Overview
Baylor College of Medicine Is Part of the World's Largest Medical Center
Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), established in Houston in 1945, is an independent, private university committed to excellence in the training and education of biomedical researchers and physicians. BCM has achieved its reputation with such legendary leaders as Dr. Michael DeBakey, former BCM president and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2008, and Dr. Bert W. O'Malley, who received a National Medal of Science in 2008. BCM is located on the 200-acre campus of the Texas Medical Center, along with the University of Texas Health Science Center, M. D. Anderson Cancer Institute, and Rice University. The Texas Medical Center is the largest medical center in the world and offers a wide variety of opportunities for collaboration with multiple faculty and institutions.
Baylor College's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Engages Graduate Students at the Highest Levels
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) at Baylor College of Medicine is internationally known for its outstanding research faculty and their contributions to endocrine, neural, cancer, and stem cell biology. Research activities focus on the regulation of gene expression, hormone action, nuclear receptors and co-receptors, cancer biology, molecular genetics, and gene therapy and reproductive, developmental, neural, and translational biology. The department's research aim is to utilize molecular and genetic approaches to unravel critical biological pathways that impact the intact cell and coordinate organ physiology. The department's teaching aim is to engage graduate students in the highest-level investigations and provide them with the intellectual and practical skills that they need to succeed.
Rigorous Study and Research Culminate in the Preparation and Defense of a Ph.D. Dissertation
In order to achieve its research and teaching goals, MCB engages its graduate students in a vigorous program of study and research. In year one, students take required courses and laboratory rotations to gain a solid scientific background and to help them select a thesis adviser. In year two, students are admitted to candidacy upon successful completion of the core curriculum and a qualifying examination. Students attend a broad program of seminars, workshops, and journal clubs in all years. The Ph.D. dissertation is based on original research, the progress and quality of which is ensured through continuous interactions between the student, the adviser, and the thesis advisory committee.
State-of-the-Art Facilities Allow MCB Students to Conduct Innovative Research
MCB graduate students have access to extensive, modern facilities that are generously equipped with the full range of instrumentation required for research in cellular, molecular, developmental, and endocrine biology. Training opportunities are available at all levels. A transgenic mouse facility provides state-of-the-art technology to generate transgenic and knockout mutant mouse models. The high level of cooperation among the various departments at Baylor College of Medicine and the institutions of the Houston scientific community provide access to additional facilities.
MCB's Diverse Program Prepares Graduates for Top Academic, Research, and Administrative Positions
The graduate program in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology participates in a medical school/graduate school training program leading to a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree. Currently, MCB has 69 graduate students, including 7 who are pursuing the M.D./Ph.D program. MCB has a vigorous postdoctoral research program, with 75 research fellows and visiting scientists who provide a rich source of additional training opportunities and strengths. Many former graduates now hold key academic positions at prestigious institutions, such as Duke, Harvard, MIT, the Salk Institute, the University of California at Berkeley and at San Diego, and Vanderbilt. Other graduates hold key research and administrative positions at biotechnology companies such as Merck, Wyeth, Abbot Laboratories, Novartis, and others.
Stipends, Insurance, and Scholarships are Available to All Students Admitted to the MCB Graduate Program
Applicants to MCB should have a bachelor's degree with sound preparation in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry and research experience. They must submit GRE scores, transcripts from all schools attended, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of research interests and career goals. Applications are evaluated and ranked by a faculty-student committee. All students enrolled in the MCB program receive a stipend of $26,000 per year, health insurance, and tuition scholarships of $11,000. Students spend their time conducting basic science research in the laboratory of their adviser, and although they are not required to teach, opportunities are available for those interested in teaching.
Houston, Texas, Offers Culture, Recreation, and a Lower-Than-Average Cost of Living
Houston, Texas, is an exciting and friendly city that boasts a cost of living considerably lower that the national average. In addition, Houston is home to an internationally recognized performing arts culture, with abundant orchestra, grand opera, ballet, and theater productions, as well as a number of museums. Recreational opportunities abound with professional and amateur sports. Privately owned furnished and unfurnished apartments and houses are available near the Baylor College campus.
