Cell and Molecular Biology: Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism, PhD

Cell and Molecular Biology

The Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group (CAMB) is an interdisciplinary graduate program, providing rigorous training in modern cell and molecular biology. Within this integrated program are six discipline areas: Cancer Biology (CB); Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism (CPM); Developmental, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Biology (DSRB); Genetics and Epigenetics (G&E); Gene Therapy and Vaccines (GTV); and Microbiology, Virology, and Parasitology (MVP). Program faculty include 476 scientists from the Perelman School of Medicine, the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Dental Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Wistar Institute. The research efforts of these extraordinary scientists are diverse in their focus, experimental system, methodology, and represent the leading edge of basic and translational biomedical science.

Currently, 440 graduate students from colleges and universities around the nation and the world are enrolled in the program. Students select one discipline area based on their scientific interests yet have access to the full breadth of curricular and research opportunities provided by our large and diverse program. Our students participate in core courses in cell and molecular biology, specialized coursework in one or more discipline areas, and original hypothesis-driven thesis research. Upon completion of the PhD, they pursue successful research careers at top academic institutions, in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, and in other biomedicine-related career paths.

Our mission is to provide an exceptional mentored training experience to every student, providing a foundation for successful careers as leaders in biomedical research. We welcome prospective students who are dedicated to the search for new knowledge.

For more information: http://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/

Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism

Modern cell biology is a dynamic discipline that integrates multiple fields, including molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, metabolism, microbiology, physiology, developmental biology, cytology and genetics. Cell biologists investigate the basic structural and functional units of life: cells that compose all living organisms, and how they integrate into functioning organisms. Once reliant primarily on microscopic methods, cell biologists now take advantage of cutting edge methods in ultrastructure, metabolism, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology, and utilize a diverse range of model organisms. Program faculty conduct research in cellular and organismal metabolism; cell motility, the cytoskeleton, and muscle physiology; intracellular trafficking and organelle function; membrane transport; and signal transduction and cell cycle regulation. The program is focused on quantitative fundamental biology, with a simultaneous constant eye on potential clinical relevance, leveraging the strength of being integrated in a large and active health system. CPM research at Penn has contributed to numerous medical advances in recent years, including those related to diabetes, blindness, muscular dystrophy, heart failure, and cancer.

For more information: https://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/cpm.shtml

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

Required Courses

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

¹

Or other statistics course with approval of the Graduate Group.

²

CAMB 6050 must be taken by PhD only students; CAMB 5420 is only taken by Combined Degree students.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.