Cell and Molecular Biology: Developmental, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Biology, 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/

Developmental, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Biology

Students within Developmental, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Biology address key questions in developmental biology, stem cell/niche interactions, and regenerative biology. The central focus that unites these areas is the compelling drive to understand how tissues are first formed, how they are maintained, and how they can be repaired. Students participate in interdisciplinary training in gametogenesis; embryonic and fetal development; nervous system development and its wiring; the genesis of tissues and organ systems as well as their homeostasis, metabolism and repair; with goal of understanding the basic biology of these processes, as well as their role in disease. Complementing these areas is work on natural and induced Embryonic Stem Cells to understand disease processes in vitro in order to develop cell replacement strategies for therapy. In conducting their research students utilize all tools of the modern genomic era and a wide variety of experimental model systems.

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

Required Courses 

Coursework
BIOM 5550Regulation of the Genome
BIOM 6000Cell Biology
BIOM 6100Foundations in Statistics 1
CAMB 5110Principles of Development
CAMB 6050CAMB First Year Seminar
CAMB 6950Scientific Writing
CAMB 5970Neural Development, Regeneration and Repair
or CAMB 6970 Biology of Stem Cells
Select three 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
Principles of Development
Lab Rotation
Lab Rotation
Summer
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Year 2
Fall
Foundations in Statistics
Neural Development, Regeneration and Repair
Biology of Stem Cells
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Elective
Spring
Scientific Writing
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Elective
Elective
Year 3 and Beyond
Dissertation