Ph.D in Biomedical Science - Molecular Medicine
The Molecular Medicine (MOME) track (formerly Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases) track in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate program at The University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences on the Health Science Campus nurtures students and provides them with the necessary tools to pursue an independent career in biomedical sciences. The program encompasses a unique interdisciplinary approach to train students to conduct research in the underlying molecular mechanisms of diseases that have profound impact on human health.
The program draws on faculty research strengths in signal transduction, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, gene microarrays, genomics, proteomics, gene knockout and transgenics, tissue culture, and protein and carbohydrate biochemistry. The MOME faculty members are not only drawn from its associated department, the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, and from the Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research (CeDER), but also from other departments including the Departments of Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery. Modern, well-equipped research facilities are available through the participating departments. The MOME program offers degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Masters in biomedical sciences (MSBS). The program also offers these graduate degrees in combination with the Medical Degree (MD) that is offered by the medical school. Students from the four programs, PhD, MSBS, MD/PhD and MD/MSBS, follow a well-defined program that includes core courses, journal clubs, seminars, laboratory rotations, independent research, and electives in the area of interest. Students select faculty advisors and begin their independent dissertation research following the laboratory rotations in the biomedical science core curriculum. The curriculum is designed to enable students, guided by their advisors, to develop the expertise that prepares them for a successful career in research and education.
To be admitted to the Ph.D. or Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) Program, applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Typically, applicants will have an undergraduate major in Biology or a related discipline. In addition, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required in most programs of study (see individual degree programs for specific requirements). Minimum scores at the 50th percentile or above for both Verbal and Quantitative scores and 4.0 (Analytical Writing Test) are recommended to be competitive for most degree programs. For international applicants, an appropriate test of English language proficiency is required. Scores from The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are accepted and a minimum iBT score of 80, or pBT score of 550 is required. Scores from The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) are also accepted and a minimum score of 6.5 is required. A prior Masters degree is not required to enter the PhD program. At this time, all students accepted without provisions into the PhD in Biomedical Science Program, and maintaining good academic standing, will receive a full tuition scholarship and a research stipend funded in whole or in part by the College of Graduate Studies and funding from a student's advisor through a grant(s). There are also a limited number of tuition scholarships and stipends available for students in the Masters in Biomedical Sciences programs.
PhD Program Students: Year 1
The minimum number of credits required for PhD is 90, with a minimum of 25 credits of didactic coursework (letter grade), and a minimum of 30 credits of dissertation research. The rest of the credits are approved electives and research in the Molecular Medicine track. In the first year, students will take 14 credits the first term (Fall), 13 credits the second term (Spring), and 6 credits during summer term. During subsequent years while full-time, students will register for 9, 9, and 6 credits, respectively during fall, spring, and summer terms.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST TERM | 11.5 credits | |
| Introduction to Biomedical Research 1 | 0 | |
| Current Problems and Research Approaches (CPRA) in: | ||
| BMSP 6330 | Current Problems and Research Approaches in Proteins | 2 |
| BMSP 6340 | Curr Prob Res App Genes/Genom | 2 |
| BMSP 6360 | Current Problems and Research Approaches in Cell Membranes | 2 |
| BMSP 6380 | Methods in Biomedical Sciences | 2 |
| INDI 6020 | On Being a Scientist | 1 |
| Mentored Research (two five week rotations) | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SECOND TERM | 9 | |
| BMSP 6350 | Cell Biology & Signaling | 3 |
| BMSP 6470 | System Pathophysiology | 4 |
| Mentored Research (one 5 week lab rotation) | ||
| MOME 6600 | Journal Paper Review in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THIRD TERM | 6 credits | |
| BMSP 5320 | Statistical Methods I (Required BMS core course) | 3 |
| Research in Molecular Medicine | ||
1 Required.
PhD Program Students: Year 2 and Beyond
In addition to the BMS core requirements, PhD students in the Molecular Medicine track will be required to take the following courses to graduate:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MOME 8300 | Seminar in Molecular Medicine 1 | 1 |
| MOME 8500 | Advanced Topics in Molecular Medicine | 3 |
| MOME 8600 | Journal Paper Review in Molecular Medicine 2 | 1 |
| BMSP 8250 | Grant Writing Workshop | 2 |
1 Required in fall and spring semesters of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years.
2 Required in fall and spring semesters of the 2nd and 3rd years.
Curriculum to include advanced electives in Molecular Medicine or other areas to make up the required number of didactic credit hours. Students will also be expected to present a poster or oral presentation in the annual COMLS Graduate Research Forum in the spring of each year and the Pharmacology Research Colloquium. The Pharmacology Research Colloquium is held on a rotating basis at UTHSC, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. It is an annual event in which the students of “pharmacology” departments at the respective Medical Schools have participated in since 1973. These events provide students with excellent opportunities for developing skills in organizing, presenting and discussing their work.
The PhD Qualifying Exam is taken at the end of the Fall semester of the second year. Prior to passing the PhD Qualifying Exam, the student carries out their research under the course Research in Molecular Medicine (MOME 6730, 1-9 credit hours) or in some cases Independent Study in Molecular Medicine (MOME 6890/8890). After passing the PhD Qualifying Exam, the student carries out their research under the course Dissertation Research (MOME 9990).
Typical Course Schedules for Years 2-4
PhD Program Students: Year 2
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FOURTH TERM | 9 credits | |
| MOME 8500 | Advanced Topics in Molecular Medicine | 3 |
| MOME 8300 | Seminar in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MOME 8600 | Journal Paper Review in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| Research in Molecular Medicine | ||
and/or | ||
| Independent Study in Molecular Medicine | ||
and/or Electives | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FIFTH TERM | 9 credits | |
| MOME 8300 | Seminar in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MOME 8600 | Journal Paper Review in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| BMSP 8250 | Grant Writing Workshop | 2 |
| Dissertation Research in Molecular Medicine | ||
and/or Electives | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SIXTH TERM | 6 credits | |
| Dissertation Research in Molecular Medicine | ||
and/or | ||
| Electives | ||
Second Year Qualifying Examination (successful completion required in spring or summer semester)
PhD Program Students: Year 3
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SEVENTH TERM | 9 credits | |
| MOME 8300 | Seminar in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MOME 8600 | Journal Paper Review in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MOME 9990 | Dissertation Research in Molecular Medicine | 7 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EIGHTH TERM | 9 credits | |
| MOME 6300/8300 | Seminars in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MOME 6600/8600 | Journal Paper Review in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MOME 9990 | Dissertation Research in Molecular Medicine | 7 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NINTH TERM | 6 credits | |
| MOME 9990 | Dissertation Research in Molecular Medicine | 6 |
PHD PROGRAM STUDENTS: YEAR 4 AND BEYOND
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall, Spring and Summer | ||
| MOME 8300 | Seminar in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| Dissertation Research in Molecular Medicine | ||
| 8 (fall and spring); 6 (summer) | ||
| 9 (fall and spring); 6 (summer) | ||
PHD Program students: Year 5 and beyond
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation Research in Molecular Medicine |
The minimum number of credits required for PhD is 90, with a minimum of 25 credits of didactic coursework (letter grade), and a minimum of 30 credits of dissertation research. The rest of the credits are approved electives and research in the Molecular Medicine track.