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PhD

Biomedical Science, PhD

University of Iowa
Iowa City , United States
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Students
Tuition Fee
Not Available
Start Date
Not Available
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
72 semesters
Details
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Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Biomedical Sciences | Biotechnology | Molecular Biology
Area of study
Health | Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview

Biomedical Science, Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy in biomedical science is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a broad-based education in the biological sciences and specialized training in their area of research interest. The program requires a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit and is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in biomedical research.


Admission

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by University of Iowa Admissions. They must also have an undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.00. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College.


Core Curriculum

The core curriculum includes the following courses:


  • BMED:5207 Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • BMED:5208 Topics in Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • BMED:7777 Biomedical Science Seminar
  • BMED:7888 Biomedical Science Research
  • PCOL:5204 Basic Biostatistics and Experimental Design

Subprograms

The biomedical science program offers several subprograms, including:


  • Cancer Biology
  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Experimental Pathology
  • Free Radical and Radiation Biology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
  • Pharmacology

Cancer Biology Subprogram

The cancer biology subprogram provides training in many areas of research—cell biology, genetics, immunology, and cell metabolism, among others—that are necessary to understand the complexities of cancer etiology and treatment. The subprogram does not offer a master's degree.


Cell and Developmental Biology Subprogram

The cell and developmental biology subprogram provides students with advanced knowledge of cellular and developmental biology. Students gain admission to graduate training laboratories in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, or through direct admission into a specific laboratory.


Experimental Pathology Subprogram

The experimental pathology subprogram provides students with advanced knowledge of disease pathogenesis at the genetic, molecular, cellular, and systems levels. It also teaches cutting-edge research skills enabling graduates to investigate the basis of disease and lay the foundation for novel and improved therapies.


Free Radical and Radiation Biology Subprogram

The free radical and radiation biology subprogram is interdisciplinary and requires 72 semester hours of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree. The possibility exists for a major emphasis in radiation biology or redox biology with a focus on cancer or degenerative diseases associated with aging.


Molecular Medicine Subprogram

The molecular medicine subprogram provides interdisciplinary training in the concepts and methodologies fundamental to the investigation of biological processes and molecular mechanisms that relate to human disease. The PhD requires a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.


Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Subprogram

The molecular physiology and biophysics subprogram offers opportunities for training and research. The degree requires a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.


Pharmacology Subprogram

The pharmacology subprogram requires a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree. Qualified students who are interested in earning the Doctor of Medicine along with the PhD may apply to the Medical Scientist Training Program in a combined MD/PhD program.


Combined Programs

Students may work toward the Doctor of Medicine degree and a PhD in biomedical science in a combined degree program offered by the Graduate College and the Carver College of Medicine. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they may be admitted to the combined degree program.


Sample Plans of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.


Cancer Biology Subprogram

  • First Year:
    • Fall: BMED:5207, BMED:5208, BMED:7777, BMED:7888, PCOL:5204, Elective
    • Spring: BMED:7777, BMED:7888, FRRB:7001, MMED:6260, PATH:5270, PHAR:6504
  • Second Year:
    • Fall: BMED:7270, CBIO:5500, CBIO:6000, CBIO:6500, CBIO:7000, CBIO:7500, Elective
    • Spring: BMED:7271, CBIO:5500, CBIO:6000, CBIO:6500, Elective
  • Third Year:
    • Fall: CBIO:5500, CBIO:6000, CBIO:6500
    • Spring: CBIO:5500, CBIO:6000, CBIO:6500
  • Fourth Year:
    • Fall: CBIO:5500, CBIO:6000, CBIO:6500
    • Spring: CBIO:5500, CBIO:6000, CBIO:6500, Final Exam

Cell and Developmental Biology Subprogram

  • First Year:
    • Fall: BMED:5207, BMED:5208, BMED:7777, BMED:7888, PCOL:5204, Elective
    • Spring: BMED:7777, BMED:7888, MMED:6260, PATH:5270, Elective
  • Second Year:
    • Fall: ACB:5206, ACB:5224, ACB:6220, ACB:6237, ACB:6239, ACB:6248, BMED:7270
    • Spring: ACB:5206, ACB:5224, ACB:6238, ACB:6249, ACB:6250, BMED:7271
  • Third Year:
    • Fall: Complete Teaching Requirement, ACB:5206, ACB:5224
    • Spring: ACB:5206, ACB:5224
  • Fourth Year:
    • Fall: ACB:5206, ACB:5224
    • Spring: ACB:5206, ACB:5224, Final Exam

