Interdisciplinary Cellular and Molecular Biology Ph.D. Program
Program Overview
Interdisciplinary Cellular and Molecular Biology Ph.D. Program
Program Overview
The Interdisciplinary Cellular and Molecular Biology Ph.D. Program at North Dakota State University provides cross-training of graduate students in the areas of cellular and molecular biology. The program was formed in 1988 and was the first interdisciplinary graduate program at NDSU. It was designed to respond to the evolving nature of research in the life sciences, where biological phenomena emerge from molecular and cellular events, and the elucidation of such processes increasingly relies on multidisciplinary approaches.
Program Highlights
- Cross-training in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, agricultural sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, physics, and engineering
- Nationally and internationally recognized and respected faculty from 9 academic departments
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Generous research and teaching assistantships
Program History and Purpose
The program provides students with the most up-to-date approaches from a variety of fields. Integration across concepts, as well as the application of various approaches to addressing biological problems, is developed through didactic coursework and vigorous research experience. This is demonstrated through a preliminary examination, which involves students writing a research proposal in the format of a national granting agency and orally defending the proposal. Students ultimately develop and conduct an original line of research under the supervision of their major advisor.
Facilities and Resources
NDSU possesses top-quality facilities and equipment, including:
- Confocal and fluorescence microscopy
- DNA sequencing
- Laser-capture microdissection
- Flow cytometry
- Microarray analysis
- Proteomic analysis
- Real-time PCR
- Scanning and transmission electron microscopy
Financial Assistance
Financial support is usually provided by the department in which the student will carry out research. The program offers competitive graduate assistantships plus full tuition. The number of positions is limited, and support is typically provided by major advisors.
Career Outcomes
The program prepares students for careers in academia, government, and private industry. All graduates of the program have obtained permanent positions in their field or are engaged in postdoctoral training. Alumni have praised the program for providing a broad, interdepartmental education that keeps options open for the workforce.