Program Overview

Molecular and Cellular Biology Program

The Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) Program provides graduate training in virtually all aspects of biological sciences. The program serves as an umbrella program that builds close ties among its ~100 faculty members in various departments, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages interdisciplinary research.

Research Areas

Research falls broadly into three areas based on faculty interests:

• Biological chemistry and molecular biophysics
• Cellular and developmental biology
• Biomedicine In many cases, faculty research overlaps these interdisciplinary areas.

Admission Criteria

Most students admitted to the MCB program have obtained a bachelor's degree in basic sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, or mathematics). Students interested in a career in life-sciences research in various aspects of biomedicine are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants may apply to the PhD program; only students from the Five College consortium are eligible to apply for the fast-track MS degree program.

Program Structure

The program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in molecular and cellular biology, with a focus on interdisciplinary research. The faculty members are from various departments, ensuring a broad range of research opportunities.

Requirements

The program has specific academic requirements, which include:

• MCB Requirements
• Academic Requirements

Financial Support

The program offers various forms of financial support, including:

• Cadena Fund
• The Byron Prize
• Biotechnology Training Program
• Chemistry-Biology Interface training program
• Daniel N. Hebert Scholarship

Research Facilities

The program has access to state-of-the-art research facilities, which provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge research techniques.

Faculty and Students

The program has a diverse faculty and student body, with ~100 faculty members and a vibrant community of students. The faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, and the students are talented and motivated individuals who are passionate about molecular and cellular biology.

News and Events

The program regularly hosts seminars, workshops, and other events, which provide opportunities for students to learn from leading experts in the field and to network with their peers. Recent news and events include:

• MCB Retreat 2025 - Mt Snow, VT
• Lillian Fritz-Laylin Named a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator
• Congratulations to Prof. Alice Cheung on her election to the National Academy of Sciences
• Memorial Services for Daniel Hebert
• Alissa Rothchild NIH award