Graduate Programs based in MCDB
Graduate studies can be carried out on a variety of experimental models including plants, fungi, invertebrates, vertebrates (including human), using a diversity of molecular, cellular, and tissue-level techniques. The program is designed for students to choose coursework and research experiences to match their interests.
World class faculty are from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and the Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy (these departments are in the process of merging) as well as from Biochemistry Department (providing opportunities for studies in Biochemistry and BMCDB). Students can select among the various graduate programs (MCDB, BMCB and Biochemistry) during their first year in graduate school from a single admissions process.
During their first semester, students will take an introductory course that emphasizes modern aspects of cell and molecular biology and critical thinking. Each student will undertake at least two research rotations and will select a dissertation laboratory by the end of the first year from any of the laboratories affiliated with MCDB or Biochemistry.
Students may choose among graduate courses in Cell Biology, Cell Regulation, Nucleic Acids, Tissues to Cells, Developmental Biology, Microscopy & Imaging or courses of interest from the other Life Sciences Departments and Programs on Campus. All students will teach one semester to gain valuable teaching experience. It is expected that all students in the program will be supported by competitive graduate stipends.
The application deadline is January 15. Prospective students can apply via either the CBA/MCB graduate application or the BMCB application page. Students with competitive application packages will be invited to interview in February and offers will be made soon thereafter. This timing permits formal application to the Graduate College after the visit to Arizona.
An Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology is also centered in the department (details here.) Many MCDB faculty members are also members of the Genetics and Physiological Sciences Interdisciplinary Programs and students may choose MCDB labs through those programs.