Cell and Developmental Biology

The Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, an Interdisciplinary Program in the College for Interdisciplinary Studies (CfIS), offers opportunities for advanced study and research in cell and developmental biology through a coordinated program of studies leading to Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in The Faculty of Graduate Studies. The Program is flexible and is intended to accommodate the diverse backgrounds of students and the broad nature of research in cell and developmental biology.

The Program offers a core suite of graduate-level courses, designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the concepts, scientific fundamentals and methodologies central to contemporary cell and developmental biology. The Program is research-intensive and, in addition to course work, all students are expected to engage in original and significant thesis research from the start of their studies. Given the number of faculty members engaged in research in cell and developmental biology, and their varied Departmental and Faculty affiliations, the potential range of research topics available to students in the Program is very large.

The Program also aims to enhance linkages and facilitate research interactions between the larger community of cell and developmental biologists in British Columbia, both in academia and in other sectors (e.g. the biotechnology industry), by acting as a common forum for scholarly exchange in cell and developmental biology through its seminar series, research retreats and other scholarly activities.