Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program

Aliya Khan, IBGP Coordinator

Office of Graduate Studies

M240 Scaife Hall

3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh PA 15261

412-383-4879

Fax: 412-648-1077

E-mail: ibgp.som@pitt.edu

 

 

The first term core course, Foundations of Biomedical Science, is required of all students and is followed by increasingly specialized course work in the discipline-specific program the student has chosen. A course in biomedical experimental design and analysis and a course in research ethics are also required of all students. The first year includes three laboratory research rotations. (See listing of Required Courses below.) Students are guided through their first year of graduate study by a faculty mentor assigned by the program.

The mentor helps to identify rotation laboratories, provides advice on classes, and ensures that students reach appropriate milestones in the first year of the program. At the end of the first year, a preliminary student performance evaluation is conducted by the Program Steering Committee. When a student has successfully completed the preliminary evaluation and chosen a dissertation advisor, the student transfers into one of the degree-granting programs.

Evaluation following the first year is undertaken by the degree-granting program and includes course performance and a comprehensive exam at the end of the second year of study. The comprehensive exam is in the form of an original research proposal followed by an oral examination before a faculty committee. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive exam, the student nominates a dissertation advisory committee composed of a minimum of 5 members. A majority of the committee (including the major advisor) must have graduate faculty status. The student then presents a dissertation proposal to the committee and is admitted to candidacy. The training program is completed by execution of an original and independent research project and defending a dissertation. Please see Regulations Pertaining to Doctoral Degrees.

Required Courses-All Students

The following courses are required of all students in the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program:

INTBP 3000 - FOUNDTNS OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE 

INTBP 3005 - FOUNDATIONS JOURNAL CLUB

MSCMP 2280 BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF PROFESSIONALISM AS RELATED TO GRADUATE EDUCATION

INTBP 2013 - D2K: FROM DATA TO KNOWLEDGE- BIOMEDICAL EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS 

INTBP 2290 - SCIENTIFIC ETHICS AND THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH 

INTBP 3010 - LABORATORY RESEARCH ROTATION  

A minimum of 72 credits (32 course credits and 40 PhD dissertation research credits) beyond the baccalaureate degree is required for the PhD degree.

 

 

Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology (PhD)

The graduate program in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology (CBMP) has a rich scientific training and discovery tradition. Graduates of the Ph.D. program have become chairs of departments at six major U.S. medical schools and are represented at all levels of academic and biomedical research. The program combines basic and clinical research faculty who are dedicated to the training of students. Faculty employ an integrative cell biology focus: combining tools of imaging, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, computational modeling and, physiological approaches to understand the functions of cells, tissues and organisms. The program is home to the Center for Biologic Imaging, a state-of-the-art imaging center, and the NIH-supported O’Brien Kidney Center. Students in CBMP are supported in part by a T32 training grant from NIGMS. Areas of expertise in the program include the cellular trafficking of proteins and lipids, genetic disorders of ion channels, fundamental mechanisms of cell-cell adhesion and cell polarity, DNA damage repair and cancer, models of neurodegeneration and aging, signal transduction in diabetes, cell biology and physiology of renal diseases, and molecular mechanisms of aging.

 

Core Courses

Apart from the general degree requirements for all IBGP students, CBMP students are required to take the following core courses:

• MSCBMP 2880 - CELLULAR BIOLOGY OF NORMAL AND DISEASE STATES
• INTBP 3240 - GRANT WRITING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
• And one of the following imaging courses
• MSCBMP 2885 - IMAGING CELL BIOLOGY IN LIVING SYSTEMS

Other electives include:

• MSCBMP 2870 - HISTOLOGY
• MSCBMP 2840 - REGULATION OF MEMBRANE TRAFFIC
• MSCBMP 2875 - EXPERIMENTS AND LOGIC IN CELL BIOLOGY
• MSCBMP 2852 - RESEARCH SEMINAR IN CELLULAR BIOLOGY

 

 

Cellular and Molecular Pathology (PhD)

 

Core Courses

The Cellular and Molecular Pathology graduate program offers an exciting, interdisciplinary training environment at the intersection of cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, and artificial intelligence, all focused on understanding human disease. With a strong emphasis on translational research and regenerative medicine, CMP bridges basic science and clinical investigation to address fundamental questions about tissue development and homeostasis, disease mechanisms, and innovative therapeutic strategies. Students engage in cutting-edge research using the latest technologies, exploring topics such as cellular reprogramming at the Center for Transcriptional Medicine (CTM); liver development, disease, and therapy; developmental neuroscience; gene regulation; cancer biology; angiogenesis and the vasculature; pulmonary disease; inflammation and autoimmunity; genetics; and molecular diagnostics. The integration of computational tools and machine learning through the Computational Pathology & AI Center of Excellence (CPACE) further expands the scope of discovery. Research takes place in state-of-the-art laboratories across the medical center campus, fostering collaboration between basic scientists and clinician-investigators (MD’s, PhD’s, and MD/PhD’s), preparing students to become leaders in biomedical research.

