Cell Biology & Biochemistry Programs
CELL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY PROGRAM
The purpose of the Ph.D. program is to prepare students for careers in cellular, developmental, and molecular biology. Employment opportunities for graduates of this program include traditional university professorships, positions in the biotechnology industry, and governmental appointments. The curriculum centers around four courses: Cell Function and Regulation, Introduction to Biotechnology, Introduction to Biochemistry and Advanced Cell Biology.. During the first year of study, the student will progress through a minimum of three laboratory rotations in order to determine his or her research interest. Dissertation topics can be pursued in the following areas: Regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, the role of transcription factors in cellular transformation and differentiation, cell cycle, molecular basis of intercellular communication, control of microtubular function, embryo implantation, molecular mechanisms of epididymal sperm function, proliferation and differentiation of gonadal cells, molecular basis of gamete interations, and molecular regulation of ovarian development and function.
The M.S. program in Cell and Molecular Biology offers two instructional tracks. The research track is designed for students who need extra preparation for the Ph.D. program or whose career track is geared toward technical or staff level positions in industry or universities. Students undertake study and research in similar areas as that of the Ph.D. program. The education-medical track is designed for students whose eventual goal is towards a teaching career in the anatomical sciences or for those students who desire to improve their academic credentials in preparation for medical school. Students in the education-medical track will take courses in the anatomical sciences and in modern instructional methods and design, and will participate in the teaching mission of the medical school as teaching assistants.
For more information, please visit our web site: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/cbb/
BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR GENETICS PROGRAM
The Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) program is designed to prepare students for research and teaching careers in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology as related to the medical and life sciences. Admission to the program requires prior course work in mathematics, general physics, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biological science. Students with deficiencies in any of these areas may be conditionally admitted pending successful completion of leveling courses prescribed by the department. In addition, students are urged to take or to have successfully completed courses in physical chemistry, statistics, and computer programming. Students’ didactic program will be guided by the BMG Graduate Program Committee and Doctoral Advisory Committee.
During the first year of the program, students will rotate through at least three different laboratories to broaden their education and research experience and to help them identify a field of specialization for their dissertation research. Major areas of current research include studies of the regulation of gene expression in a variety of eukaryotic tissues, biochemistry of development, mechanisms of hormone action, biochemistry of neoplasia, biochemistry of messenger RNA processing, genetics of somatic cells in culture, molecular genetics of mitotic and meiotic cell cycle, biochemistry of DNA replication, biochemistry of diabetes, biochemistry of membranes, mechanisms of enzyme action, and recombinant DNA
After a major portion of the required course work has been completed, the student must pass a qualifying examination that consists of two parts: a written portion in the form of an original research proposition designed to demonstrate the student's comprehension of some field of study related to biochemistry, ability to develop hypotheses, and competence in the design and conduct of promising and significant experiments; and an oral portion in which the student is expected to defend the proposition and demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of biochemistry that relate to the proposition.
For more information, please visit our web site: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/cbb/
BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Although this program is listed among degrees offered by the Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, it is an interdisciplinary degree supported by all basic science departments in the Health Sciences Center. The TTUHSC general academic campus administers a complimentary track in General Science/Agricultural Biotechnology.
The Biomedical Track is a 21-month curriculum consisting of two terms (nine months) of coursework and 12 months of full time laboratory research. It is typically a non-thesis degree with an optional thesis at the end of the second year by arrangement with the advisor. The research component may be completed either at the HSC campus or at a biotechnology industry laboratory. Students who choose to do their research at the HSC campus will work with a member of the Biotechnology graduate faculty. All Biotechnology graduate faculty have active research programs that emphasize use of molecular biology methods.
Pre-requisites of the program include a bachelor's degree in science with at least one semester of organic chemistry.
For more information, please visit our web site: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/gsbs/biotechnology/