Cell and Molecular Biology: Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism, PhD

Cell and Molecular Biology

The Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group (CAMB) is an interdisciplinary graduate program, providing rigorous training in modern cell and molecular biology, preparing students for leadership careers in biomedical research. Within this integrated program are six discipline areas: Cancer BiologyCell Biology, Physiology, and MetabolismDevelopmental, Stem Cell and Regenerative BiologyGene Therapy and VaccinesGenetics and Epigenetics; and Microbiology, Virology and Parasitology. Program faculty include more than 300 scientists representing 35 departments from the Perelman School of Medicine, the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Wistar Institute and Fox Chase Cancer Center. The research efforts of these scientists are diverse in their focus, experimental system, methodology, and represent the leading edge of basic and translational biomedical science.

Students from colleges and universities around the nation and the world are enrolled in the program, selecting one discipline area based on their scientific interests, yet have access to the full breadth of curricular and research opportunities provided by this large and diverse program. Our students participate in core courses in cell and molecular biology, specialized coursework in one or more discipline areas, and original hypothesis-driven thesis research. Upon completion of the PhD, they pursue successful research careers at top academic institutions, in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, and in other biomedicine-related career paths.

For more information: http://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/

Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism

Modern cell biology is a dynamic discipline that integrates multiple fields, including molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, physiology, developmental biology, cytology and genetics. Cell biologists investigate the basic structural and functional units of life: cells that compose all living organisms. Once reliant primarily on microscopic methods, cell biologists now take advantage of cutting edge methods in ultrastructure, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, and utilize a diverse range of model organisms. Program faculty conduct research in cellular metabolism; cell motility, the cytoskeleton, and muscle physiology; intracellular trafficking and organelle function; membrane transport; and signal transduction and cell cycle regulation.  

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

Required Courses

Coursework
BIOM 5550Regulation of the Genome
BIOM 6000Cell Biology
CAMB 5320Human Physiology
BIOM 6100Foundations in Statistics 1
CAMB 6050CAMB First Year Seminar
CAMB 6910Advanced Topics in Cell Biology & Physiology
CAMB 6920Advanced Topics in Cell Biology and Physiology II: Cell Signaling and Metabolis
Select two electives
Research
CAMB 6990Lab Rotation
CAMB 8990Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
CAMB 9950Dissertation
1

Or other statistics course with approval of the Graduate Group.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.


Sample Plan of Study

Year 1
Fall
Cell Biology
CAMB First Year Seminar
Lab Rotation
Spring
Regulation of the Genome
Advanced Topics in Cell Biology and Physiology II: Cell Signaling and Metabolis
Elective
Lab Rotation
Lab Rotation
Summer
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Year 2
Fall
Foundations in Statistics
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Electives
Spring
Advanced Topics in Cell Biology & Physiology
Human Physiology
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Year 3 and Beyond
Dissertation