School of Medicine Division of Biomedical Sciences

Bridging the gap between science research & clinical medicine

The aim of the graduate program in Biomedical Sciences is to train Ph.D. scientists in a specific area of research specialization who also have enough general knowledge in the basic medical sciences to apply their research expertise to unraveling the basis of disease. This approach includes understanding not only pathogenic manifestations of disease but also the normal physiologic state.

In year one of the Ph.D. program, students participate in a very rigorous medical curriculum coupled with problem based learning sessions designed to develop analytic research skills in the design and interpretation of experimental models of human pathophysiology.

By year two, the primary focus of our students is their dissertation research. In second and third years, students can elect to pursue specialized optional coursework relevant to their dissertation research by enrolling in a specific designated emphasis.

Normative time for completion of the program is five years.

Core Course Requirements

Students in the Ph.D. program complete a core and elective curriculum, the latter tailored to the student's research interests. The core requirements include:

 

First Year

  • BMSC 229: Foundations in Translational Research

    The introductory course in our doctorate program begins mid-August and immediately introduces students to a fast paced, integrated systems-based medical curriculum. This course also includes graduate student specific sessions introducing students to the conduct (and misconduct of science), research as intellectual property and “good laboratory practice” (GLP) standards used in biotechnology and in biomedical translational research. (8 units)

  • BMSC 232: Cardiovascular, Renal, and Respiratory Sciences

    This course overs physiology, pathophysiology, physical diagnosis, and imaging in the cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory sciences. Instruction is driven by cases and accomplished through lectures and discovery in small group discussions, laboratories, and conferences. (units vary by quarter)

  • BMSC 233: Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Reproductive Health

    This covers biochemistry, pathophysiology, physical diagnosis, and imaging associated with gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive health. Instruction is driven by cases and accomplished through lectures and discovery in small group discussions, laboratories, and conferences. (units vary by quarter)

  • BMSC 234: Musculoskeletal Medicine

    This course covers the musculoskeletal system, biology and pathology of the peripheral nervous system, and physical diagnosis. Utilizes lectures and case studies to accomplish course objectives. Promotes discovery of learning by small group discussions, laboratories, and conferences. (units vary by quarter)

  • BMSC 235: Clinical Neurosciences

    This course covers the pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, clinical hematology and oncology, and epidemiology and clinical reasoning skills. Instruction involves weekly cases and is presented through lectures and discovery in small group discussions, laboratories, and conferences. (units vary by quarter)

  • BMSC 252: General Seminar in Biomedical Sciences

    Each quarter, seminar presentations from leading scientists focus on a specific disease-based research topic. In addition to the formal seminar, students participate and have the opportunity to host student-only lunch forums with invited speakers. Enrollment required for each quarter matriculated in the program. (1 unit)

  • BMSC 254: Graduate Seminar in Biomedical Sciences

    This is work-in-progress forum in which students, fellows and faculty present and critically discuss their ongoing research while gathering for pizza lunch. Students participate and present each year that they are in the graduate program. Enrollment required for each quarter matriculated in the program. (1 unit)

  • BMSC 261: Methods in Biomedical Research

    Students in year one of the Biomedical Sciences program are required to participate in two (2) five-week technique tutorials each quarter. These tutorials introduce students to laboratory methods and experimental models at the forefront of translational research, and familiarize students with faculty members and their research expertise. Enrollment required for all three quarters of the first year of graduate education. (1 unit)

Second Year

In addition to the required courses, students can elect to pursue specialized optional coursework relevant to their dissertation research by enrolling in a specific designated emphasis.

  • BMSC 252: General Seminar in Biomedical Sciences

    Each quarter, seminar presentations from leading scientists focus on a specific disease-based research topic. In addition to the formal seminar, students participate and have the opportunity to host student-only lunch forums with invited speakers. Enrollment required for each quarter matriculated in the program. (1 unit)

  • BMSC 254: Graduate Seminar in Biomedical Sciences

    This is work-in-progress forum in which students, fellows and faculty present and critically discuss their ongoing research while gathering for pizza lunch. Students participate and present each year that they are in the graduate program. Enrollment required for each quarter matriculated in the program. (1 unit)

  • BMSC 260A: Topics in Translational Biomedical Research

    A survey of the mechanisms of common human diseases at the molecular, cellular and organ system levels and the multidisciplinary approaches used for their investigation. Instructional components include lectures, discovery in problem-based learning sessions, and independent study. (2 units)

  • BMSC 260B: Topics in Translational Biomedical Research

    A survey of the mechanisms of common human diseases at the molecular, cellular and organ system levels and the multidisciplinary approaches used for their investigation. Instructional components include lectures, discovery in problem-based learning sessions, and independent study. (2 units)

  • BMSC 260C: Topics in Translational Biomedical Research

    A survey of the mechanisms of common human diseases at the molecular, cellular and organ system levels and the multidisciplinary approaches used for their investigation. Instructional components include lectures, discovery in problem-based learning sessions, and independent study. (2 units)

  • BMSC 297: Directed Research

    Directed research in biomedical sciences performed prior to advancement to candidacy in preparation for dissertation projects. (1-6 units)

     

  • BMSC 299: Research for Dissertation

    Original research in the area selected for the advanced degree. (1 to 12 units)

Third Year and Beyond

The primary focus for doctoral students starting from the third year is the development and completion of their dissertation research. Students continue to participate in BMSC252 and BMSC254 each quarter enrolled in the program.

  • BMSC 252: General Seminar in Biomedical Sciences

    Each quarter, seminar presentations from leading scientists focus on a specific disease-based research topic. In addition to the formal seminar, students participate and have the opportunity to host student-only lunch forums with invited speakers. Enrollment required each quarter matriculated in the program. (1 unit)

  • BMSC 254: Graduate Seminar in Biomedical Sciences

    This is work-in-progress forum in which students, fellows and faculty present and critically discuss their ongoing research while gathering for pizza lunch. Students participate and present each year that they are in the graduate program. Enrollment required each quarter matriculated in the program. (1 unit)

  • BMSC 297: Directed Research

    Directed research in biomedical sciences performed prior to advancement to candidacy in preparation for dissertation projects. (1 to 6 units)

  • BMSC 299: Research for Dissertation

    Original research in the area selected for the advanced degree. (1 to 12 units)

Professional Course

Students in good standing are eligible to enroll in this course with the consent of instructor beginning in the second year.

  • BMSC 302: Directed Teaching Practicum

    Required for all Biomedical Sciences graduate students. Fulfills the teaching portion of the teaching requirement for the Ph.D. One quarter (4 units) is required.