Molecular Biosciences, Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Molecular Biosciences is an interdisciplinary program in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences that includes faculty from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Agriculture. It is a rigorous, research-oriented course of study that aims to help students develop an understanding of cellular function and biological or biochemical mechanisms at a molecular scale.

Program Description

This program focuses on the study of biological problems at the molecular level using chemical, computational, mathematical, physical, and statistical approaches as well as conventional biological approaches. The program helps each graduate develop in-depth research ability in a specific area within the sub-disciplines. Students engage in bench or field research with faculty mentors and learn to design and conduct research as independent scientists who contribute original knowledge to the discipline and complete and defend a thesis dissertation.

Research Areas

Faculty are engaged in research areas such as biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, developmental biology, drug development, ecology, environmental toxicology, evolutionary biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular modeling, and structural biology.

Careers

The Molecular Biosciences doctorate program aims to produce graduates who are fully prepared to pursue research careers in academia, industry, and at national labs. Most graduates either go on to do academic postdoctoral fellows, or are hired by industrial or medical biotechnology companies or the pharmaceutical industry.

Graduate Placement

Graduates have accepted post-doctoral fellowships at:

• Vanderbilt University
• St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
• Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery
• Emory University
• North Carolina State University
• Duke University School of Medicine
• University of Massachusetts Medical School
• Tennessee State University
• UNC Chapel Hill
• University of Missouri

Employers of MTSU alumni include:

• Thermo Scientific
• Eurofins PSS Insourcing Solutions
• Dow Chemical Company
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Nikon Instruments
• Canopy Biosciences
• Seres Therapeutics
• American Esoteric Laboratories
• Rocky Mountain National Labs

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences program is based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications, including:

1. An earned bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or a closely related subject.
2. An acceptable grade point average in all college work taken. Successful applicants typically have a minimum 3.50 GPA in their graduate work or a minimum 3.00 GPA when entering with a bachelor's degree.
3. Letters of recommendation that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete a Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. The application deadline is January 31 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships for the following Fall. Applications may also be considered for Spring admission, with a deadline of September 30.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences requires completion of a minimum of 65-95 semester hours. Candidates must:

1. Complete a minimum of 65 post-baccalaureate semester hours.
2. Make at least two research presentations at regional, national, or international meetings as the lead author or coauthor.
3. Be the first or primary author on at least one research article published or in press in a peer-reviewed journal.
4. In collaboration with an MTSU faculty member serving as principal investigator, make a significant contribution to the development of at least one external grant proposal.
5. Complete a dissertation and successfully defend it in the final oral examination.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

• Core Courses (24 hours)
  • MOBI 7010 - Lab Rotation in Molecular Biosciences
  • MOBI 7100 - Experimental Design in Molecular Biosciences
  • MOBI 7105 - Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biosciences
  • MOBI 7205 - Dissertation Proposal Preparation in Molecular Biosciences
  • MOBI 7300 - Current Topics in Scientific Literature and Communication in Molecular Biosciences I
  • MOBI 7400 - Current Topics in Scientific Literature and Communication in Molecular Biosciences II
• Electives (9 hours)
  • Students select at least 9 hours of elective coursework from at least two of the represented rubrics, with a minimum of 3 hours being 7000 level.
• Directed Research and Dissertation (32-62 hours)
  • At least 32 hours of directed research plus dissertation research must be completed.

Faculty

The program is directed by Dr. Justin M. Miller, and the faculty includes:

• Dr. Jessica H. Arbour
• Dr. Frank C. Bailey
• Dr. Souvik Banerjee
• Dr. Kevin L. Bicker
• Dr. Charles C. Chusuei
• Dr. Keying Ding
• Dr. Cole G Easson
• Dr. Mary B. Farone
• Dr. Iris Gao
• Dr. Manuel A. Giannoni-Guzmán
• Dr. Scott Handy
• Dr. Jason R. Jessen
• Dr. Jeff Leblond
• Dr. Megan K. Moore
• Dr. David E. Nelson
• Dr. J. Brian Robertson
• Dr. Tiffany D. Rogers
• Dr. Donald M. Walker
• Dr. Chengshan Wang
• Dr. April Weissmiller

Research Interests

Faculty research interests include:

• Evolutionary biology
• Environmental toxicology
• Medicinal chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Microbiology
• Ecology
• Biotechnology
• Cell biology
• Developmental biology
• Drug development
• Immunology
• Molecular modeling
• Structural biology

Assistantships

Teaching assistantships (12 month, $20,000 stipend) are available to full-time students in the MOBI program. In addition, the university pays all tuition and most fees for assistantship holders. Non-Tennessee residents who are awarded an assistantship are not required to pay out-of-state fees.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.