Biomedical Science, MS

This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • demonstrate expertise in foundational aspects of molecular and cellular biology, particularly in a human biomedical context;
  • develop hypotheses and experimental methods that can be used to explore questions in molecular biology;
  • apply knowledge of biomedical science to human disease through translational research paradigms;
  • describe fundamental techniques, statistical methods, and core principles of rigor and reproducibility in biomedical science;
  • describe the range of career pathways in the sciences for the biomedical PhD;
  • develop proficiency in reading and interpreting scientific literature; and
  • develop skills in written and oral communication of scientific work.

Cancer Biology

Students will:

  • master foundational knowledge in cancer biology and demonstrate in-depth knowledge in their area of emphasis;
  • understand and apply the scientific method, design experiments, and conduct research utilizing team-based collaboration, knowledge of current literature, and current laboratory methods;
  • gain an appreciation of clinical management and therapeutic approaches to treat cancer;
  • develop advanced skills in scientific writing and oral presentations in order to effectively communicate research progress and goals;
  • exhibit and foster the highest ethical standards in the areas of education, publication, and scientific inquiry; and
  • publish at least one first-author paper and write a grant application.

Cell and Developmental Biology

Students will:

  • master foundational knowledge in cellular and developmental biology;
  • engage in designing and executing experiments to test scientific hypotheses;
  • critically evaluate scientific findings;
  • communicate scientific findings effectively to diverse audiences;
  • exhibit and foster ethics in the areas of education, publication, and scientific inquiry; and
  • become an effective teacher of the biological sciences.

Molecular Medicine

Students will gain knowledge in:

  • tracks for specialized coursework—demonstrate broad-based understanding of one of three tracks selected by students in their second year of studies (metabolic disorders, cardiovascular biology, or molecular and cellular medicine);
  • oral and written presentation of scientific data—demonstrate proficiency in scientific writing as evidenced by external fellowship application requirement; organize, defend, and communicate ideas effectively in scientific oral presentations and settings; opportunities to present posters, full-length seminar presentations, short-form data blitzes, lay audience elevator pitches; comprehensive exam; on-topic or off-topic NRSA-style research proposal that is orally defended to a comprehensive exam committee comprised of subject-matter experts; scientific editing and research communication core; and service promoted to students to get one-on-one instruction in scientific editing, focused especially on grant writing;
  • experimental design—instruction on experiment design provided by their mentor, experiences in the critical thinking course, and in the basic biostatistics and experimental design course;
  • proficiency in research—three laboratory rotations before affiliating to a lab, conduct research in a responsible and ethical manner, carry out an in-depth research project, and contribute intellectually and technically to all parts of its development, execution, and analysis; and
  • professional skills development—journal clubs, a course in critical thinking, and career development series.

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics

Students will:

  • acquire knowledge and respect for principles of biomedical research ethics.
  • demonstrate a basic knowledge of physiology and biophysics that will serve as the foundation for the student's academic, scholarly, and research endeavors;
  • exhibit the necessary practical, methodological, and technical expertise to perform original experimental work in an area of physiological research;
  • gain professional skills required for successful academic or research-based careers, including skills in publishing, grant writing, presentation, and teaching; and
  • acquire knowledge and respect for principles of biomedical research ethics.