Research activities in the Department of Cell Biology span a broad range of biological problems, from the molecular to the organismal level. Thus, students might participate in such things as gene cloning, purification of proteins, and preparation of monoclonal antibodies, computer analysis of light or electron micrographs, biochemical or immunological 'dissection' of cell systems, or electrophysiological recording from single cells or cell groups. With crystallization of interests, students concentrate their research efforts on an original problem of biological significance and are taught to make use of a wide spectrum of techniques, classic and modern, appropriate to the problem on which they are working. The Washington district, although an integral part of the city, maintains its own special charm and elegance. Washington, in addition to its stature as the center of government, is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city rich in historical landmarks and cultural opportunities.
Housing is readily available in Washington and the surrounding suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.
The University has a student transportation system that complements Washington's own public transportation system. It is recommended that students matriculating in the fall term arrange for housing during the preceding summer. The Off-Campus Housing Office should be of assistance in finding housing, and our current graduate students can offer further advice. Learning Georgetown University belongs to a consortium of seven universities in the Washington area, allowing students from any of these universities to take courses at any of the others. Thus, while students take most of their courses at Georgetown, with other graduate students and with medical students, they may also elect to take some courses at the other universities as well as the National Institutes of Health.