Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics PhD

Major: Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 123.0 
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0210
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9121

About the Program

The interdisciplinary, research-oriented Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program offers a PhD degree. The program provides a broad education-training program for graduate students interested in biomedical problems that cross disciplinary boundaries and offers the opportunity for students to choose from approximately 80 faculty members in 10 different departments/centers to pursue their research interests. Our curriculum and research activities are tailored to students’ needs and interests. Consequently, students can pursue a wide range of projects, from designing and developing new therapeutic treatment strategies to characterizing the molecular mechanisms that underpin various cellular processes and diseases. This intensive program provides students with opportunities to perform cutting-edge biomedical research employing multidisciplinary strategies. Upon completing the program, students pursue careers in academic, governmental or industrial settings.

This program is research-focused, with the ultimate goal of training students to become leaders of scientific research in academics and industry. PhD candidates must pass a qualifying examination by November 1 of their third year. During the course of the program, PhD candidates must also submit at least one manuscript and prepare a second manuscript for publication. The average amount of time required to complete the PhD requirements is five years.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the College of Medicine's Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program website.

Admission Requirements

Drexel University College of Medicine has a rolling admissions policy, which means that complete applications are reviewed as they are received. Applicants are therefore advised to apply early, as decisions to accept or deny admission may be made before the official deadlines.

Additional Information

To learn more about applying to Drexel College of Medicine programs, visit the College of Medicine’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies website.

About the Curriculum

Background courses in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and integrative biology are taken during the first academic year. In addition, every student carries out short research projects in three different laboratories during the first year. This exposure to research not only gives the student broad research training, but also helps the student to select a thesis advisor at the end of the first academic year. In the second year, the student begins thesis research and takes several advanced courses, tailored to the student’s individual interests.

The program offers a weekly seminar series with invited external and intramural speakers who address the program’s broad research interests. Journal club members meet weekly in an informal setting to present results of interest from the current literature.

Courses Repeatable for Credit

As well as taking all required courses, MS and PhD students may re-enroll in courses having the status "repeatable for credit" (such as journal club, seminar and research courses) for the duration of their program in order to meet the total number of credits required for graduation.

Additional Information

For more information, including scheduling a plan of study, visit the College of Medicine's Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program website.

Degree Requirements

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Taken each semester with the exception of the last, when only Thesis Defense is taken.

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Taken each semester starting in year 2, with the exception of the last semester when only 
Thesis Defense is taken.

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If BIOC 521S is taken as a requirement, it cannot be taken as an elective.

Sample Plan of Study

Ph.D. Program Part-time Option

Post-Master Credit needed for Program: 39 Credits

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Other program requirements include the Preliminary Examination and the Qualifying Examination.

Part-time students may spend approximately 9 years in the MCBG PhD program.

Part-time students earn no more than 8.0 credits per semester.

Students with a related MS degree may be admitted to the Part-time MCBG PhD program with advanced standing. This may reduce the requirements for graduation.

*MCBG Thesis Research is a variable credit course (1-9 credits). A total of 63.0 credits must be earned.

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**Select at least one statistics course from the selection (IDPT 501S, BIOC 521S, MIIM 517S, NEUR 500S, or CR 520S)

Program Level Outcomes

• Be prepared to acquire independent and competitive careers in scientific research.
• Have the skills to function on and lead interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams.
• Be able to use and apply state-of-the-art techniques to conduct independent and collaborative scientific investigations.
• Have the ability to independently and broadly explore the scientific literature and develop novel hypotheses based upon the existing knowledge base.
• Have the ability to combine the existing scientific knowledge and the results of their own scientific investigations to develop novel avenues of research.
• Be able to identify problems and troubleshoot in scientific investigations.
• Have a broad education in biomedical sciences so as to understand the impact of scientific investigations on human society.
• Be able to effectively communicate science, in written and oral formats, with a wide range of audiences including both scientists and non-scientists.
• Understand and abide by ethical and professional standards of the field.