Curricular specializations in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program include Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Translational Therapeutics, and Virology and Immunology.
- The curriculum and laboratory training for students in the Biomedical Sciences (BMS) track
creates a solid foundation in systems physiology. Elective courses permit students to develop related disciplinary and interdisciplinary interests. The individualized curricula in the BMS track converge in a capstone course Molecular & Translational Approaches to Human Disease at the end of the second year. Using a team-based approach, this course fosters interaction among students with a diversity of biomedical research interests and disciplinary approaches. - The curriculum and laboratory training for students in the Option in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) focuses on the application of biochemical and molecular genetic analyses to basic and translational investigation of human health and disease. The BMG 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.
- 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, this Option focuses 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.
- 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.