CDN: Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and Neurobiology

Multicellular organisms can be composed of trillions of cells, some of which are highly differentiated and perform specialized functions, while others are progenitor cells capable of replacing matured and functional cells. This diversity gives rise to many interesting and important questions. For example, how does a single-cell embryo give rise to this diversity of cells? When and how do progenitor cells replace dying or killed differentiated cells? Why and how do some cells become malignant and how do other cells respond to this change? How do cells become specialized and mediate their function? Students participating in the area of specialization CDN will be involved in a research program addressing these important questions and receive advanced training in one or more of the fields of cell biology, developmental biology, immunology, cancer biology, plant biology, and/or neurobiology. As part of their graduate program and upon consultation with their thesis advisor and committee, students will choose three or more courses from the following list.

Gene regulatory mechanism controlling the body patterning in planarian worms. Figure courtesy of the Lobo Lab.

Courses of interest

  • Advanced Topics in Cell Biology (BIOL 620)
  • Immunology (BIOL 625)
  • Approaches to Molecular Biology (BIOL 626)
  • Introduction to Developmental Biology (BIOL 642)
  • Advanced Topics in Developmental Biology (BIOL 643)
  • Development and Cancer (BIOL 644)
  • Signal Transduction (BIOL 645)
  • Neurobiology (BIOL 651)
  • Vision Science (BIOL 654)
  • Plant Molecular Biology (BIOL 656)
  • Genome Science (BIOL 686)
  • Chemical Communication and Brain Disorders (BIOL 690)

Faculty participating in CDN