School of Medicine—Graduate Programs
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has a long tradition of research excellence and training by world-class faculty committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. It offers a variety of programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy, the Master of Science, or a certificate. In addition, it works with other schools of the University through collaborative graduate programs. The School of Medicine offers an MD program, described in the professional section of this bulletin. It also offers a joint MD/PhD program enabling exceptionally able students to earn both degrees simultaneously.
Contact Information
- Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
- 524 Scaife Hall
- 412-648-8957
- Fax: 412-648-1977
- www.medschool.pitt.edu/grad/grad.asp
The biomedical informatics program provides training in knowledge-based systems and medical artificial intelligence; simulation and modeling of complex phenomena; information retrieval, problem solving, and cognition; system evaluation, social/organization factors, and health services research; machine learning, data mining, and knowledge discovery; and enterprise computing, integrated architectures, and clinical and biomedical application of the Internet and organization and representation of multimedia biomedical information (text and images).
This program offers both master’s and doctoral degrees. Most students choose to follow a general course of study in biomedical informatics; some, however, elect a specialization in one of the following areas: bioinformatics, dental informatics, health services research, or biosurveillance/infectious disease informatics. The specific curricula for the specializations, which are variations of the general course of study in biomedical informatics, can be found on the Training Program Web site at www.cbmi.pitt.edu.
Individuals who want a less intensive exposure to informatics may seek a 15-credit certificate in lieu of an academic degree. The biomedical informatics certificate can be a means of augmenting professional training in fields related to informatics and/or fulfilling educational needs associated with a professional position. Trainees across all health professions are welcome.
Contact Information
- Cleat Szczepaniak
- Communications and Training Coordinator
- 8094 Forbes Tower
- 412-647-7131
- Fax: 412-647-7190
- E-mail: cleat@cbmi.pitt.edu
Degree Requirements
In addition to School of Medicine requirements, all University requirements as detailed in the Regulations Pertaining to Graduate Study at the University of Pittsburgh section of this document apply.
MS Degree
Credits: The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics requires a minimum of 36 credits consisting of required biomedical informatics core (4–7 credits); required computational competency (6 credits); biomedical informatics distribution (12 credits minimum); electives (6 or more credits); and research methods (8 or more credits including BIOINF 2480: Master’s Thesis/Project Research).
All required courses must be taken for a letter grade, with the exception of the Journal Clubs/Colloquiums and some independent and/or dissertation studies (to be determined by faculty advisors). A minimum “B” grade is required in all graduate courses.
Research Project or Thesis: A key element of the program is a research project with two key deliverables: (1) the writing and submission of a paper of publishable quality based upon the research and (2) the completion of an oral examination on its contents. A master’s project committee will oversee the student’s research progress, including the oral comprehensive examination. Students have the option of developing their projects into a formal master’s thesis.
Successful completion of the oral examination on the research project satisfies the comprehensive examination requirement of the University's Committee on Graduate Studies. Final certification of the completion of the master's degree requires submission of the hard copy of the master's research project to the program coordinator.
PhD Degree
Credits: To earn the PhD degree in biomedical informatics, a student must complete a program of study approved by a committee of biomedical informatics faculty. This program must include a minimum of 72 credits; successful completion of a written preliminary evaluation followed by an oral exam; an MS-level research project involving significant research, design, or development work and a written report; successful completion of a doctoral comprehensive examination composed by a doctoral committee; and 18 or more credits of research work leading to an acceptable dissertation. All required courses must be taken for a letter grade, with the exception of the Journal Clubs/Colloquiums and some independent and/or dissertations studies (to be determined by the faculty advisors). A minimum “B” grade is required in all graduate courses.
Admission to Candidacy/Dissertation: To qualify for admission to candidacy, a student must have completed formal coursework with a 3.3 GPA or higher, successfully completed the master’s level project, passed the comprehensive examination, and received approval of the proposed subject and plan for the dissertations from their dissertation committee following a prospectus meeting. The dissertation committee usually includes the principal dissertation advisor and four additional University graduate faculty (a majority of the committee must be biomedical informatics core faculty).
