Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program

MCDB Program Summary| MCDB Program Requirements | Faculty | Graduate Students | Seminars

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MCDB Program Introduction

The graduate program in the Department of Biological Sciences is organized into three divisions: The Program in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB), the Program in Neurobiology, and the Program in Ecology and Evolution. Several members of the MCDB participate in more than one program. The Department of Biological Sciences offers both PhD and MS degree programs. Because of its emphasis on training research scientists, the MCDB graduate program is primarily intended for students interested in obtaining a PhD degree. The success of this training is attested by the number of recent graduates of the MCDB program who have gone on to postdoctoral positions in top laboratories at renowned institutions.

MCDB Program Summary

The first year of the graduate curriculum provides entering students with immediate exposure to laboratory work as well as the academic background necessary to become successful scientists. The MCDB has a laboratory-rotation program to aid students in selecting the area of research that best suits their interests. At the beginning of the fall semester, MCDB faculty give a presentation of their research interests and are available for questions and discussion. The new students then designate three or more laboratories for first-year laboratory experience. Typically, after three rotation periods, a thesis advisor is chosen.

The required "core" courses for MCDB students include a two-semester molecular biology series that covers current research in prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology. The course proceeds through a hierarchy of experimental systems currently under intense investigation. Emphasis is placed on providing sufficient familiarity with the terms, concepts, and significant issues within each subject area to enable the student to read and interpret current literature rapidly and critically. The content of the core sequence is updated each year to reflect developing trends and technologies. Students who have not taken biochemistry prior to starting the graduate program must also successfully complete the Department's two-semester biochemistry series during their first year.

At the end of their first full year in graduate school (i.e., in August), students meet with their thesis advisor, the MCDB Program Director, and the Coordinator of the Laboratory for Molecular Biology for a careful review of their progress. Both the student's performance in course work and his or her accomplishments in research since joining the mentor's lab will be evaluated during this conference.

Advanced courses covering a wide range of the biological sciences are available both within the Department and in the health science departments at the University. Each student's second year course sequence is chosen in consultation with an advisor and advisory committee. Advanced seminar courses are offered by individual faculty, which allow in-depth critical analysis of the current literature. Several additional formal and informal seminar programs and journal clubs serve as educational adjuncts for students and faculty.

An important goal of the MCDB graduate program is to help students develop their communication and presentation skills. Once each year, each MCDB graduate student gives a formal seminar describing his or her thesis research. Students are also encouraged to attend national professional meetings. Travel support is provided for presentation of research results at such meetings.