Apart from the general degree requirements for all Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science Graduate students, the following are core courses for the Cellular and Molecular Pathology program:

 

• INTBP 3240 - GRANT WRITING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
• MSCMP 2280 - BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF PROFESSIONALISM AS RELATED TO GRADUATE EDUCATION
• MSCMP 2730 - MOLEC MECHS TIS GROWTH & DIFFRN and EITHER
• MSCMP 3710 - CANCER BIOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS OR
• MSCMP 2740 - MOLECULAR PATHOBIOLOGY OR
• MSCMP 3790 - BASICS OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

Additionally we require at least 5 terms of:

• MSCMP 2750 - RESEARCH SEMINAR

As well as two electives of your choice

from either the above electives or from courses throughout the School of Medicine on diverse topics of interest to students such as the following CMP-sponsored courses (partial listing):

• MSCMP 3735 - EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX IN TISSUE BIOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
• MSCMP 3740 - STEM CELLS
• MSCMP 3750 - ANGIOGENESIS
• MSCMP 3770 - CELL THERAPY

 

 

Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (PhD)

The Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) graduate program provides an exciting and vigorous academic environment for highly motivated and qualified students to prepare for a rewarding career in biomedical research.  The MGDB program brings together faculty in both basic and translational sciences, including researchers from the Magee-Womens Research Institute, the Aging Institute, the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Department of Biological Sciences.  MGDB faculty are pursuing research projects that address fundamental, contemporary issues in biology and medicine using molecular genetic, genomic and computational tools in a spectrum of models from yeasts, worms, flies and mice to human studies.  MGDB research is centered at the cutting edge of evelopmental & Reproductive Biology, Geroscience & Aging Biology, Stem Cells & Regeneration, and DNA Damage & Repair. Our work has direct relevance to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, fertility/infertility, and age-related diseases and regenerative medicine. We are committed translating our bench discoveries to the bedside and graduate students are fully integrated in all aspects of our investigative work.

 

Core Courses

Apart from the general degree requirements for all Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science Graduate students, the following are core courses in the Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology program:

• MSMGDB 2525 - DEVELOPMENTAL MECHANISMS OF HUMAN DISEASE
• MSMGDB 2535 - MODEL ORGANISMS
• MSMGDB 2550 - RESEARCH SEMINAR
• INTBP 3240 - GRANT WRITING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

 

 

Molecular Pharmacology (PhD)

Biomedical research in the Molecular Pharmacology program is focused on cutting-edge discovery of molecular and cellular mechanisms of intracellular signaling using a combination of biochemical, molecular biological, biophysical, ultrastructural, and imaging approaches. Basic research into cellular communication in health and disease is the main emphasis of the program with the added advantage of an array of translational opportunities into the development and testing of novel therapeutic agents. Applications of this common theme are directed toward research in molecular biology of cancer, neuropharmacology, cell and organ system pharmacology, signal transduction, neurodegenerative diseases and drug discovery. Formal collaborative interactions with the Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the Center for Neuroscience, the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND), the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, the University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh Structural Biology Imaging Center, the Vascular Medicine Institute and the Center for Biological Imaging provide a broad multidisciplinary approach to training in modern molecular pharmacology.