An appropriate dissertation project involves a substantive piece of original and independent biomedical informatics research, grounded in an appropriate mode of literature and providing a significant contribution to the field. The dissertation must be successfully defended in a public oral defense. The dissertation process will follow the applicable regulations and procedures of the University and the School of Medicine, as described in the Regulations Pertaining to Doctoral Degrees section of this document.
Certificate in Biomedical Informatics
The biomedical informatics certificate is a 15-credit (minimum) experience. The curriculum of all students in this program will have the following general structure:
| BIOINF 2011 |
Introduction to Biomedical Informatics |
3 credits |
|
Informatics Distribution |
9 credits |
BIOINF 2031/
BIOINF 2032 |
Biomedical Informatics Colloquium/Journal Club |
1 credit |
| BIOINF 2480 |
Research Project |
2–3 credits |
Research Project: The research project should be summarized in a report commensurate with its scope, one copy of which must be submitted to the training program coordinator after approval by the student’s research advisor.
Additional Requirements for Master’s, Doctoral, and Certificate Students in Biomedical Informatics
Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research: This Web-based set of instructions and evaluation modules may be accessed at http://rpf.health.pitt.edu/rpf.
Attendance at and participation in the Center for Biomedical Informatics’ invited lectures, symposia, conferences, etc. (e.g., The Annual Lindberg Lecture, the IAIMS Retreat, and particularly the Annual Training Program Retreat). Such lectures are considered important educational experiences, as well as introducing students to primary researchers and their work in the field of biomedical informatics.
Clinician Educator Training Program (CETP)
This program is designed for a diverse group of individuals whose career focus is medical education and clinical teaching. These include fellows and faculty in general medicine, subspecialty medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, and psychiatry. The CETP offers both a master’s degree and a certificate in medical education.
Contact Information
- Tammy Dennis
- Coordinator of Student Services
- Institute of Clinical Research Education
- 200 Meyran Ave, Room 302
- Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- 412-692-2686
- Fax: 412-586-9672
- www.crhc.pitt.edu/cetp
Admissions Criteria:
- U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents.
- Completion of the MD, DDS, DMD, DC, OD, ND, PharmD, PhD, or DNS degree.
- A high level of interest and potential for the pursuit of long-term career focus in teaching and leadership positions in medical education programs.
Degree Requirements
In addition to School of Medicine requirements, all University requirements pertaining to the master’s degree apply as detailed in the Regulations Governing Graduate Study at the University of Pittsburgh.
The degree requires completion of a minimum of 30 credits including the core curriculum, required elective courses, and a thesis or substantive research project.
Credits: Required courses include MEDEDU 2100 (2 credits), MEDEDU 2110 (2 credits), MEDEDU 2140 (1 credit), MEDEDU 2080, MEDEDU 2120 (1 credit), MEDEDU 2130 (1 credit), BCHS 3002 (2 credits), MEDEDU 2150 (1 credit), MEDEDU 2005 (1 credit), MEDEDU 2010 (3 credits), MEDEDU 2020 (4 credits) MEDEDU 2040 (1 credit), and MEDEDU 2160 (1 credit).
Thesis or Substantive Research Project: Three credits will be awarded for the project. The project must satisfy the following requirements: (1) be primarily independent work by the trainee, (2) be reported to the respective sponsoring faculty in written form, and (3) form the basis for a comprehensive review of competence by a committee of at least three training faculty recommended by the major advisor and approved by the program director. The four standard mechanisms for the project are:
- Formal curriculum development project: A candidate may submit a formal curriculum development project, including the planning or completion of a needs assessment, implementation of the curriculum, and evaluation and feedback.
- Peer-reviewed manuscript: A candidate may elect to write one first-author manuscript related to the trainee’s research project in medical education or curriculum development, as evidence of independent work. The manuscript must represent original work and meet the submission requirements of peer-reviewed journals.
- A standard thesis: A candidate may elect to write a master’s thesis in his or her field of specialty. A thesis produced under this option must conform to all applicable university policies regarding theses (visit http://www.pitt.edu/~graduate/etd for details on submitting theses electronically).
- A grant proposal for an R01, K-award, or equivalent award: A junior faculty candidate may elect to write an R01 or equivalent research proposal on which he or she is the principal investigator and to submit this proposal as evidence of his or her ability to plan and conduct independent research in the area of medical education.
