Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biomedical Sciences (Neurobiology of Aging), MS


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Biomedical Sciences


All traditional or bench research-based MS and PhD students are admitted into the discipline of Biomedical Sciences (BMSC) and remain in the discipline for the first year of graduate study. During the first year, students complete an integrated curriculum that includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular cell biology, pharmacology, physiology, immunology and microbiology, ethics, an introduction to faculty research, scientific communications, and lab rotations.

Total Minimum SCH for First Year of Graduate Study: 30


Additional Information


At the end of the first year, students are expected to have reached an agreement with a major professor, identified a research laboratory to conduct research toward the fulfillment of the degree requirements, and formally transferred into a discipline. Admission to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences does not guarantee laboratory placement. It is the student’s responsibility to identify a major professor/laboratory through the laboratory rotations.

Students accepted to MS programs in Forensic Genetics, Biotechnology, Clinical Research Management or Medical Sciences are immediately placed into those disciplines and follow the curriculum requirements set by each discipline.

Neurobiology of Aging


The Neurobiology of Aging program offers both MS and PhD degrees in a wide range of research areas, but with focus on biological aging processes and age-related diseases affecting the nervous system. The Neurobiology of Aging program bridges all major discipline-oriented programs. Students are encouraged to acquire a broad base of knowledge and techniques in biomedical sciences, and to acquire a basic understanding of biological aging processes and how they promote increased susceptibility to brain injury and conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Serious nervous system-related dysfunctions occur with alarming frequency within the ever-expanding population of individual of advanced age. These conditions diminish quality of life and productivity and contribute to increased dependency and economic burden. Thus, there is a pressing need for research personnel trained in multidisciplinary approaches, to develop appropriate systems for early detection, treatment and prevention. The specific goal of the Neurobiology of Aging program is to provide students with the specialized academic guidance, support, and training in the relevant disciplines of biomedical sciences that will allow them to develop academic research programs addressing: 1) the understanding of normal aging processes in the nervous system and 2) the understanding of debilitating neurological and neurodegenerative disease of aging.

Students with a variety of academic backgrounds may gain acceptance to the Neurobiology of Aging program, though they must be prepared to complete an integrated biomedical science core curriculum that includes fundamental principles of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and immunology, pharmacology, physiology and neurobiology. Following the completion of the core curriculum, advanced courses in Functional Neuroscience and Neurobiology of Aging must be completed. Students will also participate in seminars and group discussions of current research topics and receive training in a number of techniques required to address existing research problems in the Neurobiology of Aging. Both MS and PhD students will conduct original, publishable research and will be expected to present their results at local and national scientific conferences.

Completion of the MS degree typically requires two to three years; the PhD degree is generally completed in four to five years. Students who successfully complete a graduate degree in the Neurobiology of Aging will be well prepared for careers in academic and government research laboratories, as well as in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.

Advancement to Doctoral Candidacy


Qualifying Examination


The qualifying examination determines if the doctoral student has mastered information needed to succeed in the discipline of Neurobiology of Aging. The student is required to demonstrate reasonable proficiency in the topics of general biomedical science, biology of aging, functional neuroscience, and the neurobiology of aging presented during the first two years of graduate study. An oral qualifying examination will be administered by a committee comprised of graduate faculty from the Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience selected by the graduate advisor, and may also include faculty from another discipline when appropriate. The student’s major professor may be present, but will not participate in the examination. The initial phase of the qualifying examination consists of presentation of a published Neurobiology of Aging article, approved by the graduate advisor, with a subsequent question period. In the second phase of the examination, the student will be required to address questions on his/her knowledge of biomedical science and the neurobiology of aging.

A maximum of two attempts to pass the qualifying examination will be allowed. A doctoral student who does not pass after the second attempt may be dismissed or allowed to complete the requirements for a Master of Science degree.

Grant Writing (BMSC 6310)


Successful completion of Grant Writing (BMSC 6310 ) requires the preparation and oral defense of an original NIH-style R21 grant proposal. The student’s doctoral advisory committee serves as the student’s grant proposal committee. The graduate advisor and the student’s major professor instruct the student on the regulations of the course and assist in initiating and preparing the proposal. The proposal must consist of the student’s original ideas and is expected to significantly extend scientific knowledge in the chosen research area. The student will first submit a summary report, which presents the hypothesis, experimental strategy, and specific aims for the proposal to the examination committee within the first three weeks of the semester. Once the committee approves this summary, the student must then proceed to prepare a detailed written report of the research proposal in current NIH R21 format. The final proposal will be distributed to the committee at least two weeks prior to the oral defense. The student will present the proposal to faculty and graduate students in a public defense that will be will be evaluated by the committee on the basis of originality and ability to organize and communicate information. A maximum of two attempts to pass will be allowed.

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