Molecular and Cellular Biology
The mission of the molecules, cells, and organisms (MCO) program is to train future scientific leaders in basic science. Interests range across all levels of biological organization, from individual genes and molecules to organismal behavior and evolutionary dynamics. We emphasize rigorous understanding of how molecules assemble and function, how cellular processes emerge from molecular collectives, how intercellular communication in small and large networks shape physiology and behavior, and how evolutionary forces drive population-level outcomes. As data collection becomes increasingly automated and standardized, intellectual rigor and depth of conceptual thinking will become increasingly important. To teach these intangibles, we will encourage the use of models, both conceptual and mathematical, as ways to structure and focus ideas, formulate well-defined questions, and distill experimental results into meaningful insights.
Dissertations that students have completed include "Characterization of the Epigenetic Regulator LSD1 as a Druggable Dependency in Treatment of Resistant Melanoma" and "Circadian Clocks in the Real World: Effects of Dynamic Light Regimes on the Regulation of Circadian Gene Expression in Cyanobacteria."
Graduates have secured positions in industry with companies such as Google, Genentech, and Novartis. Others serve in academic positions at many prestigious schools including Harvard, Caltech, Stanford, and MIT.
Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies.
Areas of Study
Molecules, cells, and organisms
Admissions Requirements
Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Academic Background
Applicants should have a record of introductory courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. While the following courses should not be regarded as prerequisites for admission to graduate study, most admitted students have completed these courses as undergraduates:
- Biology (at least one general course in biology and two terms of biology at a more advanced level)
- Biochemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Physics (a general course)
- Mathematics (a basic knowledge of differential and integral calculus). Competence in programming is also strongly encouraged.
- Laboratory in biology, biochemistry, or instrumental analysis.
Statement of Purpose
Your Statement of Purpose should address the following three prompts.
Prompt 1
Describe your reasons and motivations for pursuing a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, noting experiences that shaped your research ambitions as well as briefly indicating your scientific and career objectives. Your statement should not exceed 200 words.
Prompt 2
What do you consider your most significant scientific discovery? Cite an example in which you personally had a substantial impact. If you have not yet had a significant research experience, describe a scientific discovery that in particular motivated you to pursue research. Using simple language, describe what you or others did, why, and what it means. Your statement should not exceed 500 words.
Prompt 3
Describe where your main future interest lies within one of the following research areas, and cite three Molecules, Cells and Organisms (MCO) faculty within that research area that you are interested in working with, and why. Your statement should not exceed 300 words.
- Molecular Mechanism
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Neurobiology
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Personal Statement
Not Accepted
Standardized Tests
GRE General: Not Accepted
iBT TOEFL preferred minimum score: 100
IELTS preferred minimum score: 7
Theses and Dissertations
Theses & Dissertations for Molecular and Cellular Biology