CMB Graduate Program
Overview: The Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology represents a broad, cutting-edge approach to the molecular basis of the life sciences and their application to medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, and the environment. Two research-based graduate degrees are offered: a M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology. Research interests within the Department are diverse and include the study of the molecular origins of cancer and lyme disease, the roles of microbial consortia in the marine environment and in mammalian guts, as well as the genetic modification of switchgrasses for biofuel production.
Admission Requirements: Admission requirements include the Graduate Record Examination general test and a bachelor's degree in a field of science or engineering including at least two semesters each of biological sciences, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and mathematics including at least one semester of calculus. Applicants may be admitted with deficiencies, to be corrected with appropriate coursework to be excluded from program credit. The M.S. degree is not required to enroll in the Ph.D. program. Students may be accepted with deficiencies, which must be made up without program credit.
Curriculum: The Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology is comprised of a core set of upper-level courses in Biochemistry and Microbiology to be taken during the first two semesters of enrollment. Students subsequently chose from one of three areas of specialization, referred to as tracks, as follows:
Laboratory Rotations: Approximately half way through the first semester CMB graduate students will select two (M.S. program) or three (Ph.D. program) laboratories in which to perform five-week research rotations. Following the completion of the research rotations graduate students select a laboratory in which to complete their research thesis project.
Contact:
Niall G. Howlett, Ph.D.
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology
The University of Rhode Island
379 Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences
120 Flagg Road
Kingston, Rhode Island 02881