The interdisciplinary M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology are administered by the Interdisciplinary Committee on Molecular and Cellular Biology. The participating faculty are drawn primarily from four core departments (the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Plant Biology), with additional faculty from the Departments of Anthropology and Physics and Astronomy. One striking aspect of studies in this broad area of biological science is the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Similar approaches and techniques are used for studies of biological systems whether they are viral, bacterial, plant, or animal.
The graduate degrees offered by the faculty through this program prepare students for careers that span traditional disciplinary boundaries. The broad-based training provides the necessary skills for professional careers in academic institutions, governmental institutions, and industry, particularly those related to health and chemical sciences.
Graduate Record Examination. All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Submission of scores on the verbal, quantitative, analytical, and advanced sections of the GRE is required for admission to the M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs. The subject test in the sciences is highly recommended.
TOEFL and SPEAK Test. Students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A TOEFL score of 630 is required for admission to the MCB program. Students whose native language is not English must pass the SPEAK test with a score of at least 55 if they wish to be considered for teaching assistantship support.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
See “Master’s Degrees” for information on the M.S. degree.
Program of Study. Thirty semester hours are required. A minimum of 10 designated semester hours of MCB courses and six hours of Research and Thesis are required. The remaining courses are selected by the student in consultation with the supervisory committee.
Thesis Requirements. A written thesis based on original research is required.
Final Examinations. A final oral examination in defense of the thesis is required.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
See “Doctor of Philosophy” for general requirements.
Program of Study. Eighty-four semester hours are required. A minimum of 12 designated semester hours of MCB courses, six semester hours of elective course work, and 24 semester hours of Research or Dissertation are required. The remaining courses are selected by the student in consultation with the supervisory committee.
Comprehensive Examinations. Written and oral comprehensive examinations are required.
Dissertation Requirements. A written dissertation based on original research of high quality that demonstrates proficiency in the area of specialization is required.
Final Examinations. The final oral examination in defense of the dissertation is required. Evidence must be presented that the research contribution is publishable in the primary literature.
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Refer to individual programs (Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Plant Biology) for descriptions of research activities.
Omnibus Graduate Courses: See omnibus graduate courses that may be offered.
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