PhD

Biomedical Sciences

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 38.2 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 1, 2025
StudyQA ranking:2567 Duration:

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The Penn State Biomedical Sciences (BMS) PhD Program, with its options in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Translational Therapeutics, and Virology and Immunology, is a nationally and internationally recognized interdisciplinary graduate program that provides students curricular and research training with a unique focus on human health and disease.

Students receive rigorous training that provides the skills necessary to be leaders in biomedical research and other endeavors including business, education, law, journalism, and public policy.

First Year

During the first year, students participate in both coursework and laboratory rotations. The two interdisciplinary courses taken in the fall semester of the first year - Cell and Systems Biology and Flow of Cellular Information - provide foundational knowledge important for all curricular tracks of the BMS Graduate Program. Given the critical importance of communication skills in science, students also participate in the presentation and seminar course titled The Art of Scientific Communication I. To enhance their laboratory research skills and to begin the process of identifying the laboratory for their dissertation research, students also participate in one eight- to 10-week laboratory rotation during the semester.

In the spring semester of the first year, students participate in courses that enhance expertise in their chosen areas of interest. Students choose among advanced courses required for the various curricular tracks and elective courses that further develop their specific interests. Students continue to hone their communication skills in The Art of Scientific Communication II and further their exposure to different laboratory research experiences by completing two additional laboratory rotations.

At the end of the first year, students take the Candidacy Exam that assesses both their foundation of knowledge and the development of their critical thinking skills. In addition, students identify both the laboratory for their dissertation research and their curricular track at this time.

Second Year

During the second year, laboratory research becomes the student’s major commitment. Students are in the laboratory conducting work that will lead to the development of their dissertation research. A limited number of courses chosen in consultation with the dissertation adviser are also taken.

At the end of the second year, students complete the Comprehensive Exam, in which they develop and defend a research grant-like proposal.

Third Year and Beyond

By the third year, students are in the laboratory full-time conducting their dissertation research. The average time to graduation for biomedical sciences PhD students at the College of Medicine is 5.5 years, which is the same as the national average.

Curricular Tracks

Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences curricular track emphasizes flexibility since research areas of faculty range from molecules to cells to organisms to systems.

In consultation with their research adviser, students in this track choose courses from a variety of departments and programs to complement their research project and interests.

Students may choose a research adviser from any BMS program faculty, including those who are members of options within BMS.

Option in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

The curriculum and laboratory training for students in the Option in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics (BMG) focuses on the application of biochemical and molecular genetic analyses to basic and translational investigation of human health and disease.

The BMG option trains students to identify, formulate, and solve significant biological problems using biochemical and molecular genetic approaches.

Research strengths of faculty in the option include: enzyme structure and function; epigenetics and epigenomics; cancer biochemistry and genetics; biochemistry of infectious diseases; structural biochemistry in human disease; biochemistry and genetics of DNA repair; carbohydrates and lipids in health and disease; genetics and biochemistry in metabolism; and genetic analysis of complex disorders.

Option in Translational Therapeutics

The curriculum and laboratory training for students in the Option in Translational Therapeutics (TT) provides students a combination of didactic instruction, informal interaction, and laboratory experiences that builds a firm foundation in the principles, methods, and contributions of pharmacology, defined broadly as the science of the interaction of chemical agents with biological systems.

Of primary importance, faculty in this option focus their work on identification of disease targets, development of therapeutic strategies, and refinement of drug delivery approaches.

With this preparation, graduates of the TT option will be able to design and execute high-quality independent research, and assume positions of responsibility within the therapeutic community.

Option in Virology & Immunology

The curriculum and laboratory training for students in the Option in Virology and Immunology (VIRIM) provides students the opportunity to focus their coursework and research training in areas related to virology and immunology.

This option trains individuals for professional careers in virology, immunology, and related disciplines.

Areas of research within virology include viral oncology, virus-cell interactions, viral structure and assembly, functional role of viral gene products, molecular biology of virus replication, and viral induced latency.

Areas of research within immunology include adaptive and innate immunity, cellular and humoral immunity, antigen presentation, tumor immunology, vaccine development, and neuroimmunology.

Students in the VIRIM option develop integrative research approaches using aspects of biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and genetics to approach scientific questions associated with areas of virology and immunology.

All students must submit an application through The Graduate School.

Individuals having a baccalaureate (or higher) degree in science-related majors from a United States institution of higher learning, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution of higher education, such as biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, physiology or microbiology, may apply for admission to the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program.

Individuals with a non-biomedical sciences background may also apply, but acceptance into the program will depend significantly on the applicant’s specific background and statement of purpose for pursuing advanced study in biomedical sciences. An applicant’s undergraduate background must, at minimum, include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology or genetics.

  • Completed online application
  • Payment of the $65 application fee
  • Copies of official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended, uploaded by the student (do not mail official transcripts unless specifically requested to do so)
  • Official GRE general test scores - School Code 2660 - sent directly from the testing agency
  • 3 letters of recommendation, uploaded through online application system by person writing the reference
  • TOEFL score (if applicable) - School Code 2660 - sent directly from the testing agency
  • Personal statement including your reasons for applying to the program; your research interests; your research experience (not including lab courses): and your future goals
  • Resume or curriculum vitae

Scholarships

Assistantships

The most common form of graduate support, teaching and research assistantships, include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. Recipients are assigned to a faculty adviser who supervises the experience. Graduate assistants support undergraduate instruction or undertake research projects. A specified time commitment of 10-30 hours per week is required depending on the unit (a half-time/20 hour per week commitment is typical). Appointments are available only to graduate students who are registered for courses and enrolled in degree programs.

Fellowships

Fellowships are highly prestigious financial support packages that typically include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. They derive from University or outside awards. Unlike assistantships, they do not have a required work commitment; they are duty-free. Recipients must be enrolled in degree programs and be registered full time. Fellowship recipients are not permitted to accept employment without obtaining approval from the unit and/or agency supporting the fellowship.

Traineeships

Training grants are derived from agencies outside the University and are intended to support specific student learning experiences in core curricular areas and research methods. Institutional awards, typically under the direction of a faculty principal investigator, afford funding to support selected students with stipends, tuition grants-in-aid, and often include a subsidy for medical insurance.

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