Program Overview

Cell and Molecular Biology, PhD: Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism

The Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group (CAMB) is an interdisciplinary graduate program, providing rigorous training in modern cell and molecular biology. Within this integrated program are six discipline areas: Cancer Biology (CB); Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism (CPM); Developmental, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Biology (DSRB); Genetics and Epigenetics (G&E); Gene Therapy and Vaccines (GTV); and Microbiology, Virology, and Parasitology (MVP). Program faculty include 476 scientists from the Perelman School of Medicine, the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Dental Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Wistar Institute. The research efforts of these extraordinary scientists are diverse in their focus, experimental system, methodology, and represent the leading edge of basic and translational biomedical science.

Currently, 440 graduate students from colleges and universities around the nation and the world are enrolled in the program. Students select one discipline area based on their scientific interests yet have access to the full breadth of curricular and research opportunities provided by our 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.

Our mission is to provide an exceptional mentored training experience to every student, providing a foundation for successful careers as leaders in biomedical research. We welcome prospective students who are dedicated to the search for new knowledge.

Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism

Modern cell biology is a dynamic discipline that integrates multiple fields, including molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, metabolism, microbiology, physiology, developmental biology, cytology, and genetics. Cell biologists investigate the basic structural and functional units of life: cells that compose all living organisms, and how they integrate into functioning organisms. Once reliant primarily on microscopic methods, cell biologists now take advantage of cutting-edge methods in ultrastructure, metabolism, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology, and utilize a diverse range of model organisms. Program faculty conduct research in cellular and organismal metabolism; cell motility, the cytoskeleton, and muscle physiology; intracellular trafficking and organelle function; membrane transport; and signal transduction and cell cycle regulation. The program is focused on quantitative fundamental biology, with a simultaneous constant eye on potential clinical relevance, leveraging the strength of being integrated in a large and active health system. CPM research at Penn has contributed to numerous medical advances in recent years, including those related to diabetes, blindness, muscular dystrophy, heart failure, and cancer.

Required Courses

• Core coursework:
  • BIOM 5550: Regulation of the Genome (1 unit)
  • BIOM 6000: Cell Biology (1 unit)
  • BIOM 6100: Foundations in Statistics (1 unit)
  • CAMB 6050: CAMB First Year Seminar (1 unit)
  • or CAMB 5420: Topics in Molecular Medicine
• Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism Concentration:
  • CAMB 5320: Human Physiology (1 unit)
  • CAMB 6910: Advanced Topics in Cell Biology & Physiology (1 unit)
  • CAMB 6920: Advanced Topics in Cell Biology and Physiology II: Cell Signaling and Metabolism (1 unit)
  • Select two CAMB electives (2 units)
• Research:
  • CAMB 6990: Lab Rotation
  • CAMB 8990: Pre-Dissertation Lab Rotation
  • CAMB 9950: Dissertation
• Total Course Units: 16

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

• Qualifying Evaluation
• Candidacy Examination
• Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam
• Dissertation Deposit

Sample Plan of Study

• Year 1:
  • Fall:
    • BIOM 6000: Cell Biology
    • CAMB 6050: CAMB First Year Seminar
    • CAMB 6990: Lab Rotation
  • Spring:
    • BIOM 5550: Regulation of the Genome
    • CAMB 6920: Advanced Topics in Cell Biology and Physiology II: Cell Signaling and Metabolism
    • Elective
    • CAMB 6990: Lab Rotation
  • Summer:
    • CAMB 8990: Pre-Dissertation Lab Rotation
• Year 2:
  • Fall:
    • BIOM 6100: Foundations in Statistics
    • CAMB 8990: Pre-Dissertation Lab Rotation
    • Electives
  • Spring:
    • CAMB 6910: Advanced Topics in Cell Biology & Physiology
    • CAMB 5320: Human Physiology
    • CAMB 8990: Pre-Dissertation Lab Rotation
• Year 3 and Beyond:
  • CAMB 9950: Dissertation

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.