Overview
The Cell Biology and Physiology (CBP) Track is one of six Program Tracks under the Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (GPIBS). The CBP track provides a broad, interdisciplinary training in the fundamentals of cell function, cell signaling, molecular biology of the cell, systems biology (cell, tissue and organismal levels), cell physiology and pathophysiology, utilizing state-of-the art OMICS tools.
Our graduate program incorporates a mix of required core and elective courses to support an individualized curriculum. To provide you a broad base of knowledge, you will receive training in scientific writing and in critically evaluating scientific literature; a choice of three research rotations prior to choosing a mentor; and opportunities to hone your presentation skills through attendance in faculty-run seminars and student research workshops.
Our faculty demonstrate outstanding achievements in a wide array of research areas including musculo-skeletal biology, cell biology and signaling, cancer biology, cardiovascular and neuroscience and women’s reproductive health. Our faculty receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Veterans Administration (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), the Arkansas Research Alliance, UAMS College of Medicine and the UAMS Cancer Institute. Collaborative research conducted by our faculty with basic, translational and clinical researchers provide ample opportunities to expand your expertise and training needed to succeed in your chosen post-graduate scientific and professional careers.
Core Curriculum
Cell Biology and Physiology Track
Year 1 Fall
(12 credit hours)
- GPIBS Core Courses: Gene Expression; Cell Biology; Biochemistry; Research Lab Rotations (3)
Year 1 Spring
(9 credit hours)
- 1 credit hour Seminar (PHYO 5106)
- 1 credit hour Scientific Communication and Ethics II (PCOL 5119)
- 3 credit hours General Physiology (PHYO 5103)
- 3 credit hours Biostatistics I (BIOS 5013)-may take other selective and take biostats in fall year 2
- 1 credit hours Elective and/or Research
Each Summer Until Graduation
- 1 credit hour Research
Year 2 Fall
(9 credit hours)
- 1 credit hour Seminar (PHYO 5106)
- 1 credit hour Scientific Communication and Ethics III (PCOL 5120)
- 3 credit hours Molecular Cell Biology (MBIM 6103)
- 4 credit hours Elective and/or Research
Year 2 Spring
(9 credit hours)
- 1 credit hour Seminar (PHYO 5106)
- 1 credit hour Scientific Communications and Ethics IV (PCOL 5121)
- 7 credit hours Elective and/or Research
A minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework are required. Electives are chosen based on advice from the student’s mentor and/or advisory committee. Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology (PHYO 5104) is a potential elective that is strongly recommended for students in the CBP track.
Year 2 Summer
Candidacy Exam (research proposal submitted to committee followed by oral defense)
Years 3 to Degree Completion
- 1 credit hour Seminar (PHYO 5106) each semester excluding summer
- 9 credit hours of Dissertation Research (until reach 18) and/or Research