The PhD in Translational Biomedical Sciences curriculum requires a minimum of 98 units completed across pre-candidacy and post-candidacy phases.
The program combines core biomedical science, translational research methods, laboratory rotations, scientific communication, regulatory science, business training, electives and dissertation research.
Curriculum Components
- Required didactic coursework: 41 units
- Research coursework, including journal clubs and research-in-progress seminars: 48 units
- Specialized electives aligned with the student’s research interests: 9 units
- Minimum total units: 98
Pre-Candidacy Coursework
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- MBS 500 Medical Biochemistry (3)
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- MBS 530 Translational Research Methods (3)
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- MBS 540 Ethical Conduct in Medicine and Science (2)
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- TBS 600 Introduction to Graduate Studies (0)
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- TBS 610 Translational Laboratory Rotation I (3)
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- TBS 605 Cellular and Molecular Biology (3)
- MBS 510 Physiological Basis of Health and Disease (3)
- MBS 550 Medical Genetics and Epigenetics (3)
- TBS 606 Cellular and Molecular Laboratory Techniques (3)
- MBS 560 Scientific Communication I (2)
- TBS 611 Translational Laboratory Rotation II (3)
- TBS 620 Biostatistics (3)
- TBS 612 Translational Laboratory Rotation III or elective (3)
- MBS 595 Graduate Seminar in Health Disparities (2)
- MBS 561 Scientific Communication II Grant Writing (2)
- TBS 645 Introduction to Quality and Regulatory Sciences or elective (3)
- MBS 545 Advanced Human Anatomy and Development (3)
- TBS elective (3)
- TBS 700 Dissertation Research Laboratory I (6)
- TBS 701 Dissertation Research Laboratory II (6)
- TBS 660 Introduction to Translational Bioinformatics (3)
- TBS elective (3)
- TBS 702 Dissertation Research Laboratory III (6)
- TBS 720 Business in Translational Biomedical Sciences (3)
- TBS 612 Translational Laboratory Rotation III
- TBS 650 Experimental Pharmacology
- TBS 651 Stem Cells and Regenerative Therapies
- TBS 711 Clinical Research
- TBS 712 Microbial Pathogenesis
- TBS 713 Immune Systems
- TBS 714 Neuroscience and Therapeutics
- TBS 715 Mechanisms of Cancer Development and Therapeutics
- TBS 716 Public Health Epidemiology and Social Determinants of Health
Qualifying Examination and Dissertation Proposal
At the end of the fifth semester, students complete a qualifying examination with two components:
- Written component: preparation of an NIH R21-style research grant proposal
- Oral component: presentation and defense of the proposal
In the sixth semester, students submit a dissertation proposal outlining the project’s aims, literature review and overall research design for review by the dissertation committee.
Post-Candidacy Research
After advancing to candidacy, students enroll in six units of dissertation research each fall and spring. The standard four-year pathway includes TBS 703 through TBS 706. A fifth year, when needed, continues with TBS 707 and TBS 708.
Timeline and Milestones
Students progress from foundational coursework and laboratory rotations to candidacy, independent dissertation research and a public dissertation defense. The sequence below represents the expected pathway; individual timelines may vary by research progress and program approval.
| Stage | Term | Primary activities & Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Year One: Pre-Candidacy | Fall | Core coursework & Laboratory Rotation I |
| Spring | Core coursework & Laboratory Rotation II | |
| Summer | Coursework, Laboratory Rotation III or an elective, and preparation for dissertation research | |
| Year Two: Pre-Candidacy | Fall | Coursework, elective study and Dissertation Research Laboratory I |
| Spring | Dissertation Research Laboratory II, coursework and qualifying examination | |
| Summer | Dissertation Research Laboratory III, business training, dissertation proposal and oral defense, and application for candidacy | |
| Year Three: Post-Candidacy | Fall & Spring | Dissertation Research Laboratories IV and V; scientific conference participation |
| Year Four: Post-Candidacy | Fall & Spring | Dissertation Research Laboratories VI and VII; dissertation preparation, committee review and public defense |
| Year Five (if needed) | Fall & Spring | Continued dissertation research and completion of dissertation requirements |
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