The certificate in medical education requires the completion of 15 credits, including MEDEDU 2100 (2 credits), MEDEDU 2140 (1 credit), MEDEDU 2130 (1 credit), MEDEDU 2220 (1 credit), and MEDEDU 2230 (2 credits).
Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP)
Funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP) aims to teach trainees the skills necessary to design and conduct high quality clinical research involving human subjects. The program offers an eight-week intensive summer program that immerses the trainee (mostly physicians) in didactic and experiential components of all of the core courses. The CRTP offers a certificate and a Master of Science in Clinical Research.
Contact Information
- Tammy Dennis
- Coordinator of Student Services
- Institute of Clinical Research Education
- 200 Meyran Ave, Room 302
- Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- 412-692-2686
- Fax: 412-586-9672
- www.crhc.pitt.edu/cetp
Admissions Criteria
- U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents.
- Completion of the MD, DDS, DMD, DC, OD, ND, PharmD, PhD, or DNS degree.
- A high level of interest and potential for the pursuit of innovative clinical research as a major career focus.
- Preference will be given to candidates in departments or programs assuring 50–75 percent protected time for at least two years.
Degree Requirements
In addition to School of Medicine requirements, all University requirements pertaining to the master’s degree apply as detailed in the Regulations Governing Graduate Study at the University of Pittsburgh.
The degree requires completion of a minimum of 30 credits including the core curriculum, required and elective courses in one of the specialty tracks, and a thesis or substantive research project.
Credit Requirements:
Core Curriculum Courses: CLRES 2005 (1 credit), CLRES 2010 (3 credits), CLRES 2020 (4 credits), CLRES 2040 (1 credit), CLRES 2050 (1 credit), CLRES 2071 (3 credits), and CLRES 2072 (2 credits).
Specialty Track Required Courses: This requirement includes 7 credits in clinical trials research, 10 credits in effectiveness, outcomes, and quality research, and 9 credits in epidemiology.
Thesis or Substantive Research Project: The substantive project must satisfy the following requirements: (1) be primarily independent, (2) be reported to a specialty track faculty member in written form, and (3) form the basis for a comprehensive review of competence by a committee of a specialty track. Three mechanisms for the substantive project are:
- A standard thesis: A candidate may elect to write a master’s thesis in his or her field of specialty. A thesis produced under this option must conform to all applicable university policies regarding theses (visit http://www.pitt.edu/~graduate/etd for details on submitting theses electronically) and must be defended before a CRTP review committee (described below).
- A grant proposal for an R01, K-award, or equivalent award: A junior faculty candidate may elect to write an R01 or equivalent research proposal on which he or she is the principal investigator and to submit this proposal as evidence of his or her ability to plan and conduct independent research in the area of medical education. To serve as the substanative project for the master’s degree, such a proposal must be reviewed and approved by an appropriate scientific review committee from the candidate’s department. It must also be reviewed and approved by a CRTP review committee (described below).
- Two manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals: A candidate may elect to write two first-author manuscripts related to his or her research project and to submit these manuscripts as evidence of independent work. The manuscripts must be original research papers of the type submitted to peer-reviewed journals. Both manuscripts must be reviewed and approved by a CRTP review committee.
Comprehensive Examination: The product of one of the three research project options above must be reviewed and defended before a committee of the training faculty. This committee shall consist of the trainee’s mentor, a member of the program-training faculty and an ad hoc member of the faculty.
The Certificate in Clinical Research can be earned two different ways: the traditional pathway and the alternative pathway. The traditional certificate is awarded after completion of the core curriculum courses and the longitudinal seminars (a total of 15 credits) and the alternative certificate is awarded after the completion of the core curriculum courses, the ethics seminar and 5 additional credits approved by the Core Curriculum Director or Program Director (a minimum of 15 credits).
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science Graduate Program
Students may be admitted into 7 PhD degree-granting programs in the School of Medicine or the School of Arts and Sciences through the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science Graduate Program. These programs include:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology
- Immunology
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Molecular Virology and Microbiology
- Neuroscience (Neurobiology)
Students will not be admitted to pursue the master’s degree. However, master’s degree programs are available in each of the programs leading to the doctoral degree. Students who cannot complete the PhD program for personal, financial, academic, or medical reasons may be awarded the master’s degree.
