Medical and Graduate Education

Laboratories in the Department offer unique opportunities for medical, graduate and undergraduate training in cell and molecular biology, neurobiology, biochemistry and developmental biology. All levels of students have access to a wide variety of core facilities and educational opportunities such as seminars and journal clubs.

Bio 5068 - Molecular Cell Biology
Coursemaster: John Cooper, M.D., Ph.D.

Graduate programs are organized under the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Washington University. In addition to teaching graduate courses, our faculty participate in the various “Pathways in Graduate Education” offered by DBBS. Advanced courses open to medical and graduate students provide for more detailed study of specific areas of cell biology, physiology and cellular biophysics.

Medical Education. Cell Biology & Physiology faculty oversee the Cell and Organ Systems (Medical Physiology) course designed to provide first-year medical students with a foundation for their further study of clinical and applied physiology. Opportunities for summer research are available in the department. MD/PhD students often find research in cell biology or physiology a good way to integrate basic research and clinical medicine.

Postdoctoral training opportunities, preparing students for career development, also abound under the Cell Biology and Physiology umbrella. Mentoring is an important part of the mission of the department. Graduate students interested in postdoctoral research should contact individual faculty for more information or see the Opportunities link on our home page. In addition, WUSM offers a supportive environment for postdoctoral researchers through the Office of Postgraduate Affairs.

Undergraduate training opportunities. Faculty research creates opportunities for undergraduate students interested in careers in experimental biology and medicine. Undergraduates often find Cell Biology and Physiology an excellent point of entry to biomedical research. Undergraduates interested in a research experience should contact the Office of Undergraduate Research at ur.wustl.edu/