Program Structure

The Program is focused on research training which begins in the first year as rotations in different laboratories and continues as the student begins potential thesis projects in a chosen mentor's laboratory. The Ph.D. thesis research involves meaningful, critical thinking and the execution of ideas in the laboratory through the use of sound scientific method. Students are guided by their mentors and a selected thesis research committee, that meets on a routine basis throughout the training experience.

In the first year of the program, students complete a Biomedical CORE course that lays the foundation in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. They then proceed to basic courses in Immunology and Microbiology, followed by more advanced specialized training with an emphasis in either Immunology or Microbial Pathogenesis. Additional credit hours of elective courses are available, and are generally geared to meet the specific needs of students as they move into the specific areas of their thesis research. Course requirements are completed by the end of the 2nd year and students spend an average of another 2-3 years to complete their individual thesis projects. Throughout their experience, students take part in weekly journal clubs, attend seminars, and have many opportunities to present and discuss their work with both faculty and students at TJU and at national scientific meetings.

Required Core Courses:

• Foundations in Biomedical Sciences GC 550
• Fundamentals of Immunology IMP 505A and IMP 505B
• Microbiology IMP 600
• Research Rotations IMP 601, 610, 620, 630 (3 required)

Required Advanced Courses in IMP:

• Advanced Cellular Immunology IMP 631
• Advanced Topics in Virology and Neurovirology IMP 685
  (Offered in even years: ’08, ’10, etc.)
• Immunopathology IMP 623
• Molecular Immunology IMP 632
• Advanced Topics in Microbial Pathogenesis IMP 655
  (Offered in odd years: ’09, ’11, etc.)

Other Required Courses:

• Current Literature IMP 712, 722, 732, each semester
• Research Ethics GC 640
• Statistical Methods GC 660
• Planning and Writing Research Grant GC 730
• Dissertation Research IMP 910, 920, 930, each semester

Some Suggested Electives:

• Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – Metabolism BI 535
• Developmental Biology – Embryology CB 615
• Mechanisms of Development CB 625
• Topics in Bioinformatics GC 633
• Genetics of Model Organisms GE 612
• Regulation of Cell Cycle & Apoptosis GE 636
• Advanced Human Genetics GE 637
• Pathobiology of Cancer GE 651
• Molecular Basis of Cancer GE 652
• Introduction to Neuroscience NS 700
• Cell and Molecular Neuroscience NS 715
• Molecular Pharmacology PR 680

For additional information please visit the KCC PhD Programs at Jefferson Pulse.