Basic Biomedical Sciences Core Course
To obtain the fundamental knowledge necessary to practice modern biomedical sciences and to lay the foundation for future research collaborations, all students pursuing a Ph.D. in the Basic Sciences are required to complete a series of core courses (Proteins, Genes, Cells) during the Fall semester. In the courses, students learn essential skills in:
- Designing experiments
- Interpreting experimental data
- Critically evaluating primary research literature
These courses also include instruction on the use of scientific databases.
Structure of Core Courses
These courses are delivered in multiple formats, including:
- Lectures
- Experimental design sessions
- Small group discussions
These courses are presented sequentially from August to December and are 2 credits each (6 total). Students begin advanced coursework in Spring semester. By the end of the second semester, students join a graduate program and choose a laboratory for their dissertation research.
Content of Core Courses
The core curriculum content is comprised of three major biological themes: Proteins, Genes, and Cells.
Proteins
Energetics of folding/stability; structure determination (NMR to CryoET to computational analyses); translation; degradation; enzyme mechanics and kinetics; ligand-binding and regulation; and systems biology.
Genes
Gene structure and evolution; genomics and bioinformatics; transcription; RNA types, methods and processing; model organisms (yeast to humans); DNA replication, repair and recombination; genotype/phenotype methods.
Cells
Cell structure; membrane biology; organelles (biogenesis, function, communication); signal transduction pathways; cytoskeleton; cell cycle; stem cells; and basics of microbiology, immunology and neurobiology.