These programs are described in more detail below. Students who are primarily interested in studying neuroscience also have the option of applying through the Center for Neuroscience Training Program, an interschool program that is described below.
The Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science Graduate Program is flexible and accommodates students whose research interests are still evolving by introducing them to a variety of fields through interdisciplinary courses and laboratory experiences. For those students who have a clearly defined research interest, the program offers the opportunity to move quickly into the laboratory and accelerate their study.
Contact Information
- Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
- 524 Scaife Hall
- 412-648-8957
- Fax: 412-648-1077
- E-mail: gradstudies@medschool.pitt.edu
- www.gradbiomed.pitt.edu
Academic Standards
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in courses. In addition, a minimum of a B grade must be earned in each of the required courses and in each of the degree-granting program core courses.
General Degree Requirements—All Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science Students
The first term core course, Foundations of Biomedical Science, is required of all students and is followed by increasingly specialized course work in the program the student has chosen. A course in statistics and a course in research ethics are also required of all students. The first year includes three laboratory research rotations. (See listing of Required Courses below.) Students are guided through their first year of graduate study by a faculty mentor assigned by the program.
The mentor helps to identify rotation laboratories, provides advice on classes, and ensures that students reach appropriate milestones in the first year of the program. At the end of the first year, a preliminary student performance evaluation is conducted by the Program Steering Committee. When a student has successfully completed the preliminary evaluation and chosen a dissertation advisor, the student transfers into one of the degree-granting programs.
Evaluation following the first year is undertaken by the degree-granting program and includes course performance and a comprehensive exam at the end of the second year of study. The comprehensive exam is in the form of an original research proposal followed by an oral examination before a faculty committee composed of three program training faculty members with one appointed as chair. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive exam, the student presents a dissertation proposal to a dissertation advisory committee and is admitted to candidacy. The training program is completed by execution of an original and independent research project and defending a dissertation. Please see Regulations Pertaining to Doctoral Degrees.
Required Courses—All Students
The following courses are required of all students in the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science Program:
INTBP 2000 Foundations of Biomedical Sciences Lecture, INTBP 2005 Foundations of Biomedical Sciences Conference, INTBP 2020 Introduction to Statistical Methods, INTBP 2290 Scientific Ethics, and INTBP 2010 Laboratory Research Rotation. A minimum of 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree is required for the PhD degree.
The program in biochemistry and molecular genetics provides an exceptionally exciting and vigorous academic environment for training in modern biomedical research. The program brings together faculty from both the basic and clinical sciences, including researchers at the Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh Genetics Institute, and the Pittsburgh Center for Human Gene Therapy, who are committed to developing careers of young scientists and are engaged in intensive research in areas such as cancer, diseases of the nervous system, autoimmune diseases, AIDS and other viral diseases, and muscular dystrophies. These research interests can be broadly divided into six major areas: molecular mechanisms of gene expression and signal transduction; gene therapy; molecular genetics of inherited neuromuscular diseases; oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes; cell cycle control and DNA replication; and protein structure-function analysis.
Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Core Courses
The following are core courses in the biochemistry and molecular genetics program: MSBMG 2520 Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics, MSBMG 2510 Biochemistry of Macromolecules, and MSBMG 2550 Research in Progress Seminar.
The program in cell biology and physiology has a rich tradition of scientific training and discovery. For example, members of this program were first to identify the hormonal mechanisms that regulate the female menstrual cycle. Graduates of the PhD program are now chairs of departments at six major U.S. medical schools. Today, the program brings together basic and clinical research faculty who are dedicated to their research programs and to the training of students. Among the medical school departments, this faculty is uniquely focused on integrative biology: using the tools of genetics and molecular biology to understand the integrated functions of cells and organisms in the era following description of the human genome. The program is home to the Center for Biological Imaging, a world-class, state-of-the-art imaging center. Through this unique facility, advances in laser confocal microscopy, live cell multicolor fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy, and computer-assisted image processing have facilitated University-wide research efforts and collaborations. Areas of research interests in the program include genetic disorders of ion channels, regulation of gene expression during development, membrane traffic of proteins and lipids, signal transduction in diabetes, and neuroendocrine control of reproduction.
