PhD
Cell Biology and Physiology
Application Deadline
Contact Information
Admission Requirements
Required Tests
GRE not required, but is highly recommended.
Additional Requirements
Resume required
Document summarizing interest level, likely fit, and desire to conduct graduate research with at least 5 specific faculty members in the program.
GRE not required, but is highly recommended.
Additional Requirements
Resume required
Document summarizing interest level, likely fit, and desire to conduct graduate research with at least 5 specific faculty members in the program.
Program Requirements
This PhD degree program is a comprehensive academic endeavor in cell biology and physiology. Although the research project of each PhD student will focus in an area of either cell biology or physiology, all students will be expected to have an understanding of key concepts in both disciplines. The research project will include independent inquiry and in-depth application of the scientific method. Publication of the research in peer-reviewed journals is expected but not required.
Requirements for Degree
Requirements for Degree
- Credit hours: 57 hours, including 6 hours of lab research/rotation (CELL 649R) and 18 hours of dissertation (CELL 799R).
- Students who have earned a master’s degree must complete at least 36 semester hours of additional graduate work at BYU beyond the master’s degree.
- Required courses: CELL 660 (3 hr), CELL 662 (3 hr), CELL 570 (1 hr), PWS 633 (3 hr; or Stat 511), CELL 610 (1 hr), CELL 692R (4 hr), CELL 694R (4 hr), CELL 696R (4 hr).
- Research credit (CELL 694R and 799R) may not exceed 27 hours.
- A seminar must be presented each year (CELL 694R)
- Dissertation: standard university dissertation format or journal publication format.
- Examinations: (A) qualifying exam: comprehensive written and oral + research proposal; (B) defense of dissertation.
Program Outcomes
Advanced Cell Biology & Physiology
Students will describe the current state of the discipline in their area of specialization as well as foundational theories, concepts and practices of the field. Students will add new knowledge to their field through designing and conducting experimental procedures, analyzing the collected data, and determining how the new knowledge fits in with current understanding.
Critical Literature Analysis and Effective Communication
Critically read current literature in the discipline and make effective oral and written presentations.
Research Design and Experience
Successfully apply the scientific method by generating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis through personal research that includes appropriate controls, and formulating defensible conclusions.
Grant Writing
Be able to write effective grant proposals.
Teaching
Be able to teach at the university level.
Students will describe the current state of the discipline in their area of specialization as well as foundational theories, concepts and practices of the field. Students will add new knowledge to their field through designing and conducting experimental procedures, analyzing the collected data, and determining how the new knowledge fits in with current understanding.
Critical Literature Analysis and Effective Communication
Critically read current literature in the discipline and make effective oral and written presentations.
Research Design and Experience
Successfully apply the scientific method by generating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis through personal research that includes appropriate controls, and formulating defensible conclusions.
Grant Writing
Be able to write effective grant proposals.
Teaching
Be able to teach at the university level.
Program Stats
Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
BYU Undergraduate
2.0
Five Year Average of Graduated Students
Average Years to Degree
1.89
Graduated Per Year
18.6
GMAT Quantitative Percentile
67.5
Five Year Average of Admitted Students
Applied Per Year
1.4
Admitted Per Year
0.8
Percent Admitted
57.14
Average GPA
2.66
Courses and Faculty