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 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences, a course that lays the foundation in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. They then proceed to basic courses in Pharmacology, followed by more advanced specialized training. Additional credit hours of elective courses are available, and are generally geared to meet the individual 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.

Curriculum

For additional information please visit the KCC PhD Programs at Jefferson Pulse. Click on the Organizations tab at the top of the screen, type KCC into the Organization Search box on the left and click "go" for guest access to the KCC PhD Programs website.