Cell Biology (Tetrad) (PhD)
Program Overview
Cell Biology (Tetrad) (PhD)
The Tetrad graduate program prepares students to pose and address fundamental research problems in modern biology. The program highly values curiosity-driven research that investigates challenging questions in life sciences conducted in a collegial and scientifically rigorous manner. The program places special emphasis on modern approaches within three core and interrelated areas.
Program Description
The Tetrad program was among the first graduate programs nationwide to break down barriers between disciplines; emphasis on interdisciplinary research remains a guiding principle of the program. Hand-in-hand with promoting interdisciplinary research is the program's emphasis on fostering a strong sense of community and interactions among students and the program's cadre of internationally recognized scientists. Program activities include an annual retreat held in Lake Tahoe, a weekly seminar program featuring top scientists from around the world, and multiple other activities that provide student-faculty interactions in both formal and informal settings.
Faculty
Over 120 faculty members are associated with the Tetrad program, representing all of the basic science departments of UCSF, numerous research centers such as the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Cardiovascular Research Institute at UCSF, and the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, and numerous clinical departments.
Sub-disciplines
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Admission Requirements
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Tetrad Graduate Program, we expect that entering graduate students will have diverse undergraduate preparation. Students with backgrounds in anatomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, physics, and related fields are welcome to apply, providing they have demonstrated a high level of academic proficiency (generally a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in relevant science courses). Evidence of exposure to scientific research, generally as participation in a research project during at least one year (preferably two or more years), is regarded as an important attribute of the successful applicant.
Learning Outcomes
- Establish a foundation of knowledge in the fundamental principles underlying biological processes, from molecules to organisms.
- Learn to critically evaluate the literature and assess the significance of a given biological question.
- Learn to independently make original research contributions through rigorous experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Learn to work across disciplines to leverage the strengths of collaborators from different scientific backgrounds.
- Learn how to promote and support an inclusive scientific environment.
- Establish values that drive the responsible and ethical practice of science.
- Develop skills for effective oral and written communication of complex scientific ideas and findings.
Degree Requirements
Doctoral
- All core courses and required activities taken and passed
- Six quarters in residence including a minimum of three registered quarters after advancement to candidacy
- Pass qualifying examination
- Complete and submit the dissertation based on the current Tetrad and Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs guidelines
Core Courses
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1| Units
---|---
BIOCHEM 200A | Structure of Macromolecules | 3
CELL BIOL 245 | Cell & Developmental Biology | 4
GRAD 202 | Racism in Science | 3
BIOCHEM 201A | Biological Regulatory Mechanisms | 4
GENETICS 200A | Principles of Genetics | 3
Various: 2-3 minicourses | 2-3
GRAD 214 | Responsible Conduct of Research and Rigor & Reproducibility | 1.5
BIOCHEM 215 | Laboratory Rotation (Taken all terms) | 9
BIOCHEM 220 | Biochemistry Basic Science Seminar Series | 1
BIOCHEM 221 | Selected Topics (Journal Club, taken all terms) | 3
| Units| 33.5-34.5
Year 2
BIOCHEM 221 | Selected Topics (Journal Club, taken all terms) | 3
CELL BIOL 250 | Research (Taken all terms) | 24
Any approved electives |
| Units| 27
Year 3 and Beyond
Any approved electives |
CELL BIOL 250 | Research (Taken all terms) | 24
| Units| 24
| Total Units| 84.5-85.5
Approved Electives
Course List Code | Title | Units
---|---|---
BIOCHEM 210| Special Topics| 3
BIOCHEM 241| Startup 101| 3
BIOMED SCI 270| Special Topics in Biomedical Sciences| 3
BIO MD INF 219| Special Topics in Bioinformatics| 3
BIOPHYSICS 219| Special Topics in Biophysics| 3
CHEMISTRY 219| Special Topics in Basic and Translational Chemical Biology| 3
GRAD 210| Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Academic Leadership (with approval from the Graduate Division)| 4
DEV STMCEL 270| Special Topics in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology| 3
GRAD 213| Motivating INformed Decisions (MIND) Catalytic Course| 2
GRAD 286| GSICE Curricular Practicum| 1
GRAD 219A| Special topics in racism and social justice in science| 3
GRAD 219B| Special topics in racism and social justice in science| 3
GRAD 219C| Special topics in racism and social justice in science| 3
NEUROSCI 219| Special Topics in Basic and Translational Neuroscience| 3
Other electives may be approved by program on a case-by-case basis|
Non-course Core Requirements
- Attendance and participation in Boot Camp:
- We realize that our incoming students come from a wide variety of experimental backgrounds, so the first year begins with a week-long series of intensive hands-on courses on cutting-edge concepts and experimental techniques that will be useful in a modern biomedical research lab.
- Passing qualifying exam
- Teaching Assistantship in year 2
- Submission/publication of first-author research paper
- Presentation of thesis talk
Program Leadership
- Natalia Jura, PhD, Director
- David Toczyski, PhD, Co-Director
Program Office
The Tetrad program office is located at the Mission Bay campus, though some classes and labs affiliated with the program are at the Parnassus campus as well.
Program Administration
The Tetrad program is offered by the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, administered by the UCSF Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, and delivered by faculty members in the UCSF schools of dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy.