What is the Graduate Program in Molecular and Morphofunctional Biology (PPG-BMM)?
The Graduate Program in Molecular and Morphofunctional Biology (PPG-BMM) was created in December 2021 in the area of Biological Sciences I (CAPES), through the merger of two former Graduate programs in Functional and Molecular Biology (PPG-BFM, created in 1991) and Cellular and Structural Biology (PPG-BCE, founded in 1980), both from the Institute of Biology at UNICAMP. The main objective of PPG-BMM is to train qualified Masters and PhDs to develop original and relevant scientific research that can broaden the boundaries in Biology, especially in the concentration areas of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Tissue Biology, Biochemistry, and Physiology. The PPG-BMM also aims to form human resources with critical sense and scientific rigor who have the ability to conduct inter- and transdisciplinary research in its concentration areas, in addition to stimulating training in innovation and technology. In addition, the PPG-BMM stands out for excellence with a score of 6.0 in the evaluation of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), the federal agency that judges graduate programs in Brazil. PPG-BMM is open to students with a degree in Biology, Biomedicine, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Nutrition, Physical Education, and other related areas. Graduates in areas with strong interaction with life sciences, such as computer science, are also welcomed. However, students need to go through a selection process, which usually takes place twice a year (in July and November), and involves passing a general knowledge test held at UNICAMP according to the rules specified in the corresponding notice. Our program welcomes young talents from all over Brazil and abroad. The highly qualified faculty conducts cutting-edge research, most of it funded by the main public and private research funding agencies in Brazil and abroad.
What will students learn by enrolling in this program?
Although the program has a strong emphasis on concentration areas such as Anatomy, Cell Biology, Tissue Biology, Biochemistry, and Physiology, it also has a strong multidisciplinary character, allowing students to interact with various knowledge areas such as Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Vascular Diseases, Diabetes and Obesity, Immunology, Nanotechnology, Pain Biology, among others. In addition, students will receive training in cutting-edge techniques, including NGS, omics tools and data integration, single-cell sequencing, and gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9. These distinguishing features of the program's curriculum will enable students to broaden their knowledge base and acquire skills that will prepare them for a scientific career.
Who are the faculty members of the PPG-BMM and their research interests?
You can find the profiles of all PPG-BMM professors at this link.
Does the program offer any advantages over other universities?
UNICAMP stands out from other universities due to its high proportion of graduate students in relation to undergrad students, creating a very favorable scientific environment. Consequently, our university has made significant scientific discoveries, leading to high-impact scientific publications in different areas and generating highly relevant knowledge for society. The rich university environment and high involvement in research and innovation are reflected in the number of patents filed by the university annually. Moreover, the PPG-BMM comprises highly qualified and productive faculty members whose research projects are funded by various public or private funding agencies and companies.
How do I become a student in the program?
The first step is to find an accredited faculty whose research interests you. After contacting the researcher and discussing the possibility of participating in the research project, the student must participate in the selection process that usually occurs twice a year (July and November), following rules defined in specific notices..