Experimental Pathology Subprogram

  • First Year:
    • Fall: BMED:5207, BMED:5208, BMED:7777, BMED:7888, PCOL:5204
    • Spring: BMED:7777, BMED:7888, MMED:6260, PATH:5270, PHAR:6504
  • Second Year:
    • Fall: BIOS:4120, BMED:7270, PATH:7211, Elective
    • Spring: BMED:7271, PATH:6220, PATH:7211, Elective
  • Third Year:
    • Fall: PATH:7211
    • Spring: PATH:7211
  • Fourth Year:
    • Fall: PATH:7211
    • Spring: PATH:7211, Final Exam

Free Radical and Radiation Biology Subprogram

  • First Year:
    • Fall: BMED:5207, BMED:5208, BMED:7777, BMED:7888, FRRB:5000, PCOL:5204
    • Spring: BMED:7777, BMED:7888, FRRB:7000, MMED:6260, PATH:5270, PHAR:6504
  • Second Year:
    • Fall: BMED:7270, FRRB:5000, FRRB:6000, FRRB:6004, FRRB:6006, FRRB:6008, Elective
    • Spring: BMED:7271, FRRB:6000, FRRB:6004, FRRB:6006, FRRB:6008, FRRB:7000, Elective
  • Third Year:
    • Fall: FRRB:6000, FRRB:6004
    • Spring: Comprehensive Exam, FRRB:6004
  • Fourth Year:
    • Fall: FRRB:6004
    • Spring: FRRB:6004, Final Exam

Molecular Medicine Subprogram

  • First Year:
    • Fall: PCOL:5204, BMED:5207, BMED:5208, BMED:7777, BMED:7888, MMED:6280, MMED:8115
    • Spring: BMED:7777, BMED:7888, MMED:5270, MMED:6260, MMED:6280, PHAR:6504, Elective
  • Second Year:
    • Fall: BMED:7270, BMED:7888, MMED:6230, MMED:6280, MMED:7290, MMED:7310, Elective
    • Spring: Comprehensive Exam, BMED:7271, BMED:7888, MMED:6280, MMED:7290, MMED:7310
  • Third Year:
    • Fall: MMED:7290, MMED:7305
    • Spring: MMED:7290, MMED:7305
  • Fourth Year:
    • Fall: MMED:7290, MMED:7305
    • Spring: MMED:7290, MMED:7305, Final Exam

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Subprogram

  • First Year:
    • Fall: BMED:5207, BMED:5208, BMED:7777, BMED:7888, PCOL:5204, Elective
    • Spring: BMED:7777, BMED:7888, MMED:6260, PATH:5270, Elective
  • Second Year:
    • Fall: BMED:5207, BMED:7270, MPB:5153, MPB:6302
    • Spring: Comprehensive Exam, BMED:7271, MMED:6226, MMED:6227, MPB:6302, PCOL:6225
  • Third Year:
    • Fall: MPB:6302
    • Spring: MPB:6302
  • Fourth Year:
    • Fall: GRAD:6002
    • Spring: GRAD:6002, Final Exam

Pharmacology Subprogram

  • First Year:
    • Fall: BMED:5207, BMED:5208, BMED:7777, BMED:7888, MPB:5153, PCOL:5204
    • Spring: BMED:7777, BMED:7888, MMED:6260, PATH:5270, PCOL:5130, PCOL:6250, PHAR:6504
  • Second Year:
    • Fall: BMED:7270, PCOL:6015, PCOL:6080, PCOL:6090, PCOL:6203
    • Spring: Comprehensive Exam, BMED:7271, PCOL:6015, PCOL:6080, PCOL:6090
  • Third Year:
    • Fall: PCOL:6015, PCOL:6080
    • Spring: PCOL:6015, PCOL:6080
  • Fourth Year:
    • Fall: PCOL:6015, PCOL:6080
    • Spring: PCOL:6015, PCOL:6080
  • Fifth Year:
    • Fall: PCOL:6015, PCOL:6080
    • Spring: PCOL:6015, PCOL:6080, Final Exam

Additional Requirements

  • Laboratory Rotations: Students must complete three laboratory rotations in the first year.
  • Teaching: Students are required to complete a teaching requirement.
  • Publication Requirements: Students must have at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • Comprehensive Examination: Students must pass a comprehensive examination.
  • Final Examination: Students must pass a final examination.
  • Grant Writing Opportunities: Students are encouraged to submit grant proposals.
  • Seminar and Journal Clubs: Students must participate in seminar and journal clubs.
  • Research Publication: Students must have at least one first-author research publication.
  • Thesis Defense and Presentation: Students must defend their thesis and present their research.
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