Department of Biology
Program in Plant Science
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

The University The University of Pennsylvania campus situated on 250 acres is located across the Schuylkill River from downtown Philadelphia.

Overview
Although privileged to bear the name of the commonwealth and to share in its educational appropriations, the University of Pennsylvania is not a state university. Since its founding by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, this privately endowed, nonsectarian institution has grown to comprise fourteen distinct undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools and various academic and research divisions. Of particular interest to plant biology students is the proximity of the School of Medicine, the Morris Arboretum, and the Academy of Natural Sciences. The biological research, instruction, and seminars carried out in many departments of these schools offer invaluable opportunities for students studying plant biology.

The department has 50 to 55 graduate students from all parts of the United States and several countries.

The Community
The University is located in Philadelphia, a historic city, a great cultural center, and a metropolis undergoing dynamic growth. There are several theaters, a world-famous orchestra, and outstanding museums and art galleries. The area contains numerous universities, colleges, and professional schools that contribute to the attractions of the city.

Programs of study and degree requirements
The Plant Science Institute, based in the Department of Biology, organizes training programs in plant biology that lead to the Ph.D. degree. Opportunities for study and research are available in a broad range of areas, including biochemistry/biophysics; genetics; cell and molecular biology; and ecology, evolution, and biodiversity.

Facilities & Resources
The Plant Science Institute has excellent facilities that include state-of-the-art environmental growth chambers and greenhouses. In addition, field space is available at the Morris Arboretum. Molecular biology facilities include both automated DNA-sequencing and DNA-synthesis services, which are complemented by protein chemistry and computer facilities, available within the University's biomedical graduate programs. For field research in ecology, the University is located within easy reach of a wide variety of eastern North American habitats, including the unique Pine Barrens of New Jersey.

Expenses and Aid
Tuition was $3190 per course unit in 2001–02, with a maximum charge of $12,344 for one semester. In addition, there was a general fee of $773 per semester. Students who have completed all course requirements for the Ph.D. degree must register and pay a fee of $2084 each semester until all requirements for the degree are met.

Financial Aid: The chief sources of support are teaching fellowships and research fellowships. All graduate students are supported by fellowships or other financial awards, which include tuition, a stipend, and the general fee. The stipend for 2001–02 was $17,350.

Housing/Living Expenses: Accommodations, both on and off campus, are available for single and married graduate students. On campus, the University offers apartment and suite living on a twelve-month-lease basis in two modern Graduate Towers. Various rooms, apartments, and eating places are available in the neighborhood of the University. For a single student, it is estimated that room and board cost up to $6500 per semester.

How to Apply
Applicants must demonstrate a strong motivation and potential for research in addition to superior undergraduate preparation in the natural sciences. College-level mathematics, physics, and inorganic chemistry with laboratory work, as well as a background in biology, are required. Students lacking preparation in a particular area are expected to remedy the deficiency early in their graduate work. No application is considered without scores on the General Test; the Subject Test in biology is strongly recommended. Students whose native language is not English must submit their Test of Spoken English (TSE) score. There is a nonrefundable application fee of $65.

Applicants who wish to pursue a terminal master's degree are not considered for admission at this time. Arrangements to take graduate-level courses can be made through the College of General Studies.

For new students requiring financial aid, applications should be filed with the graduate faculty before January 2 of the academic year preceding entrance. There may be limited opportunities for aid for late applicants. Application forms and bulletins may be obtained from the address below. Electronic applications are strongly encouraged through the Department's home page (http://www.sas.upenn.edu/biology/).

Andrew N. Binns, Ph.D. Structural analysis of Agrobacterium; plant-cell interaction; molecular control of plant-cell division.

Anthony R. Cashmore, Ph.D. Molecular biology; control of genes critical to photosynthesis.

Brenda Casper, Ph.D. Plant ecology, including reproductive systems and belowground plant interactions.

Fevzi Daldal, Ph.D. Molecular biology and biochemical genetics; photosynthetic and respiratory energy
transduction in bacteria, mitochondria, and plants.

Daniel H. Janzen, Ph.D. Tropical animal-plant interactions; conservation and biodiversity use.

Scott Poethig, Ph.D. Plant developmental genetics; heterochronic mutations in maize and Arabidopsis.

Philip A. Rea, D.Phil. Mechanistic studies of novel membrane proteins for energy conservation; phytoremediation and calcium-mediated signal transduction.

Ann F. Rhoads, Ph.D. Pennsylvania Flora Database; phytogeography; species diversity.

Lewis G. Tilney, Ph.D. Cell fine structure: development and differentiation.

Doris Wagner, Ph.D. Control of the onset of reproduction in Arabidopsis.

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