Program Overview
The Biomedical Sciences doctoral program centers on performance of original biomedical research with formal coursework and trial laboratory rotations in the first year leading to selection of a thesis laboratory and advancement to candidacy by the end of the second year. Successful completion of the program and conferral of the doctoral degree requires the completion of a dissertation, publication of original research, and defense of the doctoral thesis.
In the first year, structured academic coursework is interspersed with three laboratory rotations leading up to selection of a thesis laboratory. In the second-year students develop a primary research project and generate preliminary data leading to a proposal of doctoral research, which is submitted and defended in written and oral form during a qualifying examination, passage of which provides advancement to candidacy for the doctoral degree. In the remaining years the students 1) conduct original research, 2) analyze, compile, and publish original research, 3) complete an approved dissertation that reports results and significance, 4) orally defend their dissertation.
Student Learning Objectives
SLO 1: Demonstrate mastery knowledge of central biomedical concepts and competency in biomedical research methods and strategies.
SLO 2: Critically evaluate the scientific literature in the biomedical sciences, including the choice of methods applied to problems and the interpretation of results.
SLO 3: Develop the ability to think critically and work collaboratively to design rigorous and reproducible experiments in order to solve scientific questions.
SLO 4: Communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally to disseminate scientific concepts and research results in visual, oral, and written form to diverse audiences.
SLO 5: Plan and execute, with independence, original and extensive laboratory research that advances knowledge in the selected area of concentration in the biomedical sciences.
SLO 6: Demonstrate advanced ability to effectively write and publish technical documents.
PhD – Biomedical Sciences Core Curriculum
Year 1 – Fall (16 Credits)
Year 1 – Spring (16 Credits)
Year 1 - Summer (4 Credits)
Year 2 – Fall (10.5 Credits)
Year 2 – Spring (10.5 Credits)
Year 2 - Summer (4 Credits)
Year 3 – Fall (9 Credits)
Year 3 – Spring (9 Credits)
Year 3 - Summer (4 Credits)
Year 4 – Fall (9 Credits)
Year 4 – Spring (9 Credits)
Year 4 - Summer (4 Credits)
Year 5 – Fall (9 Credits)
Year 5 – Spring (9 Credits)
Note: The Doctoral Degree is awarded at the successful completion of a minimum of 90 credit hours and the student’s dissertation.