Mar 29, 2024  
Graduate Record 2017-2018 
    
Graduate Record 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Experimental Pathology


Return to: School of Medicine: Departments/Programs  


The Department of Pathology offers a Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology through its program entitled, “Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease (MCBD) Graduate Program.” Our students experience a unique interface between clinical, medical, and basic science realms, designed to elucidate the mechanisms of disease processes and cultivate the skills necessary to perform basic science and translational research.

Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease (MCBD)


Prerequisites


Entering students must have met the requirements for admissions into the Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) umbrella program and demonstrated high levels of achievement in their undergraduate education. Students entering the program are expected to have had some laboratory research experience.  Prospective students should apply for admission through the Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) Graduate Program.

Requirements Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology


First Year


During their first semester, students take the core course (BIMS 6000 - Core Course in Integrative Biosciences ). In the second semester, students take modular courses to establish the foundation for the 24-credit Ph.D. program, along with the required course in Research Ethics (BIMS 7100 ). Appropriate modular coursework is selected based on research interests, after consultation with the mentor and the MCBD Program Director.

Second Year


During the second year in the Program, students complete coursework, continue their research, and prepare for the qualifying exam.  Didactic courses must be approved by the Program Director. A typical second-year curriculum is as follows:

FALL

  
  (Journal Club/Pathology Research Progress Report)
  
  
Approved Didactic Electives; coursework required by training grant.

SPRING

  
  (Journal Club/Pathology Research Progress Report)
  
Approved Didactic Electives; coursework required by training grant.

Throughout their time in MCBD, other opportunities are available for students to supplement basic science training activities. Examples of these include workshops to define the concepts and processes involved with patents/intellectual property, to develop skills necessary for grant writing/review and verbal communication and explore opportunities in both entrepreneurship.

All MCBD students must complete a minimum of 72 hours of graduate credit. A minimum of 24 out of the 72 credit hours must be graded coursework.

Remainder of the Program


The remainder of the student’s time in MCBD is spent completing the following requirements

Qualifying Exam: Written and oral components

Students are required to complete a written exam, similar in style to an NIH grant proposal, detailing the student’s research plan. Students are required to submit written copies of this thesis to their respective Graduate Committee members two weeks prior to the qualifying exam. The oral Qualifying Exam for the MCBD Program is a successful defense of the thesis project before the student’s Graduate Committee. Students must meet this requirement by June 30th, at the end of the student’s second year.

Further research leading to papers written by the student on his or her research. These papers are to be published in high quality peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the student’s field of study.

Good Academic Standing

Students must maintain good academic standing defined as a 3.0 current and cumulative grade point average.

Required Activities

Students must fully participate in MCBD Program research activities throughout their time in the Program, including attendance at PATH 8460 Seminars in Human Disease and Molecular Medicine and PATH 8050 Colloquium in Human Disease Research, the annual Pathology Research Day, and other events as announced.

Final Expectations

Completion of the PhD requires a final written Dissertation that conforms to all Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and University specifications, a closed oral defense of the document and research conclusions, and a public oral defense (seminar presentation). At least one first author research paper describing original work must be accepted for publication before final defense of the dissertation.