Program Information
Dean: M. L. Good
Associate Dean for Graduate Education: Thomas Rowe
Complete faculty listing: Follow this link.
The College of Medicine offers training opportunities leading to either the Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science degree in medical sciences. Minimum requirements for these degrees are given in the General Information section of this catalog. The interdisciplinary program (IDP) in biomedical sciences is the major focus leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Other graduate courses and programs are listed under departmental headings.
Interdisciplinary Program (IDP) in Biomedical Sciences
The goal of the IDP is to prepare students for a diversity of careers in research and teaching in academic and commercial settings, after completion of the Ph.D. in Medical Sciences. The program provides a modern, comprehensive graduate education in biomedical sciences while providing both maximum program flexibility and appropriate specialization for advanced training. The IDP represents a cooperative effort of six interdisciplinary advanced concentrations with participation of over 250 faculty members.
During the first semester of study, students undertake a common, comprehensive interdisciplinary core curriculum of classroom study and a responsible conduct of research course. During the second semester, students begin to focus their coursework in one or two concentrations. Throughout the first two semesters, students participate in at least three laboratory rotations in any of the laboratories of the IDP faculty members. The advanced concentration and the supervisory committee chair are chosen no later than the end of the spring semester to maximize flexibility and facilitate an informed decision. Students entering the advanced concentrations take more specialized courses that strengthen their knowledge of these disciplines. The advanced concentration curricula are flexible enough to allow students to integrate course work offered in other advanced concentrations. In addition, journal clubs and seminars associated with their research interests allow students to further augment their scientific development.
Prospective students should have strong backgrounds in biology including genetics, chemistry (organic, quantitative, and biochemistry), physics, and calculus. Demonstrated high motivation and a serious intention to pursue research-related careers are also important considerations. This is best accomplished by performing independent study in a research laboratory for at least a semester, with a year or more being preferred. For more information, write:
IDP
P.O. Box 100229
College of Medicine
Gainesville, FL 32610-0229
For expanded information about the IDP, visit http://biomed.med.ufl.edu/.
Advanced Concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Directors: Robert McKenna and Kevin Brown
The Graduate Faculty of the biochemistry and molecular biology advanced concentration share an interest in the relationships between the structure of a biological macromolecule and the function of that molecule in the cell. The structure (encoded ultimately by the genome) sets the phenotype of the organism. The uniting theme among the Graduate Faculty is their approach to research: Each uses the techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology/genetics to characterize the function of a macromolecule and show how function (and the process it is part of) is determined by the structure of that molecule and its interactions with other macromolecules. Specific research directions range from physical determination of the molecular structure of proteins to regulation of cellular processes to the genetic mapping of disease loci.
For information about other programs and courses in this field, see the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology listing.
Advanced Concentration in Cancer Biology
Directors: Dietmar Siemann and Maria Zajac-Kaye
The Cancer Biology Concentration (CBC) provides training opportunities in cancer research ranging from basic to translational. The program spans many disciplines, including molecular and cell biology, genetics and epigenetics, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, anatomy, pathology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, immunology and many others involved in the understanding of the development, progression, dissemination, and treatment of cancer.
Students in the will have opportunities to work with outstanding cancer investigators in state of the art facilities. Through combinations of courses, seminars, small group discussions, and an interdisciplinary approach to research, the program allows students to gain a unique understanding of cancer and to build a firm foundation upon which they can build careers in academia, government, and biotech and pharmaceutical industry.
For more information please see our website: http://idp.med.ufl.edu/about/cancer-biology-concentration
Advanced Concentration in Clinical and Translational Science
Director: Wayne McCormack
The Clinical & Translational Science PhD program provides graduate students with knowledge and skills required to develop a career in multidisciplinary clinical and translational research. This program uses a team-science approach to provide didactic training and mentoring for predoctoral students performing clinical and/or translational research in health-related fields at UF. Completion of program requirements results in the award of an interdisciplinary concentration in Clinical & Translational Science. Doctoral students from all UF doctoral graduate programs who are interested in health-related research are eligible to apply.
For more information contact:
Susan Gardner
Program Coordinator
sgard@ufl.edu
Dr. Wayne McCormack
Program Director
mccormac@ufl.edu
https://www.ctsi.ufl.edu/education/ph-d-students/
Advanced Concentration in Genetics
Director: M. R. Wallace
Co-Director: Lei Zhou
The concentration in genetics offers graduate training in all facets of modern molecular genetics including bacterial, viral, lower eukaryotic, mouse, developmental, and human genetics. The courses listed are taught in a 5-week modular format, ranging from 1-3 modules.
Advanced Concentration in Health Outcomes and Policy
The University of Florida’s Master of Science in Medical Sciences, with a concentration in Health Outcomes and Policy, is a specialized degree designed to put its graduates at the forefront of innovative research to develop, implement, and evaluate clinical and community-based programs that promote health and health outcomes. Throughout the curriculum, special emphasis is placed on health disparities and vulnerable populations. In addition to traditional graduate students, our program is available to medical students, post-doctoral researchers, fellows, residents, Ph.D. students, and junior faculty.
We also offer a 16-credit graduate certificate designed to complement other concurrent courses of study and to provide continuing education opportunities for faculty. The certificate can be completed in one year on a part-time basis.
Advanced Concentration in Immunology and Microbiology
Directors: C. E. Mathews and Scott Tibbetts
The concentration in immunology and microbiology offers graduate training in cellular and molecular immunology (including immunopathology, immunogenetics, and autoimmunity) and in microbiology (including virology, bacteriology, microbial genetics, and microbial pathogenesis). The courses listed are taught in a 5-week modular format, ranging from 1-3 modules.
