Curriculum and Requirements

The Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program has a diverse research faculty who investigate a broad range of disease topics.  Therefore, we strive to be flexible with our required coursework in order to tailor the curriculum to complement each student's chosen field of research.  This is accomplished by allowing students to choose electives with the help of departmental academic advisors.  However, there are basic required coursework that consist of:

At least two of the following PIBS core courses taken in the fall of the first year:

            - 3 credits of Biochemistry (Biological Chemistry 550)
            - 3 credits of Genetics (Human Genetics 541)
            - 3 credits of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB 530)

In addition to two of the above PIBS core courses the Molecular and Cellular Pathology Program also requires two additional courses:

• Pathology 581- Tissue, Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease (4 Credits)- Winter yr 1

• Pathology 582- Current Topics in Molecular Pathology (3 Credits) - Fall yr 2
  
  
  Additional requirements

Pathology Research Seminar (Path 850)- This is the Pathology Department Seminar Series organized by Dr. Thomas Wilson and serves as an important venue for visiting Scholars, Faculty, Post-doctoral Fellows, and Students to present their research.  All Graduate students in the MCP program are required to attend and receive 1 credit. After achieving candidate status in year 2, students will be required to present their own research in the Colloquium once each academic year.  Faculty mentors assist students in organizing, preparing and presenting the seminar as well as provide critical analysis of the presentation.

Electives- Students will have the opportunity to select courses from a broad range of specialized electives offered at the Medical School to complement the MCP coursework.  These additional courses will be selected by the student and their mentor or academic advisors.  Furthermore, students will perform 3 laboratory research rotations in their first year of study to better learn of the opportunities in individual laboratories.  These experiences along with guidance from advisors and discussions with faculty and students allow the student to make an informed decision on the direction and focus of study for their thesis project.  Altogether, these requirements will culminate in the successful defense of a research project and thesis dissertation for the Ph.D. degree in Molecular and Cellular Pathology. 

Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program Requirements  (PDF)

MSTP Students Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program Requirements  (PDF)

Curriculum Guide (PDF)