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Welcome to the Cell & Developmental Biology Program Website

Program Mission

The Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) is intended for students of outstanding ability who are preparing for a career that includes research in cell biology, developmental biology, or the pathobiology of disease. A program of coursework and research is offered, which is further enriched by seminars, journal clubs and research discussion groups. Admission to the Program is open to students pursuing the Ph.D. degree. An individual program is designed by the Program Director, the Thesis Advisor and the student to meet his or her needs and interests while providing a solid foundation in molecular, cell and developmental biology.

Students spend a substantial portion of the first year and part of the second year in course work. A course in the "Foundations of Biomedical Science", part of the core curriculum, is required of all incoming graduate students. This course provides a solid introduction to biochemistry, cell biology and genetics. Program requirements include courses in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, developmental biology, and pathology. Advanced courses can be selected from either the CDB program or other programs in the College of Graduate Studies. Courses in the Responsible Conduct of Research and Statistical Analysis are required of all graduate students at the University.

Research during the first year is conducted as three laboratory rotations, which familiarize the student with potential areas for their thesis research. At the end of the first year the student selects a mentor in whose laboratory they will perform their research. The thesis project is guided by a research committee which includes the mentor and three additional faculty.

The department offers a seminar series with lectures by prominent speakers that all students are expected to attend. An important part of this series is the selection and hosting of an outside speaker by our students. Opportunities are provided for students to develop presentation skills in the Departmental Journal Club and "Research in Progress" series.

All students receive both stipend and tuition. The CDB program is partly supported by NIH-funded training Programs in Alcoholic Tissue Injury and Cellular and Molecular Determinants of Birth Defects.

The University

Thomas Jefferson University, founded in 1824, is an academic health center devoted to research and teaching in the biomedical sciences. The University is a recognized leader in health care, biomedical education, and basic and clinical research. The University includes the College of Graduate Studies, the Medical College, the College of Health Professions. as well as the Kimmel Cancer Center, The Farber Institute for Neuroscience, and the Jefferson Institute for Molecular Medicine. The University has both modern and renovated historic buildings.

Location

Thomas Jefferson University is located in an attractive and safe area of Center City Philadelphia, within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, concert and theater halls, museums, and numerous historic sites. There are numerous intercollegiate and professional sports events. New York, Washington, DC, Atlantic City, the mountains, and the seashore are all within easy access. Living expenses in Philadelphia are comparable to those in other East Coast metropolitan areas. Student housing is available on campus as well as in neighborhoods that are within walking distance of the campus.

Research Facilities

Program faculty laboratories are housed in research buildings fully equipped for investigations in cellular and molecular biology. These laboratories have active, NIH-funded research programs in a variety of areas. Research facilities available within the program cover all of the contemporary methods of cell and molecular biology. The University houses an outstanding biomedical research library.