PMM Doctoral Program

Coursework

All students participate in a core curriculum of academic courses for the first year. This is comprised of a series of lectures and laboratories that encompass basic molecular and cellular biology and the molecular mechanisms of human disease. Additional elective coursework and two to three research laboratory rotations are tailored to the student's individual research interests. The student also has the option of participating in an industrial or government research entity.

Independent Research

At the beginning of the second year, students select a laboratory and begin work on their independent research project. A student may choose from approximately forty participating laboratories directed by faculty members that conduct research in the following general focus areas: Cardiovascular & Lipid Disorders, Digestive & Kidney Disease, Endocrine, Metabolic, & Bone Disorders, Hematology/Oncology and Immunology & Infectious Diseases.

Since an individual research project may span more than one focus area, the student's thesis committee will also recommend attendance at select clinical and research seminars in the focus area(s), which are likely to complement the student's research activities. The completion of all requirements for the Ph.D. degree generally takes five years.

Curriculum and Schedule