Cell Biology and Physiology Core Courses
The following are the core courses for the cell biology and physiology program: MSCBMP 2830 Cell and Molecular Physiology, MSCBMP 2880 Cell Biology of Normal and Disease States, MSCBMP 2840 Regulations of Membrane Traffic, and MSCBMP 3810 Integrative Genomic Approaches to Sys Bio.
The cellular and molecular pathology program offers exciting and unique opportunities within the biomedical sciences. The program combines both basic science and clinical research to explore fundamental questions related to the biology of normal tissue growth and development, tissue engineering, as well as the cellular and molecular pathways leading to disease in human and animal models. Active research programs investigate diverse topics such as liver development, disease and transplantation, developmental neuroscience and neurological diseases, mechanisms of gene regulation, cancer biology, angiogenesis, pulmonary disease, inflammation and autoimmunity, genetics, bioinformatics, and molecular diagnostics. Research laboratories are located throughout the medical center campus and research studies involve both basic research scientists (PhD's) and clinican scientists (MD/PhD's).
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Core Courses (MD/PhD's)
| The following are core courses for the cellular and molecular pathology program: |
| |
| MSCMP 2730 |
Molecular Mechanisms of Tissue Growth and Differentiation |
| MSCMP 3710 |
Cancer Biology and Therapeutics |
| MSCMP 2740 |
Pathobiology of Disease |
The immunology program focuses on six areas of research: cancer immunology, transplantation immunology, infectious disease immunology, autoimmunity, immunology of lung diseases, and basic immunologic mechanisms. Cancer immunology studies include tumor antigen discovery and presentation, in vivo vaccination strategies to develop safe and effective treatments for cancer, and the search for underlying genetic or biochemical defects that lead to cell transformation and tumorigenesis that may also influence tumor immunogenicity. These studies emphasize intracellular signal transduction, programmed cell death, and oncogene function. Transplantation immunology concentrates on weakening the immune response to allow foreign organ and tissue transplants. Program members focus on the basic biology of immune cell non-reactivity (tolerance) to foreign organs and tissues, as well as on the use of new immunomodulatory drugs to promote transplant acceptance without endangering patients' abilities to resist infections.
Studies of the immune response to infectious disease focus on mechanisms the immune system uses to eliminate viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections as well as the immune evasion mechanisms employed by pathogens. Investigation of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosis, and type-1 diabetes involve detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying the autoimmune response and of the development of novel therapeutic and preventive measures for these often-fatal diseases.
Immunology of lung diseases studies both basic mechanisms of dendritic cell maturation and their influence on T-cell differentiation and the relevance of these interactions in disease second in tolerance. Some foci of basic immunologic mechanisms include cell and organ development and homeostasis, cellular activation and inactivation signaling cascades, and the use of gene therapy to modulate immune responses.
Immunology Core Courses
The following are core courses in immunology: MSIMM 2210 Comprehensive Immunology, MSIMM 2230 Experimental Basis of Immunology, MSIMM 3220 Contemporary Topics in Immunology, and MSIMM 3230 Immunology and Human Disease.
The program is focused on molecular and cellular mechanisms of intracellular signaling using a combination of biochemical, molecular biological, biophysical, ultra structural, and imaging approaches. Basic information on cellular communication in health and disease provides the basis for the development and testing of novel therapeutic agents. Applications of this common theme are directed toward research in drug discovery, cancer, pharmacology, signal transduction, neurodegenerative diseases, and cell and organ system pharmacology. Formal interactions with the Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the Center for Neuroscience, the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND), the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, the Drug Discovery Program, and the Center for Biological Imaging provide a broad multidisciplinary approach to training in modern molecular pharmacology.
Molecular Pharmacology Core Courses
The following are core courses in the molecular pharmacology program: MSPHL 2310 Principles of Pharmacology, MSPHL 3360 Molecular Pharmacology, MSMPHL 2360 Biology of Signal Transduction and either MSPHL 3310 Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, or MSPHL 3370 Neuropharmacology.
