Interdisciplinary Studies Track

The Interdisciplinary program was established to provide students with a solid integrated foundation in the biomedical sciences. It also provides the opportunity for students to select a mentor from a wide range of disciplines in order to complete their doctoral degree.

Students participate in a one-year core curriculum and, after a series of research rotations, select a mentor/department in which they will complete their dissertation research. The core curriculum is based upon the principles of cellular and molecular biology along with the principles of organ-based biology, spanning the molecule to the organism.  This foundational course work will prepare students to understand and integrate biological processes at any level of organization. Seven programs provide training towards the PhD;  these include: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Cell Biology and Anatomy; Genetics; Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology; Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics; Physiology;  and the Neuroscience Center. For completion of the PhD, students will meet the requirements of the selected program.

The following courses are required for students accepted into the Interdisciplinary Program.