The graduate program in Cell and Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary degree-granting program that involves over 100 faculty members from 17 departments and 6 colleges who share common interests in cell and molecular biology. The PhD program includes core coursework in molecular genetics and cell biology. Elective courses cover specialized areas, including grant writing, ethical conduct of research and statistics. Two alternating graduate seminar series allow students to present their research and to attend presentations by CSU faculty and nationally prominent scientists. Core courses typically are completed during the first year and most students advance to candidacy by the end of their 5th semester. The PhD degree can generally be completed within five years. There is an option to include a Cancer Biology Specialization.
Most students admitted to the PhD program rotate through three laboratories in their first year to identify a PhD advisor. Current focus areas of research include, but are not limited to, Cancer Biology; Gene Expression; Genome Structure, Evolution & Repair; Infectious Disease; Metabolism & Physiology; Microbiomes; Plant Molecular Biology; Prions & Neurobiology; Stem Cells & Development; Synthetic Biology and STEM Communication. Students are encouraged to complete coursework in computational/quantitative approaches, and an emphasis is placed on effective communication with various audiences. The CMB program supports a student association and aims to create an inclusive and welcoming culture for all.
Students interested in this graduate program should refer to the Cell and Molecular Biology website for further details.
Effective Fall 2022
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BC 563 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
BC 565 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 4 |
CM 510 | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology | 1 |
CM 792 | Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar 1, 2 | 4-10 |
CM 793 | Seminar 1, 2 | 4-10 |
GRAD 550 | STEM Communication | 1 |
MIP 611 | Advanced Microbiological Research Methods | 4 |
Independent Study and Dissertation (select a minimum of 6 credits from the following): | 6 | |
Independent Study 2 | ||
Dissertation 2 | ||
Electives must contain at least one course from each section list: 2 | 44 | |
Ethics Elective (see list below) | 1-3 | |
Statistics Elective (see list below) | 3-4 | |
Topics Elective (see list below) | 2 | |
Writing Elective (see list below) | 1-3 | |
Master's Degree Credit (a maximum of 30 credits may be accepted from a master's degree) | 30 | |
Program Total Credits: | 72 |
Ethics Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select at least one course from the following: | ||
BC 601 | Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry | 1 |
CM 601 | Responsible Conduct of Research in CMB | 1 |
CM 666/PHIL 666 | Science and Ethics | 3 |
GRAD 544 | Ethical Conduct of Research | 1 |
MIP 654 | Research Policies and Regulations | 1 |
NSCI 575/GRAD 575 | Ethical Issues in Big Data Research | 1 |
Statistics Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select at least one course from the following: | ||
STAR 511 | Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | 4 |
STAR 512 | Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | 4 |
STAT 540 | Data Analysis and Regression | 3 |
VS 562 | Applied Data Analysis | 3 |
VS 733 | Advanced Veterinary Epidemiology | 4 |
Topics Electives
Topics Electives provide guided practice in reading, interpreting, and critiquing scientific literature relevant to the field of Cell & Molecular Biology.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Preferred course, to be taken two semesters, 2 credits total: | ||
CM 700 | Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature | 2 |
Courses that could substitute for CM 700 in consultation with advisor: | ||
BSPM 502B | Topics in Plant Pathology: Plant Bacteriology | 1 |
BMS 796A/NB 796C | Group Study: Topics in Neuroscience | 1-4 |
BMS 796B | Group Study: Cardiopulmonary Physiology | 1-18 |
BMS 796C | Group Study: Reproductive Physiology | 1-18 |
CHEM 651B | Special Topics in Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry | 1-4 |
FSHN 650A | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals | 2 |
FSHN 650B | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy | 2 |
FSHN 650C | Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics | 2 |
MIP 700 | Topics in Microbiology | 1 |
SOCR 730 | Topics in Plant Breeding and Genetics | 1 |
Writing Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select at least one course from the following: | ||
BC 701 | Grant Proposal Writing and Reviewing | 1 |
BSPM 530/SOCR 530 | Scientific Writing | 1 |
BZ 544 | Presenting Research in Biology | 2 |
CM 644/E 644 | Creative Science Writing | 3 |
HES 700 | Professional Skills in Bioenergetics | 3 |
MIP 643 | Grant Writing for Microbiology/Pathology | 1 |
MIP 666 | Writing Scientific Manuscripts | 3 |
NB 771 | Writing, Submitting, and Reviewing Grants | 1 |
A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
CM 792 and CM 793 must be taken each year in spring or fall semester.
- 2
Students must complete at least one credit from each CM 795 and CM 799, and select enough independent study, dissertation, seminar, and other elective course credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 72 credits, with approval of graduate advisory committee.