Areas Of Study

Everything Is Connected

The complexity of interrelationships in the structure and function of molecules, genomes, cells, organisms and ecosystems means we need new and comprehensive ways of thinking about biological problems to advance our understanding of life.

By looking at the greater picture of how various biological subdivisions interact with each other, our graduates employ multi-pronged approaches to study living organisms from tiny molecules to grand ecosystems.

The biology field is vast, so we present an approach for researching and teaching the life sciences that bridges three synergistic areas:

Cell, Molecular, and Physiological (CMP) Biology Emphasis

The CMP emphasis of the Integrated Biosciences Graduate Program provides students with a broad base of knowledge to investigate questions in biology from the molecular, biochemical, cellular and organism physiology levels. Through coursework in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology and statistics, students obtain the basic knowledge required for critical analysis of research questions in the biosciences.

Elective courses provide more specialized information in specific areas of research. Students choosing the CMP emphasis are required to take some courses from the Ecology, Organismal and Population Biology emphasis and are encouraged to pursue it as an internal related field.

Areas of research include:

  • Molecular biology
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pathology
  • Microbiology

Participation in program seminars and coursework alongside students with a different focus lends a unique perspective regarding population biology and the influence of the environment on the structure and function of organisms.

CMP Faculty

Chemical Biology (CB) Emphasis

The CB emphasis provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the chemical and biochemical aspects of structure-function relationship of biological systems, and technical skills necessary to solve complex biological problems using integrated approaches. Students who choose the CB emphasis will be required to take classes in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, physiology, ecology, and statistics for critical analysis of research.

In this interdisciplinary IBS/CB track, students will gain fundamental knowledge and skills to function at the interface of chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, physics, and biology because the molecular underpinning of all biological systems and functions are governed by tightly regulated changes in chemical structures of biomolecules, intermolecular interactions, and networks of coupled chemical reactions.

Students will also be equipped with analytical and theoretical tools that are essential to understand complex biological processes and ultimately their medical impact. Electives will also assist with more specific knowledge in the field and in thesis research.

CB Faculty

Ecology, Organismal, and Population (EOP) Biology Emphasis

The EOP emphasis provides students with a broad curriculum in ecology, statistical analysis of ecological data, and mathematical analysis of theories and models. Students choosing the EOP emphasis are required to take some courses from the Cell, Molecular and Physiological (CMP) Biology emphasis and are encouraged to pursue it as an internal related field.

Thesis topics that cross disciplinary boundaries are encouraged. Examples of topics include:

  • Use of genetic markers to quantitatively describe population structure and dynamics
  • The physiological basis of material and energy transfers between organisms and their environment
  • Mathematical analysis of complex behaviors of populations and ecosystems, such as bifurcations, catastrophes, and chaos

EOP Faculty