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Highlighted Features in the School of Molecular Biosciences
Outstanding
Education
A variety of available Courses, ranging from basic biochemistry and molecular biology to signal transduction, physical biochemistry, proteins and enzymes, immunology, virology, cell biology, genetics, bioinformatics and assorted special topics allows each student to design a personalized program of study that complements the area of her/his research. By the time they finish, students from our program have received a well-rounded education with the breadth and depth of knowledge to allow them to adapt easily in the rapidly changing field of molecular biosciences. For additional information see Coursework and Research.
Competitive
support package
Graduate students who remain in good academic standing are supported throughout their graduate education. The operational philosophy of the School is to use a combination of funds (including teaching and research assistantships as well as training grant funds) to support students during their first year. This allows each student to rotate through different laboratories and broaden their research background while examining different laboratories as prospective environments to pursue the advanced degree. After this first year, the research faculty member generally supports their students throughout the calendar year with extramural grant funds. Every student making good progress towards the advanced degree will be supported until their thesis or dissertation is complete. For additional information see Graduate Assistantships and Summer Support: A Competitive Package.
Research Opportunities with Leading Scientists
With over 25 primary faculty (Research Training Faculty) and 15 affiliated faculty (Associate Research Training Faculty), students are provided an innovative and dynamic research environment. Research strengths include microbial genetics, physiology and infectious disease; bioinformatics and genomics; cancer biology; cell biology; chromatin structure and DNA repair; developmental biology; chromosome biology; environmental health sciences; molecular genetics and gene regulation; plant biochemistry and biology; structural biology; and molecular basis of reproduction. Our dedication to excellence in research, teaching, and training are keystones for the School and program graduates have gone on to successful and productive careers in industrial positions as well as academic appointments at other institutions. The Center for NMR Spectroscopy, Laboratory for Bioanalysis and Biotechnology, Biomolecular X-Ray Crystallography Center, Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center, Nuclear Radiation Center, and Genomics and Proteomics core facilities assure access to the wide range of instruments used in modern biological research. Shared research facilities are readily available for computer graphics, protein and nucleic acid chemistry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and confocal microscopy. Additionally, the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Center for Reproductive Biology, and Center for Integrated Biotechnology provide additional core laboratories and collegial interactions.
Cutting Edge Seminars
During their development as scientists, students are offered opportunities to listen to research seminars from top scientists (SMB Seminar Series) as well as present their own research (Graduate Seminar Series). The School seminar series consistently brings an outstanding mix of experts in their fields to present seminars and interact directly with the students. All students in the School are encouraged to present literature and research seminars, as well as participate in journal clubs and research group meetings. For additional information see Seminar Curiculum.
Student Involvement
The Molecular Biosciences Graduate Student Association (MBGSA) is a very active and hardworking organization administered entirely by graduate students. While uniting the graduate students of the School of Molecular Biosciences, MBGSA provides an effective and influential voice for student viewpoints in dealing with various school and university-wide issues and disseminates information about policies and procedures. Seminars and symposia are often organized to provide information on a variety of career-related topics, such as patent information, grant availability, professional organizations and postdoctoral opportunities. The MBGSA hosts an invited scientifically-renowned seminar speaker each year and provides mentors for incoming graduate students to guide them through the challenges and demands of graduate school. The MBGSA also facilitates various activities for students and faculty throughout the year. Past events include the SMB Halloween Party, fielding a team in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, graduate student night at Ricos, whitewater rafting, and badmitton/volleyball games at the Student Recreational Center. Thus, the MBGSA promotes communications, community and support for all SMB graduate students.
Professional Track Development
This track teaches our trainees skills in oral and written communication authentic leadership, mental and emotional coping strategies, and professional outreach. We offer annual workshops on grant writing, publishing ethics, manuscript writing, leadership and mentoring styles, effective communication, responsible conduct in research, biosafety, lab safety, TA training, TA writing workshop, student conduct/academic integrity workshop, and panel discussions with postdoctoral associates and faculty on searching for and finding postdoctoral positions and making career choices. This track also includes student travel awards to attend at least one national meeting a year to provide trainees with networking and employment opportunities.
Training
Programs
Biotechnology
Affiliated Institutes & Centers
Institute of Biological Chemistry
Center for Reproductive Biology
Center for Integrated Biotechnology |
