Cell & Developmental Biology
The Program in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Michigan is an interdisciplinary gateway program that coordinates admissions and the first year of Ph.D. studies for 13 department programs, including Cell & Developmental Biology. PIBS offers you the flexibility and convenience of applying to any of our participating programs through one application. We invite you to thoroughly explore Cell & Developmental Biology and the other 12 programs before selecting your top preferences when you apply.
Program Overview
The evolution of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) mirrors the changes that have affected the discipline of Anatomy worldwide. As a founding discipline in Medicine, Anatomy has always had a strong identity as a distinct field. When the University of Michigan Medical School opened in 1850, one of the original six professorships was the Professor (Department) of Anatomy.
For the next 100 years, Anatomy at Michigan developed along traditional lines of teaching and research in gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, embryology and neuroanatomy. During this period, CDB produced several legendary figures in the field, including James McMurrich (gross anatomy), George Streeter (embryology), Carl Huber (neuroanatomy), Bradley Patten (embryology) and Elizabeth Crosby (neuroanatomy). Although the disciplines of cell biology and developmental biology have strong scientific roots in the discipline of anatomy, both apply modern molecular biology to questions regarding cell and tissue biology. In 1999, the Department was renamed Cell and Developmental Biology.
Research Area(s):
Our fundamental mission is to generate knowledge and future leaders in the areas of cell biology, neurobiology and developmental biology by encouraging outstanding research and at the same time providing academic service of the highest quality to the institution and to the profession.
CDB is also home to several programs and research facilities. The MIL is a centralized facility of more than 3,000 square feet housing major microscopy equipment, used on a shared basis by investigators focusing on studies of cell and tissue morphology.
The Center for Organogenesis is composed of an interdisciplinary group of scientists at the University of Michigan whose work is directed at understanding the basic mechanisms by which organs and tissues are formed and maintained, and to use this knowledge to create long lasting artificial organs, stem cell therapies or organ transplantation systems that will correct genetic and acquired diseases. The Center has had an NIH-supported training grant for over 12 years.
The Michigan Center for hES Cell Research was established in 2002 with funding from the Medical School and the NIH. The hESC provides training and resources for students and faculty interested in stem cell research.
Program Requirements
Coursework
Coursework leading to a Ph.D. allows maximum flexibility in choosing a research field, while still providing students with a broad background in current concepts in cell and developmental biology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
In your first year, you will take the PIBS curriculum. When you choose a research laboratory in CDB, you will enroll in the Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology course, 801. You will also select additional program courses and electives from the offerings at the University of Michigan, as described in the PIBS curriculum bulletin. A minimum of 36 credits is required for candidacy.
The preliminary examination consists of a modified NIH-style grant application that students write over a four-week period.
Teaching Requirement
Teaching in the student's area of interest is also expected as part of the Ph.D. program.
Expected Length of Program
The usual time to degree is approximately 5 to 5 1/2 years.
Student Interests
For the past five years, CDB has undergone a growth phase, with several new faculty joining the Department. Over the next few years, we will continue to hire more of the best and brightest faculty in the nation to join our current, internationally renowned faculty.
Career Expectations
CDB graduates have gone on to successful, productive careers in academia, biotechnology, and scientific consulting.
