Cell and Molecular Biology, PhD: Microbiology, Virology, and Parasitology

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/

Microbiology, Virology, and Parasitology

The Program in Microbiology, Virology, and Parasitology provides students an opportunity to undertake concentrated study in the molecular and cellular biology of viral and bacterial pathogenesis and parasitology. Program faculty conduct research in a broad range of disciplines, including Bacteriology, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Immune Response, Microbial Genomics and Evolution, Parasitology, Tumor Virology, Virology, and Host Microbiome. Viruses, parasites, prions, and bacteria are a major cause of human morbidity and mortality. Disease resulting from HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis are becoming more prevalent. The threat of emerging infectious diseases, such as Zika and West Nile viruses, and bioterrorism also calls for increased research in the area of microbiology. Students study human pathogens, as well as their interplay with host resident microbial populations, learning much about normal cell biology, molecular biology, and immunology, as well as developing strategies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

For more information: https://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/mvp.html

 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.

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Or other statistics course with approval of the Graduate Group.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study