Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the doctorate program in Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine emphasizes research training and closely mentored instruction within a human disease-focused framework. The program is designed to preapre our students for successful careers by training them as well-rounded scientists with a strong foundation of knowledge in research design, methodology, presentation, and the skills needed to compete for research funding.

One of the program’s main goals is to provide a contextual understanding of how basic and pre-clinical research relate to treatment and pathophysiology of disease. Courses are taught in small tutorial groups by members of the world-class Ph.D. and M.D. faculty of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Throughout the program, students will have both basic science and clinical research mentors. The Core Curriculum is divided into disease-focused units. Students will be taught both by clinicians who diagnose and treat the diseases, and by scientists who study their underlying mechanisms. Units will integrate biochemistry, immunology, genetics, and microbiology, underscoring their interrelationships in understanding the mechanisms of human disease.

Year 1

Entering students will be introduced to mentors and laboratories and will select three laboratories in which to rotate. Students will spend time in these laboratories familiarizing themselves with the research and the researchers. All students will also participate in a fourth rotation in which they are paired with clinical mentors and observe patient care and clinical research in a variety of clinical settings. At the end of the rotations, the students will select thesis mentors.

During the first year, all students will also complete the Core Curriculum and participate in ongoing workshops, seminars, and journal clubs.

Year 2

During the second year, students must successfully complete Oral and Qualifying Exams and participate in ongoing workshops, seminars, and journal clubs.

For the Oral Exam, students will be paired with research and clinical mentors to explore a topic related to the students’ interests and will prepare and present a research proposal that integrates basic and clinical research on the topic. Oral Exams will be assessed by an Oral Exam committee.

For the Qualifying Exam, students will select a thesis committee and prepare a proposal for their thesis research.

Years 3 & 4

This time is spent completing thesis research, writing and defending the student’s dissertation.

Students will meet regularly with their thesis advisory committees, and will participate in ongoing workshops, seminars, and journal clubs.