The intellectual focus of the CBTP is the elucidation of basic cellular design principles and rational engineering for the design and production of useful products. The Program emphasizes fundamental research training in quantitative science and interdisciplinary thinking. The long term goal is an understanding of the function, design and evolution of organizationally complex cellular systems.

The Program provides students a background in basic cellular design principles and insights into rational engineering directed toward development of integrated bio-technological processes. CBTP faculty members are drawn from a diverse spectrum of academic departments and include biologists, chemists, computer scientists and engineers. Their research concentrates on the characterization of cells, their products and their behavior. They are engaged in a number of existing multi-disciplinary research efforts in cellular biotechnology.