The courses below are directed by members of the Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (CMDB) Program. Entry into the CMDB Program is via the Integrated Studies Program, a combined admissions and first-year academic program that serves as a single portal of entry for three programs: CMDB, Cellular and Molecular Physiology, and Biochemistry. For a list of courses required of all first-year students who enter through the Integrated Studies Program, please follow this link: ISP Core Curriculum

CNP 209/210: Molecular Cell Biology I and II

This two-semester course provides a thorough survey of major topics in cell biology, including: membrane structure and function; transport systems, ion channels, and membrane excitability; protein trafficking and organell biogenesis; structure and function of the cytoskeleton, including cell motility and mitosis; cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions; receptor-mediated endocytosis and signal transduction pathways; molecular genetics; cell cycle and cell proliferation control mechanisms; and basic concepts in developmental biology. It is required of first-year students who enter through the Integrated Studies Program.

Cell 203: Histology.

This is an elective course that introduces the student to the organization of a variety of cells, tissues, and organ systems. The lectures present information on the relationships between structure and function (e.g., physiology, biochemistry, and development), while the laboratories involve tissue and organ identification, providing both a practical background in cell and tissue biology.

Cell 235: Developmental Biology.

Introduces students to modern developmental biology, with an emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. General topic areas include: fertilization and early development, mechanisms of cell determination and differentiation, and cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.

Cell 261, 262: Journal Club.

Second, third, and fourth-year CMDB students present detailed analyses of current research articles from several fields within cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, reproductive biology, neurobiology, and other related research areas.
First-year students who enter through the Integrated Studies Program have a separate journal club that uses the same format, but emphasizes development of the skills necessary to do more in-depth analyses as they progress through the program.

Cell 291, 292: Graduate Seminar.

Presentation of individual reports on basic topics to a seminar group for discussion and criticism. Members of the program

Cell 297, 298: Graduate Research

Guided research on a topic suitable for a doctoral dissertation. Members of the program.

Cell 403,404: Ph.D. Degree Only

Program in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology 136 Harrison Avenue, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02111 617-636-6685 Questions and comments to: Web Development page last modified 11/26/08