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Brown University's graduate program in molecular and cell biology and biochemistry awards Ph.D. degrees through an intensive curriculum focused on analyzing biological systems in plants and animals. The program emphasizes innovative scientific methodologies that advance biomedical knowledge, adopting a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. Students gain valuable perspectives through collaborations with other university departments, particularly Neuroscience, Pathobiology, and Chemistry. Each scholar follows a customized curriculum that builds expertise across cellular, developmental, systems and molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and biochemistry while addressing their specific academic interests. The MCB Graduate Program prepares emerging scientists to investigate fundamental biological mechanisms amid evolving scientific knowledge and effectively communicate findings to both specialized and general audiences. While encouraging specialization in experimental biology, the program maintains a strong multidisciplinary foundation, enabling students to explore critical questions in basic biology and human health without methodological constraints. This integrative philosophy distinguishes the MCB Program from Brown's other eight discipline-focused graduate programs, offering students exceptional opportunities to transcend traditional academic boundaries.
Students entering the MCB Program will usually have at least two years of college chemistry and one year each of calculus and physics, in addition to college courses in biology (cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, developmental biology, and/or biochemistry). Students who are admitted without sufficient background in these topics will be encouraged to take appropriate coursework at Brown before enrolling in advanced courses in the respective area.
Regarding TOEFL, the recommended minimum score for admission consideration is 577 on the paper-based test and 90 on the Internet-based test. For IELTS, the recommended minimum overall band score is 7.