Biomedical Sciences

About BMS

The UCSD Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program provides a multidisciplinary approach to modern life sciences, drawing on faculty expertise from several departments and programs in the School of Medicine and affiliated institutions. First year students take a core curriculum that covers both fundamental aspects and current advances in cell and molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and immunology and take laboratory rotations in preparation for selecting a thesis laboratory. Advanced training activities to enhance thesis research are provided in elective courses, journal clubs, and research-related events organized through Advanced Training Tracks, Focus Areas, or customized programs of study.

2007-2008 Guidelines for Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Training Tracks and Focus Areas?

To train creative, independent research scientists poised to tackle fundamental questions in biomedical research in the post-genomic era the Biomedical Sciences Program offers a flexible system of advanced training options.

Training Tracks in Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology, Molecular Cell Biology, Molecular Pharmacology, Molecular Pathology and Physiology provide a complete training program in each of these areas of specialization. Each training track has its own curriculum that builds from the first year core courses and includes advanced training activities, including seminar and journal clubs to facilitate detailed discussion of literature relevant to each field. Students who either do not wish to specialize in one of these areas or who seek subspecialty training may form a Custom Track in consultation with the faculty.

Focus areas are less structured programs of study designed to bridge or complement the Training Tracks while fulfilling all of the Biomedical Sciences training requirements. Students may design a Custom Track by choosing elective courses in one or more Focus Area: Bioinformatics, Cancer Biology, Developmental Biology, Glycobiology, Molecular Endocrinology, Neurobiologyand Structural and Chemical Biology . Students may also customize their training independent of Tracks or Focus Areas in consultation with the faculty.

What is the ratio of students to faculty?

Currently, there are approximately 160 graduate students and 145 faculty. Biomedical Sciences is a multi-departmental and multi-institutional program, including faculty in the School of Medicine, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, the San Diego Supercomputer Center ,Burnham Institute and the neighboring Salk Institute. The faculty are recognized nationally and internationally as authorities in their fields and the program is known as one of the best in the country.

Where are the graduates of the program?

As of June, 2007, three hundred thirty-nine students have graduated from the program with Ph.D. degrees. Our graduates are competitive in a variety of professional settings, particularly as academicians, members of research institutes, and as researchers and administrators in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Do I receive a stipend?

All students in good standing in the program receive full financial support including tuition, fees, health insurance, and a stipend throughout their Ph.D. training. Sources of support are NIH training grants, university fellowships, individual research fellowships and research grants. Because of the changing economy, the stipend has been increasing continually. The stipend for 2007-08 is $26,500. Students who receive outside fellowships are eligible for supplemental awards in recognition of their achievement."

How do I apply?

The application procedure can be initiated online by clicking on the application link. Invitations for interviews are generally issued between January and March, with offers finalized by the end of March. All graduate programs require a commitment to a particular program by April 15th. For questions or comments regarding this site, please contact us at biomedsci@ucsd.edu.




		May 17, 2008
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			Genetics and Genomics Microbiology/Immunology Molecular Cell Biology Molecular Pathology Molecular Pharmacology Physiology Focus Areas and Custom Option M.D./Ph.D. Program

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