Overview
In the Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development (CSD) PhD program, our students utilize hypothesis-driven experimental approaches and cutting edge technologies to pursue important questions from basic mechanisms in developmental and cell biology to translational applications of stem cell biology.
CSD students and faculty have common interests in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie development, disease, stem cell biology and regeneration. This common curiosity promotes extensive interaction among labs and creates a fantastic intellectual environment. Our CSD Program is structured to provide training in hypothesis-driven experimental approaches coupled with cutting edge technologies. We foster creativity and independence, enabling students to pursue important questions at the junctures between the fields of cell, developmental, and stem cell biology.
Admissions Requirements
To apply for admission applicants must submit the following:
- Online application
- Personal Statement: A roughly one-page personal statement describing the applicant’s career goals and purpose for seeking a Cell Biology, Stem Cells & Development PhD
- Resume: The applicant’s current resume or curriculum vitae, including professional work/practice since graduating with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
- Past Work Statement
- Three recommendations: to be completed by people who know your professional, academic and/or personal achievements or qualities well. As such, references must be from professional contacts, such as employers, supervisors, former faculty, preceptors, or professional colleagues. References from clergy, family members, friends or politicians will not be accepted.
- Application Fee: A nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants. Checks or money orders should be made out to the University of Colorado.
- Interview: After the application is complete a telephone or video interview will be arranged with the applicant and around 6 faculty members. This interview will afford the program the opportunity to understand the needs of the applicant and for the candidate to ask questions. The interview process is designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge of the profession, communication, and ability to perform in a positive, professional manner when working with others. To be considered for admission, applicants must participate in the interview process.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary colleges and/or universities should be sent directly to:
University of Colorado Denver
Graduate School
Mail Stop C296
Fitzsimons Building, W5107
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045
OR Electronic Transcripts should be sent to: graduate.school@ucdenver.edu
International students must meet ALL of the requirements above and those required by International Admissions; additionally, their application fee is $75 U.S. Dollars.
Degree Requirements
First Year
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
BMSC 7806 | Core I: Foundations in Biomedical Sciences | 6 |
BMSC 7810 | Core Topics in Biomedical Science Core Topics A | 2 |
BMSC 7810 | Core Topics in Biomedical Science Core Topics B | 2 |
CSDV 7650 | Research: CSDV Section 001 | 1-5 |
CSDV 7650 | Research: CSDV Section 002 | 1-5 |
Hours | 12-20 | |
Spring | ||
CSDV 7650 | Research: CSDV Section 001 | 1-5 |
CSDV 7605 | Stem Cells and Development: An Integrated Approach | 3-4 |
CSDV 7606 | Critical Analysis of Research in CSD | 3 |
Hours | 7-12 | |
Summer | ||
CSDV 8990 | Doctoral Thesis | 1-10 |
Hours | 1-10 | |
Total Hours | 20-42 |
Second Year
Second Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
CSDV 7000 | Cells, Stem Cells, and Development: Advanced Topics Discussion | 1 |
CSDV 7650 | Research: CSDV Section 0V1 | 1-5 |
MOLB 7950 | Informatics and Statistics for Molecular Biology | 4 |
Hours | 6-10 | |
Spring | ||
CSDV 7650 | Research: CSDV Section 0V1 | 1-5 |
CSDV 7000 | Cells, Stem Cells, and Development: Advanced Topics Discussion | 1 |
Hours | 2-6 | |
Summer | ||
CSDV 8990 | Doctoral Thesis | 1-10 |
Hours | 1-10 | |
Total Hours | 9-26 |
Third Year & Beyond
Third Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
CSDV 7605 or CSDV 8990 | Stem Cells and Development: An Integrated Approach (ask Program Administrator) or Doctoral Thesis | 3-4 |
CSDV 7000 or CSDV 7100 | Cells, Stem Cells, and Development: Advanced Topics Discussion (ask Program Administrator) or Advanced Writing Workshop | 1 |
Hours | 4-5 | |
Spring | ||
CSDV 7650 or CSDV 8990 | Research: CSDV or Doctoral Thesis | 1-5 |
CSDV 7000 or CSDV 7100 | Cells, Stem Cells, and Development: Advanced Topics Discussion ((ask Program Administrator)) or Advanced Writing Workshop | 1 |
Hours | 2-6 | |
Summer | ||
CSDV 8990 | Doctoral Thesis | 1-10 |
Hours | 1-10 | |
Total Hours | 7-21 |
Learning Objectives
The PhD program in Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development trains graduate students to become proficient and successful investigators who are able to:
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
- Understand the current concepts in Cell Biology, Stem Cell Biology and Development.
- Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
- Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and interpret their own research projects.
- Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
- Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues.
- Write a competitive application for research funding.
- Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific research.
Courses
Research rotation for students in the biomedical sciences in PhD program. Prereq: Consent of Instructor. Previously offered as IDPT 7650
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 20.
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course will focus on the fundamental principles of biomedical sciences. Lectures and recitations/discussions will primarily address the basics of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology and energetic principles. Course is typically limited to biomedical science PhD and BSBT MS students. Previously offered as IDPT 7806
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Sections focus on different core topics in biomedical science, and will address subject areas such as protein structure and function, neurobiology, embryology, stem cell research, and cancer biology. Students can enroll in multiple Core Topic Courses topics in one semester. Previously offered as IDPT 7810.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 20.
AMC-PHD PhD Students only
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course is a student-led paper discussion focusing on advanced topics pertaining to cell biology, stem cells, and developmental biology. Students will select, present, and discuss primary articles on diverse topics within these fields. Restriction: Students in the CSD program only, 2nd year and beyond.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
This course is a student-lod writing workshop focusing on developing writing skills through submission, editing, and discussion of drafts. Draft types will be chosen by the students enrolled and will include manuscripts, these, and documents related to career development. Students must have completed/passed their comprehensive exam in respective program; priority to CSDV PhD students.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Integrative introductory course incorporating the related fields of Cell Biology/Developmental Biology/Stem Cells. Through lectures, contemporary literature discussions, student presentations, enrollees will gain a sophisticated understanding of the biological concepts/experimental approaches underlying current understanding of cell, developmental, and stem cell biology. Pre-Requisite: IDPT 7806
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Spring.
First-year students will learn to critically evaluate scientific literature in preparation for writing and critiquing research grant proposals. Primary literature will focus on cell and developmental biology related to CSDV 7605. Each session concludes with written mini-proposals and peer critiques. For CSDV & BSP first year students.If possible, limit to CSDV-PHD and BMSC-PHD plans. Else: Prerequisite: IDPT 7806 & 7810; Corequisite: CSDV 7605
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Research work in cell biology, stem cells and development. Prereq: Consent of the instructor.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 10.
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Doctoral Thesis work in Cell biology, Stem Cells and Development. Prereq: Consent of Instructor.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Report as Full Time.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This course covers the design and analysis of common molecular biology experiments with thorough coverage of statistical and informatic approaches to data analysis. The course begins with a “boot camp” that covers use of shell programming, R/R Studio, and Python scripting in bioinformatics. Pre-Req: MOLB-PhD or CSDV-PhD students only
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Contact Us
Jeff Moore, PhD
Associate Professor
Program Director
Jeffrey.Moore@cuanschutz.edu
303-724-6198
Caitlin Moloney
Program Administrator
Caitlin.Moloney@cuanschutz.edu
303-724-3350