Biomedical Sciences MS

First Year

During the first year, students participate in both coursework and laboratory experiences. The two interdisciplinary courses taken in the fall semester of the first year - Cell and Systems Biology and Flow of Cellular Information - provide foundational knowledge important for all curricular tracks of the BMS Graduate Program. Given the critical importance of communication skills in science, students also participate in the presentation and seminar course titled The Art of Scientific Communication I. To enhance their laboratory research skills and to begin the process of identifying the laboratory for their MS thesis research, students also conduct laboratory research during the semester.

In the spring semester of the first year, students participate in courses that enhance expertise in their chosen areas of interest. Students choose among advanced courses required for the various curricular tracks and elective courses that further develop their specific interests. Students continue to hone their communication skills in The Art of Scientific Communication II finalize the decision of the laboratory for their MS thesis research.

At the end of the first year, students identify their curricular track.

Second Year

During the second year, laboratory research becomes the student's major commitment. Students are in the laboratory conducting work for their MS thesis. A limited number of courses chosen in consultation with their adviser are also taken.

Typically, the MS program is completed in about two years. This time can be extended for students interested in pursuing the MS degree on a part-time basis.

Curricular tracks in the Biomedical Sciences MS include a BMS Program track, as well as five option tracks.

Biomedical Sciences Program Track

The Biomedical Sciences curricular track emphasizes flexibility since research areas of faculty range from molecules to cells to organisms to systems. In consultation with their research adviser, students in this track choose courses from a variety of departments and programs to complement their research project and interests. Students may choose a research adviser from any BMS program faculty, including those who are members of options within BMS.

Option in Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics

The curriculum and laboratory training for students in the Option in Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics (BGG) focuses on the application of biochemical and molecular genetic analyses to basic and translational investigation of human health and disease.The BGG option trains students to identify, formulate, and solve significant biological problems using biochemical and molecular genetic approaches.Research strengths of faculty in the option include: enzyme structure and function; epigenetics and epigenomics; cancer biochemistry and genetics; biochemistry of infectious diseases; structural biochemistry in human disease; biochemistry and genetics of DNA repair; carbohydrates and lipids in health and disease; genetics and biochemistry in metabolism; and genetic analysis of complex disorders.

Option in Cancer Biology

The Cancer Biology Option provides students interested in pursuing a career in cancer research with an appreciation for the dynamic nature of cancer research and the development of treatment options. The option includes a combination of didactic courses, colloquia, clinical rotations, and laboratory research to provide students with an integrated approach for applying advanced imaging, biological, and molecular analyses. Students will interrogate and manipulate basic cellular processes involved in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis as well as in depth analysis of translational research. A structured clinical rotation offers frequent interactions with basic science faculty, physicians, patients, and clinical trials. Students gain an appreciation for bench science and its connection to the clinical side of cancer research.

Option in Cellular and Integrative Physiology

The curriculum and laboratory training for students in the Option in Cellular and Integrative Physiology (CIP) focuses on solving complex, translationally-related research questions using state-of-the-art cellular and integrative physiology approaches. This approach includes studies on the functions and interactions between different tissues, cell types and organ systems in health and disease.

Research strengths of faculty in the option include the use of cellular and animal models combined with clinical studies in humans to study intracellular organization, intercellular communication, and the regulation of key biological processes including cell signaling, ion channel and transport function, gene expression, protein translation and turnover, and molecular motors, and explore how these processes are dysregulated in pathological states such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, sepsis, chronic kidney disease, surgical recovery, and gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal disorders.

This preparation provides students with an integrated approach for applying advanced imaging, biochemical, and molecular analyses to interrogate and manipulate basic cellular processes and macromolecules of biomedical significance.

Option in Translational Therapeutics

The curriculum and laboratory training for students in the Option in Translational Therapeutics (TT) provides students a combination of didactic instruction, informal interaction, and laboratory experiences that builds a firm foundation in the principles, methods, and contributions of pharmacology, defined broadly as the science of the interaction of chemical agents with biological systems.

Of primary importance, faculty in this option focus their work on identification of disease targets, development of therapeutic strategies, and refinement of drug delivery approaches.

With this preparation, graduates of the TT option will be able to design and execute high-quality independent research, and assume positions of responsibility within the therapeutic community.

Option in Virology & Immunology

The curriculum and laboratory training for students in the Option in Virology and Immunology (VIRIM) provides students the opportunity to focus their coursework and research training in areas related to virology and immunology.

This option trains individuals for professional careers in virology, immunology, and related disciplines.Areas of research within virology include viral oncology, virus-cell interactions, viral structure and assembly, functional role of viral gene products, molecular biology of virus replication, and viral induced latency.Areas of research within immunology include adaptive and innate immunity, cellular and humoral immunity, antigen presentation, tumor immunology, vaccine development, and neuroimmunology.

Students in the VIRIM option develop integrative research approaches using aspects of biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and genetics to approach scientific questions associated with areas of virology and immunology.