Academic Program Overview

Our Helpful Student Guide is HERE: StudentGuideJan2025

(1) Summary

The Panama College of Cell Science is an autonomous biology graduate school within Blue Marble University, offering a 2 year 4 month PhD program via distance learning. All courses are delivered through the Internet. As a virtual college, there is no campus. Professors and students learn and collaborate world-wide via computer. Upon satisfactory completion of the dissertation, and upon the recommendation of the Faculty,  the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Stem Cell Medicine is issued.

The core curriculum results in a free-standing program in stem cell medicine, with the first year being devoted to basic subjects such as Molecular Biology, Enzymology, Immunology, and Virology; and the second year devoted almost entirely to stem cell science. The program ends with the preparation of the dissertation. It is hoped that graduates of the program can walk into any lab or academic setting and be productive.

All students accepted for matriculation are expected to graduate and receive the doctoral degree. It is our desire that if you don’t mind a little work, you don’t mind reading and studying, we will help you through the program to completion. We want you to succeed. If you adhere to the program in an honest way,  you WILL get to the end. You will graduate with a command of the field and a confidence that you can think independently within the field.

If you are currently working in the biomedical field, or are interested in biomedicine, this is a great opportunity to acquire an advanced degree while continuing with your current endeavors.

 (2) Graduate Program-Since 2005

For twenty years: The original Panama College of Cell Science 3 year online PhD degree in stem cell science-NOW SHORTENED to 2 years 4 months. This is a distance learning doctoral program designed for individuals already employed in a scientific or medical setting, or students with prior education or interests in the biomedical sciences wishing to pursue a doctoral degree. It is best suited for working adults, lab technicians,  medical technicians, and science educators. Consequently, the program is structured for part-time study.

Although this is a rigorous program, it can be completed in a shorter time than many Ph.D. programs because: (1) There is no summer break; and (2) as there is no campus per se, graduate students are not required to assist in teaching undergraduates, nor are they required to assist with laboratory set-ups for undergraduates, as is usually the case. Dissertations are based primarily on literature research and reviews. They must show a synthesis of current material with expansion and independent thought. Dissertation subjects relating to international stem cell treatments are available for selection, and it is anticipated that all dissertations will become published. Although we train students in laboratory matters, we have no actual lab, and students are encouraged to participate in hands on training courses available locally from time to time. Such training is recorded on the official academic record.

(3) The Degree

The Panama College of Cell Science is an autonomous college of Blue Marble University. Our degrees are therefore issued by Blue Marble University, upon the recommendation of the Faculty of the Panama College of Cell Science, and are in the usual form, and signed by the appropriate Officers. The actual text of the Degree can be found in the Student Guide 2025.

The Degree is beautifully created in color in the approximate size 8 x 10 inches, using various fancy font styles.  It is converted to the digital formats PDF and JPEG, and posted on the permanent records page for the student along with the student transcript. The Degree (and transcript) is available for free at any time by accessing the permanent student record page with the appropriate password. In addition, high resolution large digital files are delivered to the graduate. In these ways, an original of the Degree is always available for printing in color by the student using a laser/inkjet printer or via a photo shop. In addition, it may be viewed or downloaded independently by any employer or other interested person to whom the student has given the password. Hard copy diplomas are not mailed, nor are available for mailing.

Sample Virology Final Exam turned in by graduate student Igneris Rosado-Erazo of Puerto Rico:

Final Exam: Use of Viruses as Anti-Cancer Agents
Final Exam: Use of Viruses as Anti-Cancer Agents

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