The molecular virology and microbiology program faculty address a diverse array of contemporary issues ranging from elucidation of the molecular mechanisms governing pathogen-host interactions to the epidemiology underlying infectious diseases. Research topics include the study of gene expression, mechanisms of persistence and pathogenesis, the host immune response, and molecular-based strategies to combat infectious disease. As a result, students in the program gain a comprehensive interdisciplinary background in modern molecular virology and microbiology with a strong underpinning in molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry. This program acts as a network to coordinate and promote collaborative basic and clinical advancement of microbiology and virology, enabling transfer of new ideas and technologies among faculty laboratories to the clinical arena.
Molecular Virology and Microbiology Core Courses
The following are core courses in molecular virology and microbiology: MSMVM 2410 Molecular Virology, MSMVM 3410 Microbial Pathogenesis, MSMVM 2470 Contemporary Topics, and MSMVM 2450 Research Seminar.
The Center for Neuroscience (CNUP) Training Program is an interschool PhD program offered cooperatively by the School of Medicine and the School of Arts and Sciences. Students receive a PhD either in neurobiology through the School of Medicine or in neuroscience through the School of Arts and Sciences depending on the school of primary appointment of their dissertation advisor.
Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system, especially the brain. The field has emerged during the past two decades as a separate discipline, much as biochemistry and endocrinology became separate disciplines within the biomedical sciences in earlier decades. By now, the study of mind and brain is arguably the most exciting scientific enterprise of our time.
Understanding the nervous system provides key insights into human nature as well as treatments for a host of devastating neurologic and psychiatric disorders. This program introduces students to the fundamental issues and experimental approaches in neuroscience and trains them in the theory and practice of laboratory research.
The CNUP is a campus-wide organization that promotes research and related academic activities in the large neuroscience community, and it is important to note that a major feature of the program is the extensive collaborative interactions among its faculty.
For additional information on CNUP, contact the program coordinator at E1448 Biomedical Science Tower, Phone: 412-648-9537, Fax: 412-648-1441, E-mail: blaney@brain.bns.pitt.edu, or visit the Web site: http://cnup.neurobio.pitt.edu/graduate.cfm.
Degree Requirements
The minimal requirements established by the Graduate Faculty of the University, as described under General Academic Regulations, should be read in conjunction with program-specific degree requirements described in the following sections.
The requirements for the PhD degree in neuroscience include the following required course work:
MSNBIO/
NROSCI 2100 |
Cell and Molecular Neurobiology 1 (4 cr.) |
MSNBIO/
NROSCI 2101 |
Cell and Molecular Neurobiology 2 (4 cr.) |
| and |
|
MSNBIO/
NROSCI 2102 |
Systems Neurobiology (6 cr.) |
| INTBP 2020 or BIOS 2041 |
Intro to Statistical Methods 1 (2 cr.) |
| MSNBIO/NROSCI 2010 |
Scientific Ethics (1 cr.) |
In addition to University requirements for graduate degrees, students are also required to pass a reprint exam following their first year of study, to obtain research experience in at least two separate laboratories (either done initially as research rotations or later as a research apprenticeship) and to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one term (or course).
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science Graduate Program Faculty
Joint Program in Computational Biology
Information on this program is not available at ths time. Contact the academic center for details.
Molecular Biophysics
Information on this program is not available at ths time. Contact the academic center for details.
Center for Neuroscience Training Program (CNUP)
The Center for Neuroscience (CNUP) Training Program is an interschool PhD program offered cooperatively by the School of Medicine and the School of Arts and Sciences. Students receive a PhD either in neurobiology through the School of Medicine or in neuroscience through the School of Arts and Sciences depending on the school of primary appointment of their dissertation advisor.
Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system, especially the brain. The field has emerged during the past two decades as a separate discipline, much as biochemistry and endocrinology became separate disciplines within the biomedical sciences in earlier decades. By now, the study of mind and brain is arguably the most exciting scientific enterprise of our time.
Understanding the nervous system provides key insights into human nature as well as treatments for a host of devastating neurologic and psychiatric disorders. This program introduces students to the fundamental issues and experimental approaches in neuroscience and trains them in the theory and practice of laboratory research.
The CNUP is a campus-wide organization that promotes research and related academic activities in the large neuroscience community, and it is important to note that a major feature of the program is the extensive collaborative interactions among its faculty.
