Brief Program Overview
The CMB program provides students with:
• The ability to become scholars in their field
• An understanding of hypothesis-based research in an ethically responsible manner
• An ability to think independently, creatively, and critically
• The ability to be effective in both written and oral forms of communication as teachers, researchers, and scholars.
The curriculum of the Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences program is designed to give students fundamental and applied skills to prepare them for future positions in scientific research and related fields. The core curriculum includes coursework in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, ethics, data analysis and presentation. Students also enhance their writing skills through a grant-writing course and improve their presentation skills through attendance and participation in the CMB Seminar Program and teaching opportunities.
The CMB program is structured so students have three opportunities in the first year to rotate with potential advisors, while taking the required core course work in Cell Biology and Biochemistry. After completion of their core courses and comprehensive exam in year two, students have the opportunity to take advanced courses in one of the following areas of study:
• Biochemistry, Structural Biology & Biophysics
• Genetics, Cellular & Molecular Biology
• Microbiology & Immunology
• Molecular Physiology & Pharmacology
Application Review Process
Our application process begins with you submitting a completed application to the Graduate College including, three letters of recommendation, all higher education transcripts, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (if not a native English speaker), and the associated application fee. The CMB Recruitment and Admissions Committee will review completed applications for appropriate qualifications, skills, knowledge and motivation. Decisions will be based on a variety of criteria, including: undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, letters of reference, statement of purpose, educational background as demonstrated on all transcripts, and an interview (Skype, phone, or on-campus).
The interviews are typically on Fridays in January and February. This allows for a weekend stay to provide ample opportunities for potential students to interact with faculty, current students and learn about Burlington and the surrounding area. In general, admission to the CMB Program requires a minimum average of 60th percentile on verbal, quantitative and written sections of the GRE, a TOEFL score of 100 and competitive supplemental materials and laboratory experience.
Our application deadline has now passed for Fall 2013. Our next application period will start in September 2013 for the Fall 2014 academic semester. If you have any questions about your qualifications, please email cmb@uvm.edu.
For more information regarding the official application process see our Graduate Admissions page.
