Programs of Study
The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program offers integrated, interdepartmental
programs
leading to the following degrees:
PhD Program
All first year students share a one-year core curriculum,
then select a research area of study after completing their first year
of studies.
In the Fall Semester
Students gain a solid knowledge base in Cell and Molecular Biology,
learn essential skills for graduate studies and professional development,
are introduced to nationally and internationally recognized scientists
in the Cell and Molecular Basis of Disease Journal Club and Seminar
Series, and have individualized research experiences with potential
mentors.
In the Spring Semester
Students have the opportunity to tailor a knowledge base to their individual
interests by selecting three of the following courses: Cancer Biology,
Experimental Design and Methods, Neurobiology, Physiology, Immunobiology,
Molecular Genetics and Genomics, or Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology.
Students also complete their three laboratory rotations and continue
the Cell and Molecular Basis of Disease Journal Club.
Financial support packages are offered to highly qualified,
first-year PhD students. As of Fall 2007, students receive an annual
stipend of $23,000, health insurance coverage, tuition, and fees. Early
application (by December 1st) ensures consideration for these financial
packages. After the first year, students are funded by their dissertation
advisor, training grants, or the advisor's department.
The program reflects the current scientific interests
and strengths of the faculty at the University of New Mexico School
of Medicine, but also seeks to address the future needs and goals of
the institution. Students choose from over 100 research laboratories
representing six research divisions:
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cell Biology and Physiology
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Neurosciences
Pathology
Toxicology and Environmental Disease
At the end of the first year, PhD students choose a research
advisor, declare an area of specialization, and take and pass a qualifying
exam to be advanced to candidacy. Students also choose a faculty Committee
on Studies to help guide them through their thesis/dissertation research.
In their third or fourth year, all students must successfully complete
a comprehensive examation, which is administered by their Committee
on Studies. In subsequent years, students complete advanced coursework
and laboratory research in preparation for completing their PhD dissertation.
Most students complete their PhD degrees within four to six years.
MS Program
Course requirements for the MS program are the same as
those for the PhD program (see above), although MS students may take
up to two years to complete the core courses. MS students rotate through
a minimum of two laboratories during their first year. They are not
required to take the PhD Qualifying Examination unless they wish to
be considered for the PhD Program. After completion of the Core Curriculum,
students are required to enroll in divisional seminars each semester
until graduation.
First year students in the MS program are not eligible
for stipend or tuition waiver support by the Biomedical Sciences Graduate
Program, although, many find funding their second year.
By the beginning of the second year, students choose a
thesis advisor and form a Committee on Studies. The Committee outlines
any additional Divisional course requirements relevant to the specific
area of interest. The MS student is expected to present a minimum of
one seminar during the second year, in addition to their thesis defense.
MS students must complete an original and creative research project
and write and defend their thesis. The program takes an average of 2-3
years to complete.
MD/PhD Program
The newly structured MD/PhD
program is designed to provide comprehensive training in both clinical
sciences and a basic biomedical science discipline. The intent of the
program is to provide students with an integrated and cohesive training
experience while obtaining the MD/PhD degree. Students participate in
activities common to both programs while involved in the medical school
curriculum or engaged in PhD dissertation research.
7-8 Year Program
The program consists of 18 months of the medical school curriculum followed
by 3-4 years of graduate courses and PhD dissertation research, and
concludes with the remaining 2 years of the medical school curriculum
(see page 508 of 2006-2007 UNM catalog). Additionally, students will
be required to fulfill a teaching requirement in the last year of the
MD curriculum.
The program is designed to be completed in 7-8 years.
The PhD and MD degrees are awarded simultaneously at the end of the
entire training period. Students will take two one-month long rotations
in research laboratories during the initial 20 months of the program.
These experiences are meant to broaden the research experience of the
students as they decide in what research area they wish to specialize.
Students can pursue many lines of research activity performed by investigators
in biomedical research in the School of Medicine.
Click
here for eligibility and application guidelines.
