The department promotes an understanding of biological processes through the study and analysis of structure-function relationships. The research problems that interest members of the faculty are diverse, including cellular differentiation and development explored in a variety of biological systems, neuroscience, molecular biophysics, biomolecular structure, and quantitative biology with an emphasis on computer-graphic representations of biological structures. This diversity creates a lively atmosphere in the department that provides a stimulating environment for the training of scientists with a variety of backgrounds. The department's graduate program is directed toward the education of doctoral students who anticipate careers that will involve teaching or research in the biomedical sciences. Graduates from the program are expected to have a broad knowledge of biological structure at all levels, from the molecular to the human anatomical, with major emphasis on the cellular level.
Graduate students select research and teaching options in their program.
Special Requirements Applicants should have completed an undergraduate major in an appropriate field, such as anthropology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, or zoology. The department is currently recruiting students into its labs and graduate program principally through the basic-science interdisciplinary programs. Alternatively, some faculty sponsor students for application to the departmental program. For further information, contact the graduate program coordinator. The department offers financial support through teaching assistantships and training-grant positions and from research funds.