Graduate Students
Core Curriculum
To provide breadth of training in the biomedical sciences, each student takes core courses in the quantitative, molecular, cellular, and systems areas of the biomedical sciences. This requirement is met by taking a minimum of one core course (or equivalent substitute course) in each of the four core areas listed below.
Core Courses
Quantitative
Current Methods in Molecular Research I
Current Methods in Molecular Research II
Biomedical Statistics
Genetics and Human DiseaseMolecular
Metabolic Biochemistry
Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Eukaryotic Gene Expression
MOL395C Molecular Biology II (UT-Austin; GSBS students enroll via a cooperative program in GS000610, Special Project: Course)Cellular
Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Human Disease
Cancer Cell Signaling
Cell Biology
Immunology I
Histology (alternative course for students with demonstrated proficiency in cell biology)Systems
Molecular Principles of Virology
Cell and Systems Physiology
Cancer Biology
Developmental Biology
Experimental Genetics
Neuroscience
Molecular Pathology Program Requirements (satisfactory completion or demonstrated proficiency)
Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Human Disease
Seminars in the Molecular Basis of Human Cancer (2 semesters)
OR
Seminars in Experimental Pathology (2 semesters)
Advanced Courses (offered in addition to the core curriculum)
In addition to the courses named above, students are expected to choose an area of Pathology in which they will acquire a greater depth of expertise. Students are required to take 8 semester hours within one of the following areas of concentration: Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease; Immunopathology; Cellular and Molecular Pathology; Carcinogenesis and Structural Biology. Courses that fulfill these requirements include, but are not limited to, the following courses.
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics I
Medical Microbiology-Medical Bacteriology
Molecular Principles of Virology
Immunology I
Immunology II: Regulation of Immune Responses
Immunology III: Molecular Immunology
Cytokines and the Immune Response
Cellular Basis of Cardiac Function
The Molecular Basis of Programmed Cell Death
A complete list of courses for these areas of concentration may be obtained from the Program Director or the Office of Academic Affairs
All students take three 10-week laboratory tutorials (Tutorial Research Experience) during the first year. These tutorial are designed to provide the student with laboratory experience and exposure to research areas of study within the Program that the student may develop for his/her dissertation research. Students take at least 2 of the 3 tutorials with Molecular Pathology Program Faculty. Students entering with advanced degrees or substantial research experience may have one or more tutorials waived.
By the end of the second year, the student takes the Ph.D. Candidacy Examination and is formally advanced to candidacy. The final preparation of the student involves completion of an independent and original dissertation research project. The research is carried out under the supervision of a faculty advisor and supervisory committee. The student presents a public seminar and defends the dissertation before his/her supervisory committee as the final step in training.
