD... that mean Doctor of Phraselology, right?

Piled Higher and Deeper! Seriously, this guy was doing his PhD at my uni when I was there. All the grads and postgrads say the comics are horrifyingly realistic...

Bahamutchild said:

Thanks folks.

City, what are your sisters doing now, if you don't mind sharing?

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My older sister, married, has three kids and is doing a fellowship at City of Hope in Duarte, CA, where she lives. She's doing research on using nanotechnology to attack prostate cancer cells. Pretty cutting edge stuff. She's also a sci-fi fanatic and regularly sells on eBay.

My younger sister graduated from University of Nevada, Reno last year with her PhD. She and her husband moved to North Carolina where she works for a company that creates surveys for potential jurors on trials. It's not exactly what she wants to do, but that's what she's doing until something else happens.

I was lucky to graduate with a Bachelors.

It's not something you do "instead"; Neuro pretty much nailed it. It's not fun, and it can be exceedingly expensive. All my peers finished in debt--and not just a little debt.

Ever thought of getting a grant? Is there possibility to get one as a PHD? Have you looked into that? I know there is an incentive for it during the PHD years.

I'm only in debt for one year of my degree, as I discovered that I could get a grant for the three years I was there after. (Didn't have that knowledge beforehand-so it really helped me after) A bit of the loan money gets taken from my account, when I get paid in my full time job. When I have the full amount, I'm going to pay it all back. Looking to get a grant for my masters, to help me. I'm also paying the rest out of my own pocket. (if it comes to that) I'd rather do that, than take out another loan and be forever in debt.

I came out with only a couple thousand dollars in student loans, which I paid off quite quickly afterwards. But I had to work several jobs, up to three at a time, (in addition to the school stuff) for those five years, which is why sleep was so rare. I don't recommend that path to anyone who doesn't have a Mach2 metabolism.

Rich, former shoe department salesman, large appliance deliveryman, large appliance repairman, glassware washer, and teaching assistant.

Bahamutchild said:

I'll look into grants, but working is obviously right out. I'm barely holding myself together some days. I do appreciate people who can juggle a demanding course load and jobs. Looks like you went above and beyond Neuro.

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I was young. I also had no choice--I had a wife (who didn't work) and a baby.

NeuroFizz said:

I came out with only a couple thousand dollars in student loans, which I paid off quite quickly afterwards. But I had to work several jobs, up to three at a time, (in addition to the school stuff) for those five years, which is why sleep was so rare. I don't recommend that path to anyone who doesn't have a Mach2 metabolism.

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I worked, full time, the entire time I did the Ph.D., and for several years, I worked and was a T. A.

Not fun. Took me much longer to finish, because of it.