Program Overview

Introduction to the Biomedical Sciences Program

The Biomedical Sciences (BMS) program is an interdisciplinary graduate research program that equips students with the training and research tools to dissect disease-related biology, from single cells to tissue and organ systems. Students in the BMS program must acquire a level of competence in molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology comparable to that expected of students in traditional programs focused in these areas. At the same time, the program incorporates the rigorous and molecular study of core developmental, physiological, and pathological features of human biology and disease.

Program Overview

The BMS curriculum results in a new generation of interdisciplinary biomedical scientists who are able to forge collaborations that break down traditional research boundaries.

Faculty

More than 300 faculty members are associated with the BMS program across more than 50 departments at UCSF.

Thematic Areas

The BMS program encompasses the following thematic areas:

• Cancer Biology and Cell Signaling
• Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
• Human Genetics
• Immunology
• Neurobiology
• Tissue/Organ Biology and Endocrinology
• Vascular and Cardiac Biology
• Virology and Microbial Pathogenesis

Student Disability Services

UCSF is committed to ensuring access to graduate education for all students. Early communication with the relevant administrators is critical to successful partnership in arranging accommodations. The Student Disability Services (SDS) office is the appropriate and confidential office for seeking accommodations and will coordinate communications and procedures with students and the graduate faculty and programs.

Student Success at UCSF

Success in graduate school requires care and attention to all aspects of life: health and wellness, community, career development, personal and professional relationships, and security and safety. UCSF is committed to providing a full range of resources and services to help students succeed.

Events

The BMS program hosts various seminars and events, including:

• Vishwa Deep Dixit, DVM, Ph.D. on November 19, 2025, at 4:00-5:00
• Anthony Khalifeh & Ananya Krishnapura on November 20, 2025, at 11:30-12:30
• No Seminar on November 26, 2025
• Greg Allen, MD, PhD on December 3, 2025, at 4:00-5:30

BMS Thematic Areas

The program's thematic areas include:

• Cancer Biology & Cell Signaling
• Developmental & Stem Cell Biology
• Human Genetics
• Immunology
• Neurobiology
• Tissue / Organ Biology & Endocrinology
• Vascular & Cardiac Biology
• Virology & Microbial Pathogenesis

Eligibility Criteria

UCSF and the BMS Program do not use race, gender, sex, or other protected categories or proxies for protected categories in their eligibility criteria. The program is guided by the UCSF PRIDE values, which unite faculty, students, researchers, caregivers, and staff in building a culture of collaboration.