Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
MS without thesis: 36.0 semester credits
MS with thesis: 48.0 semester credits
PhD: 96.0 semester credits
About the Programs
The interdisciplinary, research-oriented Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics program offers both MS and PhD degrees. Its strength is derived from the combined research expertise of the faculty in various departments, including neurobiology and anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology and immunology, medicine, pathology, and pharmacology and physiology. Faculty members conduct research on a broad array of topics, including cell, molecular, and cancer biology as well as genetics, infectious diseases and immunology.
About the MS Program
In the MS program, the focus is on strengthening the student's grasp of molecular biology and biotechnology and on providing a knowledge of research methods available in this fast-expanding field.
About the PhD Program
In addition to the curriculum described below, PhD students must pass a qualifying exam at the end of their second year. This program is research focused, with the ultimate goal of training students to become leaders of scientific research in academics and industry.
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.To learn more about applying to Drexel College of Medicine programs visit the Drexel College of Medicine's Biomedical 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 their own 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.
For more information, including scheduling a plan of study, visit the College of Medicine's Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Program website.
MS and PhD Degree Requirements
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| MS Degree Requirements: Non-Thesis Option | 36.0 semester credits | |||
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| Required Courses | ||||
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| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity and Ethics | 2.0 | ||
| IDPT 501S | Biostatistics I | 2.0 | ||
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 | ||
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 | ||
| IDPT 850S | Literature Review Non-Thesis MS | 4.0 | ||
| MCBG 501S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics: 1st Lab Rotation | 4.0 | ||
| MCBG 502S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics: 2nd Lab Rotation | 4.0 | ||
| MCBG 506S | Advanced Cell Biology | 2.0 | ||
| MCBG 511S | Special Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics | 2.0 | ||
| MCBG 512S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Journal Club | 1.0 | ||
| MCBG 513S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Seminar | 1.0 | ||
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| Advanced Electives | Three courses | |||
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| In consultation with the Advisory Committee and according to the area of selected research, the student must select a minimum of 3 advanced elective courses from a diverse range of topics that complement the core curriculum and provide relevant, in-depth knowledge. | ||||
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| MS Degree Requirements: Thesis Option | 48.0 semester credits | |||
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| Required Courses | ||||
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| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity and Ethics | 2.0 | ||
| IDPT 501S | Biostatistics I | 2.0 | ||
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 | ||
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 | ||
| IDPT 600S | Thesis Defense | 9.0 | ||
| MCBG 501S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics: 1st Lab Rotation | 4.0 | ||
| MCBG 506S | Advanced Cell Biology | 2.0 | ||
| MCBG 511S | Special Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics | 2.0 | ||
| MCBG 512S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Journal Club | 1.0 | ||
| MCBG 513S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Seminar | 1.0 | ||
| MCBG 600S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Thesis Research | 9.0 | ||
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| Advanced Electives | Two courses | |||
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| In consultation with the Advisory Committee and according to the area of selected research, the student must select a minimum of 2 advanced elective courses from a diverse range of topics that complement the core curriculum and provide relevant, in-depth knowledge. | ||||
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| PhD Degree Requirements | 96.0 semester credits | |||
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| Required Courses | ||||
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| During the third year, students develop a plan for their doctoral research in conjunction with their thesis advisor. A formal, written thesis proposal is then presented to the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee. Acceptance of this proposal after oral examination by the Committee leads to the final stage of doctoral training. PhD candidates then spend the majority of their time on thesis research. After concluding their research, they must submit and publicly defend their thesis before the Thesis-Examination Committee. | ||||
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| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity and Ethics | 2.0 | ||
| IDPT 501S | Biostatistics I | 2.0 | ||
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 | ||
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 | ||
| IDPT 600S | Thesis Defense | 9.0 | ||
| MCBG 501S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics: 1st Lab Rotation | 4.0 | ||
| MCBG 502S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics: 2nd Lab Rotation | 4.0 | ||
| MCBG 503S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics: 3rd Lab Rotation | 4.0 | ||
| MCBG 506S | Advanced Cell Biology | 2.0 | ||
| MCBG 511S | Special Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics | 2.0 | ||
| MCBG 512S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Journal Club | 1.0 | ||
| MCBG 513S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Seminar | 1.0 | ||
| MCBG 600S | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Thesis Research | 9.0 | ||
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| Advanced Electives | Three courses | |||
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| In consultation with the Advisory Committee and according to the area of selected research, the student must select a minimum of 3 advanced elective courses from a diverse range of topics that complement the core curriculum and provide relevant, in-depth knowledge. | ||||
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