 

Core Courses

Apart from the general degree requirements for all Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science Graduate students, the following are core courses in the molecular pharmacology program:

• INTBP 3240 - GRANT WRITING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
• MSMPHL 2310 - PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACOLOGY
• MSMPHL 3360 - MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY
• MSMPHL 2360 - BIOLOGY OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION
• MSMPHL 3310 - CANCER BIOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS
• OR
• MSMPHL 3375 - NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
• OR
• MSMPHL 2370 - DRUG DISCOVERY
• OR
• MSMPHL 3330 GENOME INSTABILITY AND HUMAN DISEASE

Additionally we require MSMPHL 2350 (F & Sp) 1 Cr. RESEARCH SEMINAR and MSMPHL 3320 (F & Sp) 1 Cr. JOURNAL CLUB

 

 

Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)

The Program in Microbiology and Immunology (PMI) is an innovative program in graduate education that is administered through the School of Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh. The program aims to train highly motivated PhD students as self-reliant scholars in an environment where they have ready access to the breadth of expertise, approaches and sub-disciplines of microbiology and immunology. Students in this program will gain broad knowledge of diverse fields within microbiology and immunology, which is supplemented by seminars, journal clubs and laboratory rotations. The program rapidly immerses students into a research environment, and mentors them to become independent and creative scientists.

PMI brings together faculty in basic and translational sciences, including researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Departments of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics and Immunology; Center for Vaccine Research; Microbiome Center), Magee-Women’s Research Institute, Rangos Research Center at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center (e.g. Cancer Virology and Cancer Immunology Programs).

Faculty research interests in the PMI can be broadly divided into the following areas:

• Autoimmunity
• Basic immunological mechanisms
• Bacteriology
• Cancer immunology
• Discovery and development of novel antimicrobial therapies
• Host-pathogen interactions
• Immunology of organ transplantation
• Innate Immunity
• Parasitology
• Viral and bacterial pathogenesis
• Virology

 

Contact Information

Director:

 

Associate Director:

 

Program Coordinators:

Program Website:

www.pmi.pitt.edu

 

 

Admission Requirements and Procedures

 

Students with at least a baccalaureate degree in biological or physical science or in mathematics, computer science or engineering are encouraged to apply. Admissions are based upon the student’s academic record, letters of recommendation, previous research experience, written statement of interest and a personal interview. Applicants who are citizens of countries where English is not the official language (and the Province of Quebec in Canada) are required to submit evidence of English Language proficiency by submitting the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper) or 100 (iBT), or IELTS score of at least 7.00 is required for admission to the Program. Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States are exempt from submitting English language proficiency test results.

Additional information and a link to the online application can be a found at https://www.pmi.pitt.edu/admissions

 

Financial Assistance

All full-time students receive a stipend, educational enrichment fund, computing and network service, and individual health insurance (with option to purchase additional family coverage) during their graduate training.

 

Degree Requirements

This is an accelerated program that provides the opportunity for students to complete their degrees in approximately 4-6 years. Students enter the program in the fall sessions and perform four research rotations during their first year. It is expected that four rotations of seven weeks each will be performed in different laboratories of members of the PMI training faculty, but there are several circumstances where the requirement for four rotations or laboratories might be relaxed. Additional information can be found in the Student Handbook on our website by clicking here.  

A minimum of 72 credits is required for graduation with a PhD. Of these, 32 credits must come from approved courses, both required and elective course work, and 40 of these credits are taken as dissertation research credits upon completing the comprehensive examination, to be held during the fall term of the second year and advancing to candidacy. Required course work includes the following:

• MSMI 2100 - FIRST PMI LABORATORY ROTATION and (taken during fall and spring terms of the first year)
• MSMI 2110 - SECOND PMI LABORATORY ROTATION (taken during fall and spring terms of the first year)
• MSMI 2000 - PRINCIPLES OF MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY (taken during the fall of the first year)
• MSMI 2200 - COMPREHENSIVE MICROBIOLOGY: MOLECULAR VIROLOGY & MOLECULAR PATHOGENESIS and/or(taken during fall and spring terms of the first year)
• MSMI 2210 - COMPREHENSIVE IMMUNOLOGY (taken during the spring of the first year)
• MSMI 2300 - SCIENTIFIC WRITING IN MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY (taken during the summer of the first year)
• MSMI 2350 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOSTATISTICS

(taken during the summer of the first year)

• INTBP 2290 - SCIENTIFIC ETHICS AND THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH (taken during the summer of the first year)
• MSMI 2460 - MICROBIOLOGY AND RELATED TOPICS SEMINAR SERIES (taken every fall and spring term from the second year through graduation)
• MSMI 3220 - CONTEMPORARY TOPICS - IMMUNOLOGY (taken during the fall and/or spring terms of the second and/or third years)
• MSMI 3230 - MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH IN PROGRESS (taken every fall and spring term from the second year through graduation)

OR

• MSMI 3240 - IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH IN PROGRESS (taken every fall and spring term from the second year through graduation)