Campuses:
This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.
Twin Cities Campus
Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics Ph.D.Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development TCBS
Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development TMED
Graduate School
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
MCDB&G Graduate Program, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-624-7470, fax: 612-626-6140)
Email:
mcdbg@umn.edu
Website: http://mcdbg.umn.edu
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
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.
PhD 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 PhD is also part of two joint degree programs: The Joint Degree Program in Law, Health, and Life Sciences; and the MD/PhD program.
The Joint Degree Program in Law, Health, and Life Sciences is unique in the nation and enables students to combine a JD degree with a PhD or MS degree. Students entering this program must be admitted to both the MCDB&G program and the Law School. Admission qualifications for MS and PhD students are identical; only the student's career objectives distinguish the degree that they pursue.
The MD/PhD program emphasizes the 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.
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 3.50.
Applications from students with an undergraduate or master's degree in the biological, chemical, or physical sciences are preferred.
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.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic and research capabilities. A statement of interests and goals, and a complete set of transcripts (copies are accepted) are required. GRE General and Subject scores are NOT required. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is December 1st. 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.
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
Key to test
abbreviations
(TOEFL).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
24 to 39
credits are required in the major.
0 credits are required outside the major. 24 thesis credits are required.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00
is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 2 semesters must be completed
before filing a Degree Program Form.
Required Coursework (24 credits)
Take the following courses. MCDG 8900 can be taken for one credit four times (over four semesters). MCDG 8950 and MCDG 8920 each can be taken for one credit twice (over two semesters).
GCD 8151 - Cellular Biochemistry and Cell Biology
(2.0-4.0 cr)
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics
(3.0 cr)
GCD 8161 - Advanced Cell Biology and Development
(2.0 cr)
GCD 8171 - Literature Analysis
(1.0-2.0 cr)
BIOC 8401 - Ethics, Public Policy, and Careers in Molecular and Cellular Biology
(1.0 cr)
MCDG 8920 - Special Topics
(1.0-4.0 cr)
MCDG 8900 - Student Research Seminar
(1.0 cr)
MCDG 8950 - Teaching Practicum
(1.0 cr)
Electives
Students may take additional elective credits if necessary. Select courses from the following list, or in consultation with the advisor and director of graduate studies.
Take 0 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
BIOC 8001 - Biochemistry: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 8002 - Molecular Biology and Regulation of Biological Processes
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5309 - Biocatalysis and Biodegradation
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5352 - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for Biochemists
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5444 - Muscle
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5527 {Inactive}
(4.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5528 - Spectroscopy and Kinetics
(4.0 cr)
·
CSCI 5461 - Functional Genomics, Systems Biology, and Bioinformatics
(3.0 cr)
·
CSCI 5980 - Special Topics in Computer Science
(1.0-3.0 cr)
·
CSCI 8980 - Special Advanced Topics in Computer Science
(1.0-3.0 cr)
·
GCD 8008 - Mammalian Gene Transfer and Genome Engineering
(2.0 cr)
·
GCD 8073 - Genetics & Genomics in Human Health
(2.0 cr)
·
GRAD 8101 - Teaching in Higher Education
(3.0 cr)
·
GRAD 8200 - Teaching and Learning Topics in Higher Education
(1.0 cr)
·
MICA 8002 - Structure, Function, and Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses
(4.0 cr)
·
MICA 8003 - Immunity and Immunopathology
(4.0 cr)
·
MICA 8004 - Cellular and Cancer Biology
(4.0 cr)
·
MATH 8540 - Topics in Mathematical Biology
(1.0-3.0 cr)
·
NSC 8211 - Developmental Neurobiology
(2.0-4.0 cr)
·
OBIO 8012 - Basic Concepts in Skeletal Biology
(2.0 cr)
·
PHCL 5111 - Pharmacogenomics
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I
(4.0 cr)
·
SCB 8181 - Stem Cell Biology
(3.0 cr)
·
STAT 5021 - Statistical Analysis
(4.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5535 - Introduction to Modern Structural Biology -- Diffraction
(2.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5536 - Introduction to Modern Structural Biology - Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
(2.0 cr)
Thesis Credits
Take at least 24 doctoral thesis credits.
MCDG 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
(1.0-24.0 cr)
Joint- or Dual-degree Coursework:
Joint Degree Program in Law, Science and Technology (JD/PhD).Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD)
Students may take a total of 12 credits in common
among the academic programs.
Program Sub-plans
A sub-plan is not required for this program.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Biology Education
In addition to the required MCDB&G PhD coursework, students pursuing the Biology Education track must take Biology Education core and elective courses.
Biology Education Core (12 credits)
Students pursuing the Biology Education track must take the following core courses:
CI 8134 - Foundations of Research in Curriculum and Instruction I
(3.0 cr)
CI 8135 - Foundations of Research in Curriculum and Instruction II
(3.0 cr)
EPSY 8251 - Statistical Methods in Education I
(3.0 cr)
Curriculum Instruction
Take at least one of the following:
CI 8145 - Using Mixed Methods in Educational Research
(3.0 cr)
or
CI 8147 - Critical Discourse Analysis in Educational Research
(3.0 cr)
or
CI 8149 - Qualitative Research: Coding, Analysis, Interpretation, and Writing
(3.0 cr)
or
CI 8571 - Equity, Policy, and Social Justice in STEM Education
(3.0 cr)
or
CI 8572 - Learning Theory and Classical Research in STEM Education
(3.0 cr)
Biology Education Electives (3 credits)
Take at least one biology elective course, selected in consultation with the advisor and director of graduate studies.
EPSY 8226 - Applications of Item Response Theory Models
(3.0 cr)
or
EPSY 8252 - Statistical Methods in Education II
(3.0 cr)
or
EPSY 8265 - Factor Analysis
(3.0 cr)
or
EPSY 8266 - Statistical Analysis Using Structural Equation Methods
(3.0 cr)
or
EPSY 8267 - Applied Multivariate Analysis
(3.0 cr)
or
EPSY 8268 - Hierarchical Linear Modeling in Educational Research
(3.0 cr)
or
EPSY 8282 - Statistical Analysis of Longitudinal Data
(3.0 cr)
or
CI 8145 - Using Mixed Methods in Educational Research
(3.0 cr)
or
CI 8147 - Critical Discourse Analysis in Educational Research
(3.0 cr)
or
CI 8149 - Qualitative Research: Coding, Analysis, Interpretation, and Writing
(3.0 cr)
or
CI 8571 - Equity, Policy, and Social Justice in STEM Education
(3.0 cr)
or
CI 8572 - Learning Theory and Classical Research in STEM Education
(3.0 cr)
|
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Credits: | 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Bioc 8401/GCD 8401 |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -4.0 [max 8.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 10.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 -4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Bioc 5309/MicE 5309 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 5352/MicB 5352 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 5444/ Phsl 5444 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -3.0 [max 27.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -3.0 [max 27.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -3.0 [max 12.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | GCD 8181/SCB 8181 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 5535/BioC 5527 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 5527BioC 5536 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 -24.0 [max 100.0] |
Grading Basis: | No Grade |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | EPsy 8251/EPsy 8261 |
Prerequisites: | [EPSY 5261 or equiv] or undergrad statistics course |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd, Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | EPsy 8252/EPsy 8262 |
Prerequisites: | [8251, 8261 or equiv] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Prerequisites: | [8252 or equiv or #] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Prerequisites: | 8265, [8252 or equiv] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd, Spring Even Year |