Plant Systems Biology

The graduate program in Plant Systems Biology is composed of 16 faculty members that share a fundamental interest in understanding molecular, cellular and developmental processes in plants.

Powerful new methods in molecular genetics, biochemistry, and genomics are applied to analyze nearly every process in plants, such as growth and development, environmental and biotic stresses, photosynthesis, nuclear-organelle interactions, gene expression, DNA repair/recombination, and epigenetic phenomena.

The faculty research interests overlap in these areas and there is much interaction between the various groups. Because of these wide diversity in faculty interests, prospective students are encouraged to pursue the application process regardless of their prior areas of study within the biological sciences.

The program's goal is to provide students with the background and training appropriate for a career in academics, government, or the private sector.

Our graduate curriculum includes two introductory seminars, a set of core courses to be completed within the first year, and initial research training through laboratory rotations. In consultation with faculty advisers, students develop the remainder of their course program and choose a research topic according to their interests and career goals.

Further Information

Graduate Training in Plant Systems Biology

1

Parasitology

The graduate program in Parasitology is composed of composed of 6 faculty members with a diverse range of research interests, but the GREG is particularly strong in the study of ecology and evolution of parasitision.

Our goal is to develop broadly trained biologists that have both the conceptual tools and expertise in research design necessary to address fundamental questions.  To meet this goal, our graduate curriculum includes a series of courses for first year students, advanced courses in areas of faculty expertise, active involvement with Cedar Point Biological Field Station, a seminar series that focuses on research design, and a seminar series that focuses on completed research.

Further Information

Harold W. Manter Parasitology Lab

1

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

The graduate program in Microbiology and Molecular Biology is composed of faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students with research interests that encompass a wide range of research and training opportunities for graduate students in preparation for rewarding careers in sciences.

Programs include emphases in many areas of molecular biology and microbiology including bacteriology, ecology, evolution, extremophiles, genetics, gene regulation, immunology, pathobiology, systematics and virology.

Interdisciplinary training is an essential component of all participatory research groups. A microbiology seminar series (BIOS 915M) provides a common forum for research presentation to both local participants and invited speakers. The Microbiology and Molecular Biology GREG has a strong record of placing its graduates in industry and academics.

1

Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics

The graduate program in Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics (GGB) is composed of 13 faculty members that share a fundamental interest in genetics, genomics and bioinformatics processes. The Genetics faculty have a diverse range of research interests. The GGB GREG is particularly strong in evolutionary genetics and bioinformatics.

Most programs are influenced by evolutionary concerns and use tools from bioinformatics to address fundamental questions in genetics. These questions range from gene structure and function to the evolution of plant-insect interactions. Several faculty members use Drosophila and other insects as their research organism. Other faculty members use the model plants maize and Arabidopsis.

Our goal is to develop broadly trained biologists that have both the conceptual tools and expertise in research design necessary to address fundamental biological questions. To meet this goal, our graduate curriculum includes advanced courses covering molecular genetics, developmental genetics, and genomics.

1