Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Biosciences

The Intercollege Graduate Degree Program (IGDP) in Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences (MCIBS) is designed to prepare researchers across an array of specializations in the biological sciences that share an emphasis on trans-disciplinary training, an approach that considers the whole organism and spans the continuum of understanding from fundamental mechanisms of action at the molecular/cellular level of discovery, to the function of the organism in its environment, with applications that enhance health and well-being. To achieve this goal, the IGDP in MCIBS serves as an umbrella portal for the entry and subsequent training of the next generation of researchers for academic, industrial, non-profit foundation, government, and other research entities in the biomedical sciences. Researchers will be trained across a wide range of specializations in the biological sciences that share the goal to elucidate mechanisms of action at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level, including disease.

The program currently offers educational and research emphasis areas in Cell and Developmental Biology; Immunology and Infectious Disease; Molecular and Evolutionary Genetics; Molecular Medicine; and Molecular Toxicology and Neurobiology, but is structured to remain contemporary with evolving or emerging fields within the biological/health sciences. Incoming students enroll in core courses of instruction covering basic biochemistry and molecular biology of cellular processes; ethics; and current research topics related to the diverse pathological mechanisms that underlie disease etiologies in humans and animals. In addition, students take specialized courses associated with one of the above programmatic emphasis areas or the option, as well as elective courses that complement and support their research interests and foci.

Calling upon the expertise of an extensive list of life science research faculty members representing an array of different departments across multiple colleges, the IGDP in MCIBS offers a unique opportunity to learn about and work in multiple bioscience disciplines. The MCIBS graduate program is supported by modern telecommunications facilities and equipment, and students not only explore new conceptual connections at the frontiers of research, but also engage in active group learning experiences and explore a variety of potential career opportunities before graduation.

1. Know: demonstrate knowledge of core principles and primary literature in their specialty area including comprehension of methods, results, and data analysis in the specialty area.
2. Apply/Create: demonstrate ability to design and carry out a major research project in the field, including synthesis of previous work in the field, and assembling new findings into a written work that advances understanding in the field.
3. Think: demonstrate ability to critically analyze work by others in their specialty area.
4. Communicate: demonstrate ability to convey scientific ideas and results in clear, concise and original writing as well as in formal oral presentations.
5. Professional Practice: demonstrate comprehension of and commitment to ethical standards in the discipline. Demonstrate the ability to teach key concepts.
6. Teach: demonstrate the ability to teach key concepts of the discipline to students.

Degree Requirements and Academic Credentials:
4-6 year Bachelor's Degree.
Official transcript; official certification of degree and date awarded; documents required in English only. Documents must be issued by the school with the official stamps and signature.

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