Advanced Concentration in Molecular Cell Biology
Director: Alexander Ishov
Co-Director: Eric Vitriol
The advanced concentration in molecular cell biology (MCB) prepares investigators for careers in biomedical research in academic or industrial settings. This multidisciplinary specialization has more than 50 participating faculty members and offers an extraordinary range of opportunities for advanced study of life at the molecular and cellular levels. The Graduate Faculty share common interests in the molecular interactions that account for functionally integrated subcellular, cellular, and tissue organization found in living organisms. The model systems in use range from yeast and cellular lime molds through Drosophila to birds and mammals. These systems are manipulated and analyzed using a wide range of powerful molecular, genetic, protein chemical, immunological, pharmacological, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and microscopic imaging strategies. Students who select MCB take advanced course work and initiate independent research during the second year. This approach provides broad-based vision early in the program and the appropriate degree of specialization later on.
Advanced Concentration in Neuroscience
Directors: Jada Lewis and Harry Nick
The Graduate Faculty associated with the neuroscience advanced concentration have expertise in neuroanatomy, molecular and cellular neurobiology, neurodevelopment and aging, neurotransmitter chemistry and pharmacology, neuroendocrinology and neuroimmunology, cellular and molecular neuro-oncology, cellular and membrane neurophysiology, somatosensory and motor systems, transplantation neurobiology, injury and repair of the CNS, and neurobehavioral sciences. Study in marine vertebrate and invertebrate neurobiology is available through Graduate Faculty at the Whitney Laboratory.
Advanced Concentration in Oral Biology
Chair: R. A. Burne
Graduate Coordinator: J. Brady
The Department of Oral Biology, a unit of the College of Dentistry, offers graduate study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy as part of the College of Medicine’s Interdisciplinary Program (IDP) in Biomedical Sciences. The work is designed to provide the degree candidate with a strong background in basic biological principles relevant to the various subspecialties of oral biology, as well as specialized training in various aspects of the diseases and disorders of the oral cavity.
Areas of emphasis include application of microbiological, immunological, cellular, and molecular biological concepts and technologies to answer questions about host-pathogen interactions in oral disease; vaccine development; oral microbial physiology; oral bacterial biofilm biology; saliva and salivary gland biology; microbial antibiotic resistance; and autoimmune diseases. More information is available at http://dental.ufl.edu/departments/oral-biology/.
Prerequisites for admission in addition to those of the Graduate School include a broad base of courses in mathematics, physics, organic and analytic chemistry, advanced biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and statistical methods. Specific requirements can be obtained from the Graduate Coordinator or the IDP office.
Advanced Concentration in Physiology and Pharmacology
Directors: Gonzalo Torres and Glenn Walter
The Graduate Faculty associated with this advanced concentration have expertise in a variety of disciplines, including molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, and biochemistry. These faculty bring together unique strengths to provide the students with diverse training. Students may train in laboratories involved in cardiovascular, neuro, endocrine, and developmental physiology; pharmacology; and toxicology. Students conduct research at the molecular, cellular, and integrative levels. Many of the faculty are involved in multidisciplinary, collaborative research efforts that aim to understand basic physiological mechanisms and pathophysiological processes (e.g., cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic diseases).
Other Interdisciplinary Doctoral Concentrations Offered
The interdisciplinary emphasis on vision sciences is also discussed in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies section. The program director is:
Dr. W. Clay Simith
P.O. Box 100284
College of Medicine
Gainesville, FL 32610
or (352) 392-0476.
Interdisciplinary study in toxicology is coordinated by the Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology and is concerned with the effects of chemicals on human and animal health. Additional information is given in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies section of this catalog or may be obtained from the codirector:
Dr. Colin Sumners
P.O. Box 100215
College of Medicine
Gainesville, FL 32610
or (352) 392-0740.
Combination Degree Program: The College participates in a combination degree program between a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and a Master of Science degree with a major in Medical Sciences with or without a concentration in Pharmacology.
Medical sciences (PHD)
SLO1 Knowledge
Students will identify and explain the core knowledge for the Interdisciplinary Program (genetics, cell biology, biochemistry/molecular biology) followed by concentration-specific core knowledge (genetics, molecular cell biology, immunology/microbiology, physiology/pharmacology, biochemistry/molecular biology, or neuroscience). At the most basic level, this will include recognizing and explaining fundamental facts in the disciplines. At the intermediate level this will include explaining relationships between facts and explanation of mechanisms of biological processes. At the most advanced level this will include interpreting experimental data and designing experiments.
SLO2 Research Skills
Students will read, interpret and critically analyze published literature in their field to formulate hypotheses; design a technically sound and up-to-date experimental plan with appropriate controls; execute the experimental plan in a technically proficient manner; interpret the data; and then reformulate the hypotheses.
SLO3 Professional Behavior
Students apply professional behavior in their conduct of research, specifically identification and illustration of ethical conduct, including employment of appropriate safety, administrative, and regulatory rules
Medical Sciences (MS)
SLO1 Knowledge
Identifies, describes, and explains key concepts, study designs, and research methodologies necessary to conduct research in medical and health care disciplines
SLO2 Research
Explains research ideas, designs, and produces a scientifically sound clinical/translational research project in an ethically sound manner, which includes testable hypotheses and specific aims, presenting scientific relevancy, stating appropriate statistical and ethical considerations, detailing subject enrollment, data collection and analysis, and reporting how the project will lead to improvement of human health
SLO3 Professionalism
Organize activities that promote self-improvement, scientific teamwork, and improvement in human health
