MS, Cellular Biology

Degree Program Summary:

Please note that applications are being accepted for fall term only at this time. To ensure consideration for graduate assistantships, complete applications and supporting documents should be received by the Graduate School before December 1st. The Department of Cellular Biology offers MS and PhD degrees. Requirements for the MS include 30 hours of coursework, satisfactory performance on written and oral examinations, and an acceptable thesis embodying original research in a specialized area. Requirements for the PhD include 30 hours of coursework, satisfactory performance on written and oral examinations and an acceptable dissertation and defense thereof. Required core course work for both MS and PhD includes: Introduction to Research in Cellular Biology (CBIO 6130); Molecular Cell Biology (CBIO 8010); Cellular Biology Research Techniques (Laboratory Rotations – CBIO 8920); and either Advanced Immunology (CBIO 8100), Advanced Developmental Biology (CBIO 8300), Advanced Cell Biology (CBIO 8400), or Biology of Parasitism (CBIO 8500). Additional coursework is as established by the student’s committee. The department’s research strengths are in cell biology, developmental biology, and molecular parasitology. Facilities for graduate training include campus laboratories fully equipped with computers and modern instrumentation for cell sorting and image analysis, electron and confocal microscopy, molecular biology, and animal rooms equipped to handle multiple species. The department also has adjunct faculty at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.

The Department of Cellular Biology was established within the Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Georgia in 1995. The department offers excellent opportunities for scientific training in a variety of important aspects of cellular biology. These include cell biology, developmental biology, molecular parasitology, immunology, cellular neurobiology and endocrinology. Several cellular biology faculty have been honored by national and institutional awards for excellence in research and teaching.

The department has a strong program in graduate education and research:

• Strong core curriculum in molecular cellular biology;
• Research laboratory rotation and choice of laboratory for graduate students;
• Active and well funded faculty research programs with federal and/or foundation support;
• Department Seminar Series with speakers from institutions around the nation;
• Strong Departmental and Divisional undergraduate programs;
• Teaching and research assistantships that support most students throughout their entire period of study

State-of-the-art technical support facilities at the University of Georgia, including:

• Cell Analysis Facility (flow cytometry and image analysis)
• Monoclonal Antibody Facility
• Biological Sciences Computing Resource
• Molecular Genetics Facility (with DNA and protein sequencing and synthesis)
• Center for Advanced Ultrastructural Research
• Highly interactive environment with other UGA biology departments and the National Centers for Disease Control
• Regular journal clubs by various laboratories and interest groups within the Department
• Opportunities for overseas collaborative research
• Strong Cellular Biology Graduate Student Association
• Excellent support staff, including Computer Services Specialist
• Active Departmental social program, including:
• Fall Department Retreat and Cookout
• December Holiday Party