Introduction

Introduction to Students in MMSB                                

The Department of Molecular, Microbial and Structural Biology(MMSB) hosts the graduate program in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB). Although students in the MMSB Department are sponsored by a variety of programs, including the M.D./Ph.D. Program and the Neuroscience Program, the majority of students enter the department through the MMB program.

• Program of Study
• Categories of Faculty Research
• Student Group
• Financial Aid
• Cost of Study
• Living and Housing Costs

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The graduate Program in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry uniquely bridges modern molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and structural biology, leading to a Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences. The goals of the graduate program are to provide rigorous research training in an environment dedicated to advancing excellence in teaching and research. Whether graduates enter academic research, the biotechnology industry, liberal arts college teaching, patent law, or other disciplines, they bring to that career a solid base of knowledge, an ability to learn independently and think independently, and an enduring desire to use their full range of professional skills and experience in creative ways. Graduates are expected to have demonstrated a high degree of competence in research, as judged by publications in first-rank journals, and to have developed essential skills in identifying important research problems, planning research projects and scientific writing. In addition, students are expected to have incorporated ethical principles of scientific conduct into their professional attitudes and activities and to be sensitive to such issues throughout their careers. The success of this training approach is indicated by the high percentage of students who have developed successful independent careers in biomedical research. The current program offers an unparalleled opportunity to study a wide variety of biological problems at the biochemical, molecular, cellular, and structural levels.

CATEGORIES OF FACULTY RESEARCH

• Cell Biology
• Computational Biology and Biophysics
• Development and Cellular Differentiation
• Membrane Biochemistry
• Microbial Physiology/Pathogenesis
• Molecular Biology
• Nucleic Acids Biochemistry
• Protein Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
   
• Complete Faculty Listing

STUDENT GROUP

There are approximately 30 graduate students in the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Program. There are approximately 150 graduate students in Ph.D. programs on the Health Center campus, and the total enrollment is about 1,000.

FINANCIAL AID

Support for doctoral students engaged in full-time degree programs at the Health Center is provided on a competitive basis. Graduate research assistantships for 2004–05 provided a stipend of $25,000 per year, which included a waiver of tuition/University fees for the fall and spring semesters and a comprehensive health insurance policy. While financial aid is offered competitively, the Health Center makes every possible effort to address the financial needs of all students during their period of training.

Further information on Graduate Student Fellowships and Training Grants is available from the Graduate School.

COST OF STUDY

In 2004–05, tuition was $3764 per semester ($7528 per year) for full-time students who were Connecticut residents and $9448 per semester ($18,896 per year) for full-time out-of-state residents. General University fees are added to the cost of tuition for students who do not receive a tuition waiver. These costs are usually met by traineeships or research assistantships for doctoral students.

LIVING AND HOUSING COSTS

There is a wide range of affordable housing options in the greater Hartford area within easy commuting distance of the campus, including an extensive complex that is adjacent to the Health Center. Costs range from $600 to $800 per month for a one-bedroom unit; 2 or more students sharing an apartment usually pay less. University housing is not available at the Health Center.