MCDB&G Graduate Program, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street S.E., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-624-7470, fax: 612-626-6140)

This program provides scientific training in the basic life sciences, with emphasis on the molecular basis of genetics, development, and cell biology. Areas of specialization include membranes, receptors, membrane transport, cell interactions, macromolecular structure, extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, cell motility, regulation of gene expression, neuroscience, developmental mechanisms, human genetics, plant cell and molecular biology, genetic mechanisms, and genomics. The program is interdisciplinary and involves faculty from several departments in the College of Biological Sciences, the Medical School, and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Institutes for human genetics, plant molecular genetics, biological process technology, Genome Engineering, Stem Cell research and a center for developmental biology provide opportunities for graduate study. Ph.D. students are admitted to MCDB&G under the auspices of Molecular, Cellular and Structural Biology (MCSB), a first year program administered by the MCDB&G and the Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics (BMBB) Graduate Programs. After the first year, students select either MCDB&G or BMBB to complete their degree. MCDB&G does not have a freestanding master's program. The MCDB&G Ph.D. is also part of two joint degree programs: The Joint Degree Program in Law, Health and Life Sciences; and the M.D./Ph.D. program. The Joint Degree Program in Law, Health and Life Sciences is unique in the nation and enables students to combine a J.D. degree with a Ph.D. or M.S. degree. Students entering this program must be admitted to both the MCDB&G program and the Law School. Admission qualifications for M.S. and Ph.D. students are identical; only the student's career objectives distinguish the degree that they pursue. The M.D./Ph.D. program emphasizes integration of the two major components of training--medicine and research--to ensure excellence in both. The program features a special curriculum that facilitates the transition from Medical School to the first year of formal graduate training, and the transition from graduate training back to Medical School.

Other requirements to be completed before admission:

Recommended academic preparation includes coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biology, and biochemistry. Successful applicants must have previous research experience in an academic or industrial setting in addition to any course-related laboratory experiences. It is important to demonstrate familiarity with and aptitude for basic science research prior to embarking on a graduate career in this program.

Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic and research capabilities. A statement of interests and goals, a complete set of transcripts, and official scores from the General Test of the GRE are required. The GRE Subject Test in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, biology, or chemistry is strongly recommended, but not required. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is December 15. Graduate studies begin fall semester only. Entry into the J.D./Ph.D. program requires separate admittance to both the Law School and the MCDB&G Graduate Program. Entry into the M.D./Ph.D. program requires separate admittance to both the Medical School and the MCDB&G Graduate Program.

The Ph.D. program is designed by the student and the adviser to meet individual interests and goals. Advanced courses in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, and biochemistry are required, in addition to special courses, topical seminar courses, laboratory research rotations, thesis research, student research seminars, departmental seminars, and journal clubs. The student's core curriculum is multidisciplinary and contributes to both major and minor field requirements. Ph.D. students serve as TAs for two semesters during their graduate career. Students in one of the joint degree programs serve as a TA for one semester. This program is part of Joint Degree Program in Law, Health and the Life Sciences offering a J.D./Ph.D. and a J.D./M.S. track. Selected courses must be approved by the DGS. Students pursuing the J.D./Ph.D. start by completing the first year of Law School, then enter the Ph.D. portion of the program and complete this degree before returning to finish Law School. This program also offers a joint M.D./Ph.D. degree program; 12 credits of Medical School courses can be used to fulfill credit requirements for the Ph.D. program with approval of the DGS. Students pursuing the M.D./Ph.D. start the program by completing the first two years of Medical School during which time they do laboratory rotations. After selecting a laboratory, they then enter the Ph.D. portion of the program and complete this degree before returning to finish Medical School.