Overview
Modern biology has been revolutionized by developments in molecular and cell biology. These developments cross traditional disciplines in ways that involve virtually every aspect of biomedical investigation. Elucidation of every process of biology, let it be the complex mechanisms involved in cell-cell communication, intracellular signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, control of cell division or oncogenesis, require the application of multidisciplinary methods and thinking. Investigations in biology are most productive when techniques and ideas from diverse disciplines are brought to bear and this is also true regarding the rational design of appropriate strategies and therapeutic agents to combat human disease. The ability to apply a multitude of approaches to a single problem and to exploit the advantages of diverse model systems is the hallmark of interdisciplinary research.
The Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) Ph.D. program is designed to provide individuals with strong backgrounds in biology and chemistry and a desire to explore the molecular basis of biological processes and human disease, with comprehensive didactic and laboratory training in all areas of contemporary biomedical research. The faculty is drawn from twelve different Basic Science and Clinical departments. Their research programs include wide ranging areas like structural biology, bioengineering and biofabrication, injury mechanisms and management, development, immunology, cell biology and physiology, oncology, viral and bacterial pathogenesis, cell signaling, metabolism and radiobiology. These programs attract extensive funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and a host of other public and private agencies and provide MCB students, who come from all over the country, with the opportunity to receive training that prepares them for careers in academic, government, or industry research settings.
The MCB Ph.D. program includes course work in fundamental and advanced areas of molecular and cell biology with a strong emphasis on the development of the students’ presentation, communication and leadership skills and the ability to critically evaluate science. As they complete the course work, students gradually transition into original laboratory research leading to the Ph.D. degree. Students have the opportunity to work and interact with and be mentored by faculty with overarching research expertise ranging from basic science all the way to military medicine. The faculty are drawn from basic and clinical science departments, encouraging a collaborative and interactive environment.
Degree Requirements
Complete the following:
| BCO 520 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BCO 522 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| MCB 504 | Eukaryotic Genetics | 3 |
| MCB 509 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| MCB 531 | Introduction to Immunology | 3 |
| MCB 801 | Techniques in Cell and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| MCB 502 | Current Research in Molecular and Cellular Biology | 0.75 |
| MCB 601 | Seminars in Molecular and Cellular Biology | 0.75 |
| MCB 902 | Introduction to Research | 0.75 |
| MCB 901 | Research in Molecular and Cellular Biology | 0.75 - 9 |
| MCB 532 | Directed Studies in Bioinformatics | 1 - 9 |
| IDO 704 | Scientific Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research | 1.5 |
| IDO 502 | Introduction to Experimental Statistics and Design I | 2.25 |
| Or | |
| PMO 503 | Biostatistics I | 3 |
| OPMS 5003 | Leadership & Teamwork in Biomedical Sciences & Public Health Professions | 0.75 |
| Electives | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 108 |
Students must complete a minimum of 108 credit hours which includes required, elective and research courses not shown above. MCB 601 and MCB 502 must be taken each academic term (excluding summer) until graduation for at least 6.75 credits (depending on the number of years taken to complete PhD). MCB902 must be taken one or two terms in the first year of Ph.D.
Electives: As needed to meet the total credits required for advancement to candidacy.