The University of Texas at Dallas
Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular and Cell Biology
Richardson, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
USD 18,276 / per semester
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* late application deadline: day prior to classes begin
Scholarships
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Introduction
The Ph.D. program in Molecular and Cell Biology begins with core courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and quantitative biology. Ph.D. candidates conduct experimental or computational research in a laboratory of their choosing. Research in the Department of Biological Sciences is organized into five areas of strength, which are:
- Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Genomics, Systems and Computational Biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Pathobiology (cancer, neurobiology, infectious disease)
Our faculty members are dedicated to teaching, and classroom experiences are balanced with a substantial research program that serves as the platform for our mentor-based teaching methods. For those who choose the thesis option, lab work will expose students to state-of-the-art research techniques used to understand the molecular mechanisms of biological processes such as gene expression, protein structure and function, carcinogenesis, neurodegeneration, bacterial pathogenicity, and symbiosis, metabolism, and signaling networks.
The department is well equipped for research in modern molecular and cell biology. Facilities include next-generation sequencing platforms, cell imaging systems, protein, and small molecule mass spectrometry, and cell sorting.
Admissions
Curriculum
Degree Objectives
All Ph.D. students must satisfactorily complete a total of at least 75 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree and four core courses: BIOL 5410 Biochemistry, BIOL 5420 Molecular Biology, BIOL 5460 Quantitative Biology, and BIOL 5440 Cell Biology.
In the first year, Ph.D. candidates must perform two laboratory rotations and take BIOL 6V02 The Art of Scientific Presentation, and BIOL 6193 Colloquium in Molecular and Cell Biology. At the end of the first year, students are evaluated based upon performance in the core classes, laboratory rotations, and performance as teaching assistants (if applicable). Students who pass this evaluation must then pass an oral qualifying examination within three semesters to determine the student's aptitude for the continuation of dissertation research.
Ph.D. students will earn an MS degree in Molecular and Cell Biology after satisfactory completion of the four core courses, 36 total hours, two graded electives, and passing the qualifying examination (usually at the end of the second year).
After the first year, students must also complete a minimum of four general elective courses in Biology (for which a letter grade is assigned). A dissertation defense will be conducted after the dissertation has been written. All students are required to submit (and have accepted for publication) a minimum of one manuscript for publication in an internationally recognized, peer-reviewed scientific journal. There is no foreign language requirement.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program seek positions such as research scientist and professor.
English Language Requirements
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