Graduate Studies in Cell and Regulatory Biology is an interdisciplinary program that integrates molecular and systems approaches to biomedical science. This broad program is divided into four academic tracks: students primarily interested in molecular and subcellularlevels of inquiry follow the Cell Biology track; students primarily interested in the integration of molecular and cellular processes into higher order functions of organ systems and organisms follow the Physiology track; and students who have a specific interest in reproductive biology or pharmacology follow the Reproductive Biology or Pharmacology tracks. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of modern scientific research, the track that a student chooses will depend less on the specific research that is carried out than on the intellectual development that the student desires. Thus, a student in any of the research laboratories may be affiliated with any one of the academic tracks. As a result, students from different tracks may work in the same laboratory.

The Program includes formal courses, seminars, discussions, workshops and laboratory tutorials that culminate in the student proposing and completing an independent and original research project as outlined below. Except for differing course requirements in different tracks, all students are subject to the same general requirements for earning their Ph.D. degree. Courses can be taken in any order as long as prerequisites are satisfied, but it is recommended that students concentrate on GSBS area requirement courses during the first year. By the end of the second year, the student will be required to take the Ph.D. Candidacy Examination covering broad knowledge of biomedical science and in-depth knowledge of the student's research area. Following completion of an original research project, the student will write and publicly defend their research dissertation before being awarded the Ph.D. degree.

Introductory courses in the quantitative, molecular, cellular, and systems areas of biomedical science are required by GSBS and the Program in Cell and Regulatory Biology, as indicated below. Each Track in the Program also requires and/or recommends additional courses. Substitutes for any of these courses may be authorized jointly by the student’s Advisory Committee and the Program Director.

Required Courses (all tracks)

With the approval of the Advisory Committee and the Program Director, students may place out of courses they have already taken. All students in the Program in Cell and Regulatory Biology are required to take the course, Seminar in Regulatory Biology at least once.

• GS040751 Seminar in Regulatory Biology

Quantitative (choose one)

• GS010014 Biomedical Statistics
• GS140193 Quantitative Analysis of Biological Processes
• GS030102 Current Methods in Molecular Research (two semesters required)

Molecular (choose one)

• GS030014 Intermediate Biochemistry
• GS030024 Advanced Biochemistry

Cellular

• GS040013 Cell Biology

Systems

• GS120254 Cell and Systems Physiology (recommended)

Other Systems courses may be substituted, such as:

• GS040063 Cancer Biology
• GS040076 Developmental Biology
• GS060014 Immunology I
• GS140017 Neuroscience

Track Recommendations and Requirements

Listed below are courses that are recommended or required (if indicated), depending upon the track and the research goals of the student. See our list of suggested first year courses for typical selections.

Cell Biology Track

• GS130024 Mechanisms of Hormone Action and Signal Transduction
• GS040123 Eukaryotic Gene Expression
• GS110032 Introduction to Genomics and Bioinformatics
• GS040111 Seminar in Cell Cycle, Apoptosis and Signal Transduction

Physiology Track

• GS120262 Cellular Basis of Cardiac Function
• GS140103 Cellular Neurobiology: Molecular and Developmental

Pharmacology Track

• GS130024 Mechanisms of Hormone Action and Signal Transduction (required)

ONE Pharmacology Course is required:

• Advanced Pharmacology I and II (PCOL 6470 and PCOL 6471 at the University of Houston)
• Medical Pharmacology I (GSBS number will be assigned soon)

Reproductive Biology Track

• GS120083 Reproductive Biology (required)
• GS120711 Seminar in Reproductive Biology (required)
• GS120123 Advanced Reproductive Biology (required)
• GS040203 Experimental Genetics

Tutorial Research Experience

Most students will take three 10-week, laboratory tutorials (Tutorial Research Experience) during the first year. The tutorials provide the student with laboratory experience and exposure to research areas of study within the Program. Students should take at least 2 of the 3 tutorials with Program Faculty. Recommendations for choosing tutorials can be obtained from the Program Directors or Program Faculty. Students entering with advanced degrees or substantial research experience may have one or more tutorials waived.

Communication and Presentation Skills

Written, oral, and digital communication skills are critical for success in today's highly competitive research environment. These skills are developed through course seminars (Seminar in Regulatory Biology), discussion groups, and specialized workshops in the Program.Each student is required to make one formal scientific presentation of at least 45 minutes before an audience of faculty and students each year. Appropriate forums include publicly advertised departmental seminar series, the Cell & Regulatory Biology Student-Faculty Seminar Series, the Student-Fellow Research Forum in Reproductive Biology, and the Signal Transduction Group. This requirement is waived during an academic year in which the student takes the course, Seminars in Regulatory Biology, which provides systematic instruction In presentation skills and scientific criticism. All CRB students are required to take the Seminars in Regulatory Biology Class at least once. Further enhancement of these skills is achieved by the student through the formulation, design, and composition of an original research proposal and by the successful completion of comprehensive written and oral examinations required for advancement to the Ph.D. Candidacy.

Independent and Original Research

By the end of the second year, the student will have taken the Ph.D. Candidacy Examination and be formally advanced to candidacy. The final preparation of the student will involve completion of an independent and original dissertation research project. The research will be carried out under the supervision of a faculty advisor and supervisory committee. The student must present a public seminar and defend the dissertation before their supervisory committee as the final step in training. Upon completion of the above requirements, the student is awarded the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Biomedical Sciences with specialization in the student's area of research concentration.

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