Course variations

Course summary

The Program in Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology leads to the combined degree. It comprises a flexible course of formal and informal instruction combined with intensive practical research training in the frontier areas of modern cell developmental and molecular biology. The program offers the student a wide variety of fields from which to choose a mentor and a thesis research topic. Areas of specialization include: Transmembrane signaling and other signal transduction systems, Cell growth and differentiation, Protein interactions and function, Growth factors, Neuropeptides, Developmental biology, Oncogenesis and tumor biology, Regulation of gene expression and enzyme function, Eukaryotic genome structure, Intracellular sorting, Cell-cell communication, Biosynthesis of complex carbohydrates and cell surface glycoproteins, Protein engineering, Membrane cytoskeleton interactions, Extracellular matrix, Mitochondrial pathobiology, Developmental neurobiology. The combined Program seeks out students of superior achievements who have a strong background in science, particularly biochemistry and cell biology. The program has proven particularly attractive to the student seeking the combined M.D./Ph.D. degree. Graduates of our Doctoral Program have found careers in research institutions, medicine and biotechnology with most obtaining faculty positions in universities after postdoctoral training.

Entry requirement for international students

Students applying for graduate study in the program should have a strong background in science, particularly biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. Courses completed should include general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics through integral calculus. Biology or microbiology are required and advanced undergraduate coursework in biochemistry, cell, developmental or molecular biology are recommended. Any deficiencies in these courses must be made up during the first year of graduate study. Students should have achieved at least a B average in undergraduate courses and must have taken the Graduate Record Examination. High scores on the Graduate Record Examination general tests are expected. For students entering the Program, the combined verbal and quantitative scores on the general test are typically, about 1250. The admissions committee will also consider the Analytical and Subject Test (in biology, biochemistry, genetics or chemistry) scores but these exams are not required for the application. Applications should include official transcripts of college courses and three letters of recommendation. TOEFL scores for foreign students must accompany the application. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based exam) or 59 (Internet-based exam) is required for admission. In general, previous "wet lab" experience is always considered a plus, although not strictly required.

Qualification

Doctoral

Awarding body

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Department name

Miller School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology