Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program Cell and Developmental Biology Subprogram

Interdisciplinary graduate program dedicated to providing rigorous training in experimental cell and developmental biology. Research by the faculty and students within the program is focused on the basic mechanisms of cellular organization and of developmental gene regulatory networks, and the relevance of these topics to health and disease.

Subprogram : Year 1 Fall 

• Principles in Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Basic Biostatistics and Experimental Design
• Biomedical Science Seminar
• Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Biomedical Science Research
• Elective (relevant to Cell and Developmental Biology) 

Subprogram : Year 1 Spring 

• Pathogenesis of Major Human Diseases
• Methods for Molecular/Translational Medicine
• Rigor and Reproducibility in Biomedical Science
• Biomedical Science Seminar
• Biomedical Science Research
• Elective (relevant to Cell and Developmental Biology)

Subprogram Elective Courses

• Genetic Analysis for Biological Systems
• Genes and Development
• Transcription RNA
• Epigenetics, Cancer and Mouse Models
• Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
• Cell Cycle Control
• Cell Fate Decisions

Subprogram : Year 2 Fall 

• Mechanisms of Cellular Organization
• Critical Thinking in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Critical Thinking in Development
• Critical Thinking in Cell Biology
• Graduate Research in Cell and Developmental Biology
• Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Student Seminar
• Principles of Scholarly Integrity (CITI)

Subprogram : Year 2 Spring 

• Critical Thinking in Scientific Writing and Presentation
• Critical Thinking in Cellular Physiology
• Critical Thinking in Genetics
• Graduate Research in Cell and Developmental Biology
• Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Student Seminar
• Principles of Scholarly Integrity (CITI)

Comprehensive exam: 

• The comprehensive exam will be on-topic. However, one aim from the proposal must have no input from the adviser and must have no overlap with a grant from the host lab.

Annual retreat: 

• Cohesiveness will be built through an annual retreat and other activities that allow the faculty and students to become fully engaged with the program.

Student Presentations: 

• Cell and Developmental Biology Seminar Series – In the first year, students will give rotation talks, and in subsequent years students present their thesis research annually. The purpose of the series is to train students in presentation skills. The seminar will be attended by the students themselves, and by one or more CDB faculty members who have agreed to evaluate the presentations.
• Feedback will be required of student and faculty attendees.  A student’s thesis committee members will be invited to attend that student’s seminars.