For Prospective Students

Students perform at least two research rotations in the labs of their choice during their first year (PIBS) to explore research interests and identify potential Ph.D. mentors. More than 160 CMB faculty members come from all the basic science departments affiliated with the Medical School, the School of Engineering, LSA, and Dentistry. This offers a wide range of research opportunities including:

CMB students take formal graduate-level courses in biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular genetics. Students also attend a weekly session in which CMB students present formal research and literature seminars, which provides a forum for scientific exchange as well as training in presentation skills.

These seminar interactions establish a sense of community among faculty and students. Each semester CMB hosts a series of interdisciplinary short courses on high-profile topics of current interest selected by students. In these symposia, worldwide experts are invited to CMB to interact with students and present their research. More detailed information about the courses offered is available in the CMB Handbook.

Students advance to candidacy and initiate their dissertation research in the second year, forming dissertation committees consisting of the mentor and four additional faculty. Students interact with their thesis committee members both informally and at regular, formal meetings, often laying the foundation for continued scientific interactions throughout the student's career. The formal thesis defense is the culmination of the CMB training program, launching the careers of our graduates. CMB alumni have established successful and productive careers in academia, biotechnology, and science advising to the government and public, among other areas.

With more than 1000 official student organizations on campus, you are sure to find a group that matches your interests, or sparks a new one! Visit the PIBS website to learn more about groups such as the Females Excelling More in Math, Engineering and the Sciences (FEMMES), Association of Multicultural Scientists (AMS), Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), the Biomedical Alliance of Students in Health (BASH).

For questions/information about applying and being admitted in the first year, please contact the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) at [email protected]. For questions about transitioning from PIBS or MSTP to the CMB program, contact CMB at [email protected]