Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology

http://biomed.med.miami.edu/graduate-programs/molecular-cell-and-developmental-biology

Overview

The graduate program in Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology offers graduate training towards the PhD degree in the fields of molecular cell biology, cell biology, developmental biology and cancer biology. In order to provide a wide range of current research opportunities, this program is interdisciplinary, comprised primarily of faculty from the department of Cell Biology and includes additional faculty from several other Departments and Centers at the Miller School of Medicine. These include: the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, Medicine, Ophthalmology, Urology, Surgery, Neurosurgery and Neurology, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

Students have the opportunity to do research in the many areas of modern cell, molecular and developmental biology. Research topics including the cytoskeleton, cell surface molecular biology, stem cells, lens, corneal and retinal biology, protein processing and sorting, signal transduction, airway biology, regulation of gene expression in development, podocyte biology, cancer biology, neuromuscular development, malignant transformation, growth factors, epithelial cell biology, organogenesis and tissue repair, pattern formation in early development, RNA localization, mitochondrial molecular biology and cancer therapeutics.

The primary objective of this interdisciplinary graduate program is to prepare students for careers as independent, PhD level researchers and educators, in both academic institutions and in the biotechnology industry and other venues.

Contact Information

Richard Rotundo, PhD

Graduate Program Director

Email: rrotundo@miami.edu

Mercedes Mairena, MA

Manager, Programs

Email: mnm39@miami.edu

Admission Requirements

Applicants to biomedical programs should have a bachelor degree in a biological or related discipline (e.g., psychology, chemistry, engineering, physics). Although there are no prerequisite requirements, courses in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus, general physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry are encouraged. Applications are generally accepted from September to December for fall entry only. Select applicants will be offered an interview.

COMPETITIVE CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Excellent academic record
• Competitive GRE exam scores
• Research experience in a laboratory setting
• Publications of abstract and / or papers
• Co-authorship in a peer-reviewed journal is recommended
• Strong letters of recommendation from research scientists who know the candidate well

• Motivation to pursue state-of-the-art biomedical research

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

• Online Application
• Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• GRE General Test
• English Proficiency Exam (non-native speakers)
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume / CV

Full application instructions can be found here.

Curriculum Requirements

¹

Students in this degree program take PIB 700 two times, at 1 credit each for a total of 2 credits.

²

Laboratory rotations familiarize students with a variety of modern techniques in biomedicine and potential mentors for their dissertation projects. One credit is awarded per rotation. However, students can do multiple rotations for a maximum of 6 credits.

³

Students are expected to take the course MDB 701 throughout the program for a maximum of 8 credits.

⁴

Electives courses are completely optional.

⁵

The student should be working in the laboratory where he/she intends to do his/her thesis research by the summer of the first year. Nearly, all of the student's time is spent on their lab research with a minimum total of 24 credit hours of research for graduation.

Plan of Study

The program's Graduate Studies Committee assists each entering student in tailoring a program to match his/her interests. First year students take courses in a core curriculum taught by faculty from the medical basic science departments. Courses are taught not only by formal lectures, but also as seminars and informal discussions. 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 PhD degree are set by the University at 36 course credits (including specific required courses) and 24 credit hours of research (for a total of 60 credits). The course credits must be earned in graduate level (600 and above) courses. Students may elect to take any of the graduate courses offered by the MDB program, in addition to the mandatory courses, or choose from a large variety of advanced courses offered by other basic science programs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Mandatory courses for the program include Biostatistics (PIB 705), Advanced Cell Biology: Approaches to Molecular Medicine (MDB 751), Principles of Mammalian Development and Organogenesis (MDB 707), Histology (MDB 753), and *Tumor Biology (MDB 765). The latter may be replaced by any graduate-level course in human disease or neuronal cell biology. *These courses are electives for MD/PhD students.

Throughout the program the students are expected to attend department seminars (Tuesdays at noon), journal club (select Wednesdays at noon), and student presentations (on Wednesdays at noon).

The student should be working in the laboratory where he/she intends to do his/her thesis research by the summer, first year. At the end of the Fall semester of the second year, students are required to take the Qualifying Exam (QE). The goals of the QE are (1) to assess the scientific proficiency of the student, especially his/her ability to design experiments and to write a competitive grant application; and (2) to aid the student and mentor in the process of obtaining extramural funds to support the student's stipend.

The thesis proposal is expected to be passed during the second year, Summer semester. It is important to note that in the MDB program this is not the Qualifying Exam. Rather, it is a collegial meeting with the thesis committee where the student discusses his/her preliminary data and plans for the thesis. Students normally meet with the committee for progress meetings every 6-9 months.

The thesis is defended in front of the entire program and also in a meeting with the committee. The average time-to-completion is 5.5 years.

Please note that the following is a sample curriculum plan. Current students must discuss their plan with their program coordinator to make adjustments as needed.

Mission

The mission of the Graduate Program in Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology is to educate students in molecular cell and developmental biology and to train highly qualified scientists for independent careers in scientific research and education.

Goals

The program objectives is to provide our students with:

• A solid foundation in the fundamentals of modern molecular, cell and developmental biology through formal courses;
• An understanding of scientific theory, methods, and current research literature through scientific seminars and journal clubs; and
• Intellectual and technical expertise in modern methods of cell and molecular biology through structured laboratory research and scientific writing skills for both scientific papers and grant applications.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate an overall knowledge and understanding of the core concepts in Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, including the essential technical skills to conduct research in the Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills, the capability to develop conjectures, the ability to evaluate their Hypotheses, paying attention to responsible conduct of research as appropriate.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to write effective scientific reports and to present scientific results orally.