[Skip to Content]
Cell & Developmental Biology

Research in Cell and Developmental Biology explores the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of cellular function and development.


Application Materials Need to Be Submitted By:

PhD Applicants:  Jan 1, 2024

How to Apply: PhD

MS Applicants:  May 1, 2024

How to Apply: MS

Cell and Developmental Biology

Research in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology explores the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of cellular function and development.

This program awards:

  • PhD in Anatomy and Cell Biology
  • MS in Anatomy

The Department provides a collaborative research community with research interests that include understanding cellular processes mediated by cytoskeletal dynamics, cell biology of the nervous system, cancer biology, and differentiation and morphogenesis of tissues and organs. One of our strengths is the use of diverse model systems, which include mammalian cell cultures, organoids, bioengineered culture systems, mice, rats, chicken, zebrafish, yeast, and C. elegans.

Students and faculty use a variety of research methods including sophisticated light microscopy (including STED, laser scanning confocal microscopy, spinning disc confocal microscopy, widefield deconvolution imaging, real-time fluorescence microscopy, TIRF microscopy, light sheet microscopy), advanced image processing, electron microscopy, tissue culture, stereotactic surgery, and a complete range of molecular and biochemical techniques.

“There’s such a wide safety net between professors and fellow students that helps and that you can lean on, there’s always open dialogue”

Ben Capella,
PhD Student

About the Program

Cell and Developmental Biology (CBD) offers opportunities for Masters, MD/Ph.D., and Ph.D. programs. While some of the core curriculum is shared, each program has its own criteria and requirements.

Ph.D. Students apply to the Biomedical Sciences graduate program, with requirements defined by the College of Graduate Studies. The curriculum provides a broad background in basic biomedical sciences in the first year, followed by more specialized coursework in the second year depending on the student's interests and needs. Research begins in the first year, with research rotations in three different laboratories across the university. After rotations, students joining a research laboratory in CDB will officially enter the Cell and Developmental Biology Program.

In the CDB program, career skills such as grant and manuscript writing, teaching, and oral presentations of scientific data are emphasized. Students also have the unique opportunity to participate in research training programs offered at other institutions. "Techniques courses" to gain different points of view or ancillary techniques that broaden the student's research training are also encouraged. Students are also encouraged to participate in local, national, and international conferences where they can present their research to the broader research community.

Degree Requirement Checklist

Please review the following checklists of requirements needed to obtain an MS or PhD degree in Cell & Developmental Biology:

PhD Degree Requirement Checklist

Cell & Developmental Biology - PHD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Required Graduate Courses

Course Number Title Credit Hours
GS604 Graduate Student Research Opportunities 1
GS612 Biomedical Sciences Laboratory Rotations 6
GS616 Foundations of Molecular and Cellular Biology 3
GS637 Responsible Conduct of Scientific Research 2
GS892 Introduction to the Presentation and Analysis of Scientific Literature: Journal Club 1
GS690 Experimental Design & Analysis 2
A623 Grant Writing in Cell and Developmental Biology 2
A624 Seminar in Cell and Developmental Biology 1

Advanced Courses

Course Number Title Credit Hours
A507 Introduction to Neuroscience 3
A613 Graduate Cellular Anatomy 2
A614 Contemporary Cellular, Molecular & Developmental Biology 3
A617 Methods of Cell & Developmental Research variable
A622 Methods of Cell & Developmental Research 2
B666 Protein Structure Determination 2
GS628 Systems Biology of Genetics Genomics & Proteomics 4
GS647-002 Nanocourse: Introduction to Flow Cytometry .5
GS647-012 Nanocourse: Protein Expression & Purification .5
GS647-020 Nanocourse: Introduction to Light Microscopy .5
PHA615 Apoptosis and Cancer Pharmacology 2
PHA621 Cancer Biology and Therapeutics 1

MS Degree Requirements Checklist

Cell and Developmental Biology - MS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Required Graduate Courses

Course Number Title Credit Hours
GS604 Graduate Student Research Opportunities 1
GS616 Foundations of Molecular and Cellular Biology 3
GS637 Responsible Conduct of Scientific Research 2
GS892 Introduction to the Presentation and Analysis of Scientific Literature: Journal Club 1
GS690 Experimental Design & Analysis 2
A624 Seminar in Cell and Developmental Biology 1

Advanced Courses

Course Number Title Credit Hours
A507 Introduction to Neuroscience 3
A613 Graduate Cellular Anatomy 2
A614 Contemporary Cellular, Molecular & Developmental Biology 3
A617 Methods of Cell & Developmental Research variable
A622 Methods of Cell & Developmental Research 2
B666 Protein Structure Determination 2
GS628 Systems Biology of Genetics Genomics & Proteomics 4
GS647-002 Nanocourse: Introduction to Flow Cytometry .5
GS647-012 Nanocourse: Protein Expression & Purification .5
GS647-020 Nanocourse: Introduction to Light Microscopy .5
PHA615 Apoptosis and Cancer Pharmacology 2
PHA621 Cancer Biology and Therapeutics 1

Current Research

Research in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology explores the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of cellular function and development in several exciting areas.

Research

Faculty

Have Questions?

Please direct inquiries to:

Office of Admissions

Phone: 315-464-4570
Email: admiss@upstate.edu

Schedule an Admissions Appointment

Top