Course of Study
Course Requirements
The MCB Graduate Program offers a unique multidisciplinary course of study leading to the Ph.D. degree. It provides students with the opportunity to select an academic program in one of three specializations: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Cellular and Developmental Biology or Immunology and Pathology.
During the first year all students participate in several core courses that serve to build a scholastic foundation for further study. The core courses include Graduate Biochemistry (3 credits), Biomembranes (1 credit), Molecular Genetics (3 credits), and Cell Biology (4 credits). During the first year the MCB graduate students perform four required laboratory research rotations, each with an average length of ten weeks. The students also attend an Invited Faculty Seminar Series during both semesters and receive training to critically evaluate original research articles in a Journal Club in the second, third and fourth semesters. They also gain experience as Teaching Assistants (starting in their second semester).
Students can select an area of specialization at the time of enrollment, or they can decide on a course of study during their first year.
- The program of study in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology includes a course in Physical Biochemistry and any of a number of electives. Training emphasizes biochemical and structural approaches to solve biological problems.
- The program of study in Cellular and Developmental Biology includes a course in Developmental Biology and any of a number of electives. Emphasis is placed on the control mechanisms that define and regulate growing and developing systems.
- The program of study in Immunology and Pathology includes courses in Immunology and Medical Pathology. This area of specialization emphasizes the cellular and molecular basis of human disease to foster a bridge between basic and clinical research. Each of the specializations enhances knowledge within the field to ensure our graduates are well equipped for a successful career in research.
Graduate Course Offerings
Current course information is available via the Graduate Bulletin
Required MCB Core Graduate Courses:
1st semester
| MCB 520 | Graduate Biochemistry | (3 credits) | ||
| MCB 517 | Biomembranes | (1 credit) | ||
| MCB 503 | Molecular Genetics | (3 credits) | ||
| MCB 509 | Laboratory Rotations | (up to 6 credits) | ||
| MCB 601 | Colloquium in Molecular and Cellular Biology | (1 credit) |
2nd semester
| MCB 656 | Cell Biology | (4 credits) | ||
| MCB 532 | Student Journal Club | (1 credit) | ||
| MCB 510 | Laboratory Rotations | (up to 6 credits) | ||
| BIO 600 | Teaching Practicum | (0 credis) | ||
| MCB 602 | Colloquium in Molecular and Cellular Biology | (1 credit) |
3rd semester
| MCB 531 | Student Journal Club | (1 credit) | ||
| BIO 600 | Teaching Practicum | (0 credits) | ||
| MCB 599 | Dissertation Research | (up to 7 credits) | ||
| MCB 601 | Colloquium in Molecular and Cellular Biology | (1 credit) | ||
| GRD 500 | Ethics Course | (0 credits) |
4th semester
| MCB 532 | Student Journal Club | (1 credit) | ||
| MCB 599 | Dissertation Research | (up to 7 credits) | ||
| MCB 602 | Colloquium in Molecular and Cellular Biology | (1 credit) |
3rd year and beyond
| MCB 603/604 | Student Seminar | (1 credit) | |
| MCB 599/699 | Dissertation Research | (up to 7 credits) | |
| MCB 601/602 | Colloquium in Molecular and Cellular Biology | (1 credit) | |
| GRD 500* | Ethics | (0 credits) |
* GRD 500 - Ethics - Discussions of ethical practices in bioscience research. This course must be repeated after 4 years.
Required Courses in Area of Specialization
1- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| BSB 512 | Structural Biology and Spectroscopy | (2 credits) | ||
| Elective * |
2- Cellular and Developmental Biology
| MCB 657 | Developmental Biology | (3 credits) | |
| Elective * |
3- Cellular and Molecular Pathology
| HBP 533 | Graduate Immunology | (3 credits) | ||
| HBP 531 | General Pathology | (3 credits) | ||
| HBP 691 | Pathology Journal Club | (1 credit, Fall Semester years 3-5) |
*Electives for the specializations include, but are not limited to:
| BCD 657 | Developmental Biology | (3 credits, Fall) | ||
| BGE 510 | Graduate Genetics | (3 credits, Fall) | ||
| BSB 512 | Structural Biology and Spectroscopy | (2 credits, Spring) | ||
| MCB 529 | Organelle Development | (3 credits, Fall**) | ||
| MCB 537 | Physiology and Biochemistry of the Cell Cycle | (3 credits, Fall) | ||
| HBH 655 | Neuropharmacology | (3 credits, Spring**) | ||
| HBM 640 | Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis | (3 credits, Fall) | ||
| HBP 531 | General Pathology | (3 credits, Spring) | ||
| HBP 533 | Graduate Immunology | (3 credits, Spring) | ||
| HBY 553 | Signal Transduction | (3 credits, Spring**) |
** offered in alternate years
Students are also strongly encouraged to enroll in their third semester in a 1 credit course that introduces basic concepts in computing such as basics of database searches, structural predictions, and modeling dynamic interactions.
Teaching Assistant (TA)
Graduate students are also required to complete two semesters as teaching assistants. This experience provides an opportunity to develop crucial presentation skills and refine teaching techniques that students will need in their future careers.
ELECTIVES:
Not all electives are offered every year.
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Molecular & Cellular Biology and Cellular & Developmental Biology areas of specialization: One elective is required.
Cellular & Molecular Pathology specialization: No elective required.Examples of Elective Course
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This is a list of approved electives. Not every elective is available every year. Other electives may be taken to satisfy track requirements, but students must obtain approval from the MCB Executive Committee BEFORE registering for the course
AMS 533 Numerical Methods and Algorithms in Computational Biology
AMS 535 Intro to Comp Structural Bio & Drug Design, 3 credits, Fall
AMS 536 Molecular Modeling of Biological Molecules Spring
AMS 537 Dynamical Models of Gene Regulation and Biological Pattern
BCD 657 Principles of Development
BGE 510 Graduate Genetics
BME 534 Functional Genomics, 3 credits, Fall
BSB 512 Structural Biology and Spectroscopy
BSB 580 Advanced Structural Biology 2 credits
CHE 541 Biomolecular Structure and Analysis 3 credits, Fall
CHE 542 Chemical Biology 3 credits, Spring
CHE 543 Chemical Applications in Biology, Fall
CHE 530 Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules, 3 credits, Spring
CHE 524 Magnetic Resonance, 3 credits, Spring
HBH 632 Molecular Interact, 1 credit, Spring
MCB 555 BIG Data
HBH 655 Neuropharmacology
HBM 640 Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis
HBP 533 Graduate Immunology
HBY 511 Biophysical Chemistry 3 credits
MAR 581 Next Generation Sequencing Applications in Functional Genomics