About the Program

The molecular, cellular, and organismal biology (MCOB) track of the Biology PhD Program is an interdisciplinary, integrative biology program that integrates basic research in cellular, molecular and organismal biology of bacteria, plants, invertebrates, and mammals. Students may choose to concentrate in one or more of these areas: 

• bioremediation
• molecular biology and cellular biology
• defense mechanisms
• developmental biology
• genetics
• molecular ecology
• organismal physiology
• molecular evolution
• environmental monitoring
• bioinformatics
• reproductive biology.

You’ll also study bacteriology, microbiology, proteomics, plant molecular biology, and systems biology. With the help of a faculty advisor, a cohesive course of study is designed from among a wide variety of research and study interests of MCOB faculty.