For additional information on CNUP, contact the program coordinator at E1448 Biomedical Science Tower, Phone: 412-648-9537, Fax: 412-648-1441, E-mail: blaney@brain.bns.pitt.edu, or visit the Web site: http://cnup.neurobio.pitt.edu/graduate.cfm.
Program in Integrative Molecular Biology
PIMB is an innovative program in graduate training that rapidly immerses students into a research environment, then mentors them to become independent scientific practitioners, skilled not only in the art of technical execution but in the creative thinking required to address important questions in molecular biology. PIMB is an interschool Ph.D. program offered cooperatively by the School of Medicine and the School of Arts and Sciences. Students receive a Ph.D. in Integrative Molecular Biology.
Molecular Biology is a field of study that has emerged during the last two decades as a separate discipline that focuses on the study of the molecules that comprise living systems. The goal of PIMB is to utilize all of our available resources to create a training and research environment to answer challenging questions of fundamental importance in the life and biomedical sciences. The PIMB faculty are drawn from cellular, developmental, and molecular biologists across the University of Pittsburgh campus and are distributed between two research foci:
- Genomics, Proteomics, and Gene Function
- Cellular and Developmental Biology
Contact Information:
- Program in Integrative Molecular Biology
- Graduate Studies Office
- 524 Scaife Hall
- University of Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh, PA 15261-0001
- Telephone: 412-648-8957
- Fax: 412-648-8957
- E-mail: PIMBinfo@medschool.pitt.edu
- http://www.pimb.pitt.edu
Admission Requirements and Procedures:
Requirements for admission include a baccalaureate degree from a natural science, physical science, or engineering program, a grade point average of 3.7 (on a scale of 4), combined average GRE scores (Quantitative and Verbal sections) greater than the 80th percentile, scores from a GRE subject test, and three letters of recommendation.
International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score at least 650 (paper) or 280 (computer).
Additional information and a link to the online application can be found at http://www.pimb.pitt.edu/admissions.php
Financial Assistance:
All full-time students receive a stipend, educational enrichment fund, computing and network service, and individual health insurance (with option to purchase additional family coverage) during their graduate training.
Degree Requirements:
Ph.D. Degree:
This is an accelerated program that provides the opportunity for students to complete their degrees in approximately 4 years. Students enter the Program in the Summer session, and after performing three rotations identify an advisor and area of research. Areas of research focus include Genomics, Proteomics, and Gene Function and Cellular and Developmental Dynamics. Required course work is completed during the first year. At the end of the first year students take a comprehensive examination that includes the submission of a research proposal to national fellowship programs. Students receive career mentoring during the third and fourth years to ensure a seamless transition to the postdoctoral level. Additional information can be found at the following Web site: http://www.pimb.pitt.edu/curriculum.php.
A minimum of 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree is required for the Ph.D. degree. 32 of these credits are completed taking required and elective course work, and 40 of these credits are taken as dissertation research credits upon completing the comprehensive examination and advancing to candidacy. Required course work includes the following:
Laboratory Research Rotation (MSIMB/IMB 2000 – 9 credits) – taken in the Summer prior to the first year.
Approaches in Molecular Biology (MSIMB/IMB 2010 – 5 credits) – taken during the Fall Semester of the first year.
Scientific Ethics (INTBP 2290 – 1 credit ) – taken during the Summer of the second year.
Intro to Statistical Methods (BIOST 2041– 3 credits) – taken during the Summer of the second year.
Departmental/Program Seminar Series (MSIMB/IMB 2050 – 1 credit) and Journal Club/Conference (MSIMB/IMB 2060 – 1 credit) - the Department/Program Seminar and Journal Club/Conference are taken each Fall and Spring Term until graduation.
Advanced Elective Courses – 6 credits total – a large number of courses are available and are listed on the following Web site: http://www.pimb.pitt.edu/curriculum.php - Students are required to select courses in more than one of the following disciplines: molecular genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and developmental biology.
Training Faculty:
The PIMB training faculty can be found at the following Web site:
http://www.pimb.pitt.edu/FacultyIndex.php
Course List:
A list of available courses can be found at the following Web site:
http://www.pimb.pitt.edu/CourseIndex.php
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