The curriculum is designed to provide broad knowledge in the various aspects of modern cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology and biochemistry in addition to intensive training in certain specialized areas of research according to the student's interests In the remaining years of study, nearly all of the student's time is spent on original laboratory research Students are usually admitted in the fall semester Minimum credit requirements for the Ph.D. degree are set by the University at 36 course credits and 24 credit hours of research. At the beginning of the first summer session students are required to take the comprehensive examination. This exam is designed to test the student's ability to integrate basic information and concepts and to design and defend a research proposal. The molecular genetics and biochemistry of the genetic material and its utilization during replication, transcription, translation and cellular growth, division and differentiation. The techniques of molecular genetic research Experimental design and data interpretation are discussed using original research papers.
Student selects a lab in which to do a research project.
This course is the mechanism by which graduate laboratory rotations will be done in preparation for selection of Ph.D. mentor. This course deals with the structures and properties of biological macromolecules, with particular emphasis on proteins. Attendance at the seminars given in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy is required. This course, provides a graduate level discussion of growth factors, the extracellular matrix, cell surface receptors, and the control of cell cycle progression and differentiation. The course also discusses the structure and function of the cytoskeleton, organelle biogenesis, and intracellular trafficking of proteins.