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For the Ph.D. Program in Cell Biology and Pathobiology (in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology)

The aim of the graduate program is to prepare students for a career in basic research and teaching in cell biology; biochemical and molecular pathology; molecular mechanisms of human disease, including cancer biology and neurodegenerative diseases; developmental neurobiology; virology; and immunology. The Department makes every effort to adapt programs to the interests of individual students. In their first year of training, students are engaged in course work that include biochemistry and eukaryotic molecular biology, microbial molecular genetics; and advanced cell biology. Courses are rigorous and students are expected to maintain a B average. Additional course work includes courses in molecular mechanisms of disease and cancer biology, as well as numerous elective courses in cell biology, genetics, microbiology, and neuroscience.

Students may take other graduate courses given on the Columbia University Medical Center or Morningside Heights campus.

In addition to course work, students attend a series of seminars sponsored by the department and organized by the students. Students contribute to the selection of seminar speakers and meet with outside speakers over lunch and dinner. The entire graduate student body also meets once a week for the course Seminar in Cell Biology and Pathobiology (G8901-G8902), as well as for informal presentations of the students’ research. A journal club is under the direction of a faculty member and usually consists of student presentations on recent papers in cell biology, developmental biology, and/or neurobiology. The final component of the first year is a series of three rotations through different laboratories to familiarize the student with the research of particular groups. The laboratories for rotations are chosen by the student, based on student interests and the availability of space in the desired lab. These rotations are designed to give the student an in-depth experience in the techniques and intellectual approaches utilized by different faculty members. They provide an outstanding opportunity to sample a variety of laboratory environments without commitment on the part of the student or faculty member regarding research beyond the period of the laboratory rotation.

Degree Requirements

The requirements listed below are special to this department and must be read in conjunction with the general requirements of the Graduate School.

For the M.A. Degree

Only candidates for the Ph.D. are admitted. The department does not have a free-standing M.A. degree program. The M.A. degree requires successful completion of two Residence Units (one year) of graduate study and a minimum of 30 credits. Laboratory rotations must be completed.

Required courses: Microbial Genetics (G4150); Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Eukaryote I and II (G6300-G6301); Seminar in Cell Biology and Pathobiology (G9001-G9002); Research in Cell Biology and Pathobiology I and II (G9007-G9008); Departmental Seminar I and II (G9009-G9010); Responsible Conduct of Research (G4010).

For the M.Phil. Degree

Students are awarded the M.Phil. degree upon successful completion of (1) the requirements for the M.A., (2) four additional Residence Units (two years) of graduate study, and (3) the Qualifying Examination.

Required courses: Seminar in Cell Biology and Pathobiology (G9001-G9002); Research in Cell Biology and Pathobiology I and II (G9007-G9008); Departmental Seminar I and II (G9009-G9010).

Qualifying examination: The written portion of the qualifying examination consists of two parts: (1) a written proposal of intended thesis research, and (2) a proposal on a research topic unrelated to the proposed thesis research. During the examination, students present one 15–20 minute lecture and field questions on each topic. This qualifying examination must be completed on or before the end of the fifth semester of a student’s tenure in the graduate program.

For the Ph.D. Degree

After completion of all requirements for the M.Phil. degree, a dissertation based on original research (G9051-G9052) must be submitted and defended before an appropriate committee.

Coordinated Doctoral Program: The graduate program in Cell Biology and Pathobiology is part of the Coordinated Doctoral Program which unifies all Ph.D. training programs on Columbia’s Health Sciences Campus. As a result, students have the choice of carrying out one of their first-year rotations in the laboratory of any basic science training faculty outside the home program. While students commonly choose a laboratory from within the Cell Biology and Pathobiology program for their Ph.D. research, the Coordinated Doctoral Program makes it possible for students to work with a mentor in any basic science Ph.D. program.

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