Graduate Studies in Cell & Regulatory Biology

Graduate Studies in Cell and Regulatory Biology (CRB) is an interdisciplinary program, housed in the Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, that integrates molecular and systems approaches to biomedical science. This broad program consists of three academic tracks: Cell Biology, Pharmacology, and Physiology. These three disciplines are highly overlapping by their nature. Cell Biology studies the functions, properties, and structures of cells while Pharmacology focuses not only the development of drugs but also on the cellular machinery that chemical agents interact with to elicit a biological response. Physiology spans these disciplines to understand the function of living organisms. Particular focus in the CRB program is on signal transduction, understanding how signals or drugs transmit information across a cell or in a whole animal.

The Cell and Regulatory Biology program includes formal courses, seminars, annual retreats, discussion groups, workshops, and laboratory tutorials that culminate in the student completing an independent and original research project. Students have ample opportunities to improve their written and oral communication skills in seminar courses and research presentations. Collectively these activities serve to prepare students for a successful career in the biomedical sciences.

Today, more than ever, scientific research requires a multidisciplinary approach. Our faculty place a high priority on training graduate students both in the classroom and laboratory for the ever-changing reality of modern science. Highly collegial interactions between students and faculty provides additional opportunities for collaborations and training. Take the time to explore these pages and hopefully you will sense the excitement and enthusiasm we have for the opportunities provided by the Cell and Regulatory Biology Program.

Dr. David Loose
CRB Program Director