Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology Program

The Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University educates students to conduct research at the interface between biology, chemistry, and physics. The disciplines of Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology aim to unravel and explain biological phenomena and processes in atomic and molecular detail. Research carried out by program faculty covers a diverse range of topics in Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology. Areas of study focus on understanding fundamental principles involved in reactions and regulatory interactions in biological systems. Our research projects attempt to answer the key questions, such as: How do proteins fold and can we prevent misfolding? Can we design proteins with novel functions? How does the coordinated interaction between proteins and nucleic acids lead to cellular differentiation and the formation of an organism? How do macromolecules assemble into molecular machines and viruses? How do these assemblies operate? How do signals traverse membranes?

Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University
Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology Graduate Program
Graduate Studies Office
3550 Terrace Street
M240 Scaife Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-648-8957
Fax: 412-648-1077
E-mail: MBSBinfo@medschool.pitt.edu
www.mbsb.pitt.edu

Program Director: James Conway (UPSOM) and Gordon Rule (CMU)

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Students with at least a baccalaureate degree in physics, chemistry, and mathematics or cellular and molecular biology are encouraged to apply. Admissions are based upon the student’s academic record, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, previous research experience, written statement of interest, and a personal interview. Applicants who are citizens of countries where English is not the official language (and the Province of Quebec in Canada) are required to submit evidence of English Language proficiency by submitting the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper) or 250 (computer) or 100 (iBT), or IELTS score of at least 7.00 is required for admission to the Program. We actively seek qualified applicants from underrepresented minorities and students with disabilities.

Additional information and a link to the online application can be a found at http://www.mbsb.pitt.edu/index.php/apply-for-the-mbsb-program

Financial Assistance

All students receive complete financial support in the form of stipend, tuition, and health insurance.

Training Faculty

Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Faculty

Course list

The curriculum stresses an interdisciplinary approach to learning and research in modern Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology. Upon entering the program, each student is advised by a mentoring committee, explores research options through laboratory rotations, and then chooses a thesis advisor in the first year.

A list of available courses can be found at the following website: http://www.mbsb.pitt.edu/index.php/training/curriculum

Programs

Doctoral

Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology, PhD

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