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GCD

The Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development spans a broad spectrum of biological disciplines, including the storage and expression of information (genetics), its translation into the workings of individual cells (cell biology), and the assembly of cells into tissues and organ systems (development). Here you will find a collection of news, features and opportunities for and about GCD.

Aaron Engelhart Speaks at TEDx Boston

Genetics, Cell Biology and Development Professor shared on the past, present and future of our research concerning life on Mars.

Aaron Engelhart, assistant professor in Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, recently shared about his work and the broader scope of research on our understanding of life on Mars at a TEDxBeaconStreet talk in Boston. Engelhart researches the origins of life and ways we can see if life exists outside our atmosphere.

CBSelfie with Ashley Arthur

Ashley Arthur juggles two degrees, research and outreach while pursuing her PhD in MCDB&G.

Ashley Arthur

Ashley Arthur, a sixth-year PhD student in MCDB&G also completed a MS in Computational Biology. Conducting research in a cell biology lab and starting the UMN Chapter of Girls Who Code keeps her busy on campus.

Reminder: Changes to GCD Course Offerings

Last spring the GCD Department announced a few changes to some of their course offerings. This provides students with a variety of course options in both fall and spring semesters. Please note that the following courses, which were previously offered as spring only courses, will now be offered in fall semesters: 

  • GCD 4034: Molecular Genetics and Genomics

  • GCD 4151: Molecular Biology of Cancer

  • GCD 4161: Developmental Biology

New GCD Courses

GCD is offering a couple of new classes in the coming semesters!

SUMMER 2019

GCD 5111: Quantitative Fluorescence Microscopy
Fluorescence microscopy is an essential technique to probe the inner workings of cells and tissues. You will learn hands on the inner workings of fluorescent microscopes, how to set up and acquire fluorescent images using microscopes, and how to quantitatively analyze image data using FIJI (ImageJ) software. Undergraduate students require instructor permission for enrollment.

Back to the Start

Aaron Engelhart and Kate Adamala join NASA-funded team with the aim of finding the origins of life.

NASA

In pondering the big questions of life, few are bigger than, ‘Where did we come from?’ Aaron Engelhart and Kate Adamala are undaunted.