Email this pagePhD Program in Translational Biomedical Science
Overview
The University of Rochester is pleased to offer an innovative PhD program in Translational Biomedical Science, one of the first of its kind. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for academic and clinical careers relating to the translation of basic biomedical research into clinical strategies to improve health. Through feedback from clinical situations, program graduates will also target and stimulate basic scientific research in pursuit of causes of disease and optimal therapies to prevent and cure disease.
To improve human health, fundamental scientific discoveries and critically evaluated clinical observations must be translated into practical clinical applications. Important discoveries from “the bench” of basic biomedical research performed at the molecular or cellular level must progress to the clinical level, to the “bedside”. Key observations at “the bedside” stimulate scientists to examine pathophysiologic phenomena and to devise new approaches to elucidate disease mechanisms and therapeutic approaches based on such demonstrated causes. The University of Rochester’s tradition of excellence in education and research extends to its mission to improve health through the School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Specific program objectives include:
- Preparing individuals in fundamentals of disease pathophysiology.
- Provision of in-depth mentoring to assure productive research training.
- Education for transition of scientists and clinicians to independent research careers.
- Teaching fundamental theory and knowledge in the subject areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, laboratory methods and analytical procedures essential to clinical research.
- Providing a critical environment fostering inquiry, integrity, teaching skills and high productivity.
General Plan of Study
Curriculum Overview
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Years 3 and 4 |
|---|---|---|
Core Coursework |
Elective Coursework |
|
Skill Building Workshops and Seminars |
||
Short-Term Practical Research Rotations |
Dissertation Research |
|
Required Coursework
| Timeline | Name of Course or Workshop |
|---|---|
| Summer 1 | Introduction to Biochemistry or Equivalent |
| Laboratory Rotation | |
| Introduction to Clinical Research | |
Year 1 |
|
| Semester 1 | Ethics in Research |
| Pathways to Disease I | |
| Biostatistics | |
| Intro to Epidemiology | |
| Intro to Health Informatics | |
| RCTRC Seminar Series | |
| Laboratory Rotation | |
| Semester 2 | Pathways to Disease II |
| Elective | |
| Elective | |
| Workshop in Scientific Communication | |
| RCTRC Seminar Series | |
| Laboratory Rotation | |
| Summer 2 | Short-term Research Experience |
Year 2 |
|
| Semester 1 | Introduction to Laboratory Methods |
| Molecular Basis of Disease | |
| Elective | |
| Elective | |
| RCTRC Seminar Series | |
| Semester 2 | Experimental Therapeutics |
| Principles of Pharmacology | |
| Molecular Approaches in Toxicology | |
| Research Administration Skill-Building Workshop | |
| Practical Skills in Grantwriting | |
| RCTRC Seminar Series | |
| Qualifying Academic Development | |
Elective Courses
| Department | Elective Course |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry (BCH) | 412 Advanced Topics in Biological Macromolecules |
| 510 Enzyme Mechanisms | |
| Biophysics | 411 Structural Biology Methods |
| 447 Signal Transduction | |
| 490 Radiobiology | |
| 507 Molecular Biophysics | |
| Microbiology | 414 Mechanisms in Microbial Pathogenesis |
| Immunology | 421 Microbial Genetics |
| 431 Microbiologic Physiology | |
| 456 General Virology | |
| 473 Immunology | |
| 483 Neuroimmunology Interactions | |
| 540 Advanced Topics, Immunology | |
| Neurobiology | 512 Cellular Neuroscience |
| Anatomy | 530 Neural Basis of Learning Memory and Higher Function |
| Neuroscience | 508 Neural Plasticity in Learning and Development |
| 523 Biology of Neurological Diseases | |
| 531 Integrated Systems Neuroscience | |
| 540 Principles of Behavior Analysis | |
| Pathology | 504 Current Topics in Experimental Pathology |
| 507 Cancer Biology | |
| 593 Molecular Mechanisms of Disease | |
| Pharmacology | 407 Pharmacology and Physiology: A Disease Based Approach |
| Physiology | 440 Topics in Vascular Biology |
| 550 Ion Channels and Disease | |
| Toxicology | 493 Special Topics in Toxicology- Toxicology in the Work Place or Immunology |
| 521 Biochemical Toxicology | |
| 530 Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology | |
| 533 Neurotoxicology | |
| 594 Molecular Toxicology |
Skill-building Workshops and Seminars
The University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute has developed a series of skill-building workshops and seminars that bring together scholars and trainees in many training programs. These opportunities provide hands-on training and practical knowledge necessary to carry out a successful research program, and also create a community of scholars devoted to translational science. Click here for a listing of required and optional workshops.
Research Rotations
Rotations in the first year of study and the summer before and after in different laboratories introduce the student to the scientific thought and method. The candidates gain experience in research, attend research seminars, and practice their communication skills. Furthermore they become familiar with prospective research advisors for their thesis project. At the end of the first year, students choose a permanent advisor and embark on a Ph.D. thesis research program. Students may choose any faculty member in the School of Medicine and Dentistry with an appropriate research program as their research advisor.
Qualifying Examination
The qualifying examination at the end of the fourth semester (or with committee permission by the end of the sixth semester) consists of an oral examination by the student’s advisory committee / mentoring committee, composed of co-advisors (Clinical Translational Investigator and a basic scientist appropriate to the research area) and two additional faculty members from different disciplines relevant to translational research. The examination is based on a written proposal reflecting the chosen research project and will emphasize ability to utilize information to analyze and offer solutions to problems, and propose unique directions for future research. No comprehensive examination of formal coursework is intended, however, adequacy of knowledge and appreciation are assessed.
PhD Application Instructions
For instructions on how to apply to a PhD program at the University of Rochester please visit the Graduate Education website by clicking here.
