The Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Physiology

With 137 students currently enrolled in the Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School recently marked its 16th anniversary. Cellular and Molecular Physiology is one of seven graduate programs that constitute the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The seven graduate programs cooperate to provide students with a multi-disciplinary graduate education. Applicants to the graduate program at UMMS typically have a strong background in chemistry, biology, physics, or biochemistry. Graduate students receive a full tuition waiver plus a stipend which is highly competitive with that of other graduate programs throughout the United States. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program at UMMS may specialize in Cellular and Molecular Physiology or any one of the other graduate programs.

The first year of graduate study involves an interdisciplinary core curriculum, composed of course work in biochemistry, biophysics, cellular biology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology and an introduction to integrated systems. The core curriculum provides a strong background that will serve as a nucleus for the more specialized course work required by the graduate program. An important dimension of the graduate curriculum is a series of laboratory rotations during the first two years. With the guidance of the graduate director, students undertake several laboratory rotations within the program prior to selecting a laboratory for thesis research. The semester-long laboratory rotations allow students to gain the initial technical expertise that will be invaluable during their subsequent research. These rotations also enable students to assess the suitability of individual laboratories for potential thesis research. This multi-problem-based program of study, incorporating laboratory rotations, provides first-year students with freedom of choice in curriculum and research direction.

In the second year, students choose an area of specialization and select a thesis advisor from within the program. All graduate students participate in an integrated program of advanced course work, laboratory research, and seminars to develop the analytical skills that are critical for conducting independent research. The program typically requires three advanced courses; additional courses may be taken as electives.

Advanced courses in other programs may also be taken. Most importantly, a student's course of study is tailored to meet individual needs and interests. A complete description of all the graduate courses at UMMS is presented in the graduate School of Biomedical Sciencescatalog. At the end of the second year, graduate students take a qualifying examination that involves a written and oral presentation of a research proposal. The qualifying examination marks the transition from faculty-directed education consisting primarily of course work to the subsequent phase of research-oriented independent study. Graduate students play an active role in the Program in Cellular and Molecular Physiology's research effort. Publications on the accompanying page were co-authored by graduate students in the laboratories of program faculty and exemplify the level of student productivity.

The Ph.D. Program in Cellular and Molecular Physiology generally requires at least four years of study and research. The doctoral degree is awarded upon successful completion and defense of the thesis research. Students who complete the graduate program are awarded a Ph.D. degree from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences with specialization in Cellular and Molecular Physiology. Graduates of Cellular and Molecular Physiology pursue postdoctoral research at leading universities throughout the world or hold significant positions in industry.