This interdisciplinary program with more than 30 faculty participants spans a wide range of research topics, such as:
- Biotechnology, bioengineering, biomaterials, and pharmacology
- Cell biology and signaling
- Genetics and development
- Genomics, proteomics, and computational biology
- Microbiology and infectious disease
- Structural biology and biophysics
Coursework focuses on core courses in biochemistry and molecular biology, with electives that include such diverse courses as:
- Topics in Genomics
- Biophysics
- Microbial Physiology and Metabolism
- Cell and Developmental Genetics
- Mass Spectrometry and Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mammalian Endocrinology
- Cell Culture and Virology
- Introduction to Bioinformatics
- Protein Structure and Function
- Microbial Genetics
- Computational Biology
- Quantitative Microscopy
Program Specific Admission Requirements
Admission to MCLS is a two-step process. The first level of evaluation is carried out by the MCLS admissions committee. This step does not require any fee but does require that all requested materials be submitted as described on our website. After an initial review of all complete applications, a subset of qualified applicants will be selected for video conference interviews with members of the MCLS admissions committee. Applicants who are chosen for admission to the MCLS program will then complete the final application step through the University of Wyoming Admissions office. This latter step requires the completion of several additional forms. Students are then officially notified by the university of their acceptance into the MCLS program.
We encourage students to submit their completed applications at the very latest by January 15 of each calendar year. However, because our review of applications will begin in the late fall, early submissions are encouraged and may stand a greater likelihood of success. Also note that we will continue to review new applications received after January 15 in the event that additional slots are available.
Program Specific Degree Requirements
MCLS doctoral students must fulfill the minimum requirements outlined by the university. In addition, students must obtain a high level of proficiency in the core foundations of the molecular and cellular life sciences through required courses in biochemistry/ molecular biology, scientific literature analysis proficiency, and the MCLS cornerstone course. Because of the broad range of research interests pursued by MCLS faculty and students, considerable flexibility will be exercised regarding the specific nature of the graduate-level elective courses that students may take.
Students must successfully complete four eight-week rotations in MCLS laboratories of their choice during the first year.
Students must pass a comprehensive assessment exam at the end of the first year. Towards the end of the second year, students will undertake a qualifying examination in order to be formally admitted to graduate degree candidacy. This exam will have both written and oral components and will cover areas of science that are relevant to the students’ research.
The research and coursework progress of MCLS students will also be monitored and evaluated every year by the MCLS curriculum committee. In addition, an annual meeting with a research-specific dissertation committee will facilitate and evaluate the research progress of MCLS students beginning in the second year.
Students must attend weekly outside seminars on topics in the molecular life sciences for the durations of their studies.
For more information, please see the program’s Web site at: www.uwyo.edu/MCLS/.