Prospective Students - Graduate

Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

Areas of Study and Research

The graduate program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) is designed to provide students with diverse opportunities for acquiring a strong foundation in molecular biology of RNA and DNA, molecular genetics, cell motility and cytoskeleton, cell membranes, and developmental genetics and applying it toward the generation of new knowledge through research. Topics of current research include: RNA structure and functions, astrobiology, control of gene expression, control of the cell cycle, assembly and function of the cytoskeleton and intracellular organelles, signal transduction, genetic control of development in Drosophila (flies), C. elegans (worms), and mice.

Degrees Offered

PhD
Requires 30 hours of approved graduate course work, in addition to the minimum 30 hours of dissertation credit hours required by the Graduate School; three laboratory rotations; two semesters of teaching; successful completion of a preliminary and comprehensive exam; and a successful dissertation defense and presentation of a departmental seminar. There is no foreign language requirement.

Admission

Graduate School Minimum Admissions Standards
Individual graduate departments may have additional or more restrictive standards by which they evaluate graduate applicants. However, the Graduate School at CU-Boulder has established minimum standards for graduate admission. Applicants must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or have done work equivalent to that required for such a degree.
   
2. Show promise of ability to pursue advanced study and research, as judged by the student’s scholastic record.
   
3. Have adequate preparation to enter graduate study in the chosen field.
   
4. Have at least a 2.75 (2.00=C) undergraduate grade point average. Note: Applicants who cannot meet this undergraduate standard may still secure regular admission if they have completed 9 semester hours of relevant graduate course work with at least a 3.25 average.

Molecular, Cellular and Development Biology Admissions Requirements
Applicants must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
2. Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00.
3. Have completed undergraduate course work in organic chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics through calculus, general physics, general biology, cell biology, developmental biology, and genetics.
4. GRE general test scores are required. Submission of the GRE subject score (Biochemistry, Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; or Chemistry) is optional.
5. Submit three letters of recommendation.
6. Submit two copies of official transcripts. Include transcripts for any schools where transfer credit was given.
7. Complete MCDB Supplemental Application

Minimum Standards for Applicants
Successful candidates are expected to have some research experience.

Financial Support Available
MCDB is committed to supporting all of its students for the entirety of their graduate career.

Application Information and Deadlines   Fall admission Yes Application deadline December 15 International application deadline December 15 Financial assistance application deadline February 1   Spring admission No   Summer admission No

Contact Information

University of Colorado at Boulder
Department of MCD Biology
Graduate Program Assistant
MCDB A1B50
347 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0347
Phone: 303-492-7230
Fax: 303-492-7744
e-mail: mcdbgrad@colorado.edu
web site: http://mcdb.colorado.edu/graduate/appmat.html
(Application material can be downloaded from this site)