Molecular biology graduate program

For example, the products of oncogenes, including both tumor-suppressing and tumor-enhancing genes, have been discovered to participate in pathways as seemingly diverse as signal transduction, repair of damaged DNA, regulation of gene expression and control of the cell cycle.

The programs' internationally recognized faculty is comprised of nearly 40 members, whose diverse research interests can be grouped under three broad topics: 1 mechanisms of differentiation, growth control and development; 2 mechanisms of DNA replication, DNA repair and chromosome maintenance; and 3 transcriptional control of gene expression and mRNA biosynthesis.

A course list and course descriptions are available at: Courses. Lab rotations are an important component of the students' first year as well. Selection of the mentor and the committee typically occurs before the student starts the second year of study. In spring semester of the second year, the student takes the Admission to Doctoral Candidacy Examination ACE , which includes a written component a research proposal , and an oral examination in which the student defends the proposal and demonstrates general knowledge.

Committees made up of program faculty members administer the written and oral ACE. Within six months of passing the ACE, the student must submit a five-page thesis project description to the Special Committee and meet with the committee for its approval. Thereafter, the student and the committee meet together regularly - at least annually - from year two until the student's graduation. Are you eligible for an application fee waiver? The recruitment, retention, and support of students from underrepresented backgrounds is central to the Graduate School's mission.

We strive to develop and promote efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion campus-wide. Application fee waivers are offered to eligible applicants. The goal of the Molecular Biology Program is to train outstanding research scientists, academicians and educators who will become future leaders in Molecular Biology. To accomplish this goal, students are selected who have strong academic records and a demonstrated aptitude, commitment and passion for scientific research.

Applicants are considered based on past academic performance, previous laboratory research experience, recommendations and individual interviews.

Students most likely to succeed have traditionally been those with intellectual achievement and creativity, first-hand understanding of laboratory research, and a strong personal desire and motivation to progress in their scientific training. The Molecular Biology Student Handbook. We are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities e.

This applies for application packages as well as letters of recommendation. Research and Personal statements take time to complete and polish. Starting early will allow you to really reflect on your experiences and your desire to pursue a PhD. They are a great resource to ask questions. Find examples of successful applications and ask others for feedback on your research and personal statements. Where to find examples: your mentor, graduate students in your lab, TAs who are in PhD programs at your university, your favorite biology instructor if they have a PhD , and even the career center at your institution.

Write your first draft, walk away from it for a week or two, then come back and it will read differently and you will find places to make it better. Start with the big picture goals, then the particular question you addressed, some details on methods used, the results of your effort, and finally how they fit into the big picture goals.

We want you to demonstrate that you have the resilience and patience to be successful in pursuing a PhD. See example structure of a personal statement. As part of your larger narrative, the Molecular Biology Admissions Committee is also looking for the following elements:. Talk with your letter writers before listing them as a recommender on your application. Ask them directly whether they feel that they know you and can provide a strong letter for you.

Provide them with everything they need to write a good letter for you: your CV and any other relevant info, instructions for letter content, deadlines, and submission instructions and addresses. Make everything clear for them so that they are in a great mindset and see that you are responsible and well-prepared.

Send reminders, and follow up to fill them in on outcomes, they may be part of your long-term network. If relevant, ask them to comment on certain points in your training or qualifications. If there is a low grade or bump in your progress, you can ask them if they would be willing to explain in their letter. Application FAQs. This requirement would need to be met at least 4 weeks prior to Orientation at the end of August.

There are NO waivers of any kind for students with specific religious convictions or beliefs. The graduate program offers each entering student the opportunity, with the help of faculty advisers, to design the intellectual program that best meets his or her unique scientific interests. Each student chooses a series of research rotations with faculty members in molecular biology and associated departments chemistry, computer science, ecology and evolutionary biology, engineering, physics and psychology.

Entering students, with the aid of the graduate committee, select core and elective courses from a large number of offerings in a variety of departments and disciplines. This combination of a cohesive department, one-on-one advising, and individualized programs of course work and research provides an ideal environment for graduate students to flourish as independent scientists.

Areas of concentration include biochemistry , biophysics , cancer , cell biology , computation and modeling , development , evolution , genetics , genomics , microbiology and virology , neuroscience , policy and structural biology. Skip to main content. Graduate Program in Molecular Biology The graduate program in the Department of Molecular Biology fosters the intellectual development of modern biologists.