School of Medicine Division of Biomedical Sciences

Bridging the gap between science research & clinical medicine

Working with Dr. Walker in lab

Master's Curriculum

Core Requirements of the Master's Curriculum

A total of 36 units are required to complete degree requirements. The normative time to complete the degree is 18 months (six quarters). Students must enroll in biomedical sciences seminar requirements (BMSC 252 and 254). They must also complete a minimum of eight units in research whether on the thesis or comprehensive exam plan. At least twenty-four units must be earned in graduate courses.

BMSC 252: General Seminar in Biomedical Sciences

Each quarter, seminar presentations from leading scientists focus on a specific disease-based research topic. In addition to the formal seminar, students participate and have the opportunity to host student-only lunch forums with invited speakers. Enrollment required in two quarters (1 unit/quarter).

BMSC 254: Graduate Seminar in Biomedical Sciences

This is work-in-progress forum in which students, fellows and faculty present and critically discuss their ongoing research while gathering for pizza lunch. Students participate and present each year that they are in the graduate program. Enrollment required in two quarters (1 unit/quarter).

BMSC 299: Research for Dissertation

Original research in the area selected for the advanced degree. Graded Satisfactory (S) or No Credit (NC). Minimum of 8 units of directed research.

Students will select two quarters of classes from any category in the following list.

BMSC 229, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235 & 236 courses are not eligible for M.S. students. *MDCL courses are only permitted for dual degree students (ie. M.D./M.S.).

BMSC 202 - Molecular Basis of Disease

Discussion of the molecular basis of disease with special emphasis on new developments and the broad application of approaches and techniques. Course is repeatable with consent of the student’s advisory committee; may be applied only once toward core requirements. (3 units).

BMSC 222 - Special Topics

Oral presentations and intensive small-group discussion of selected topics in the area of special competence of each faculty member. Course emphasizes recent advances in the special topic area and varies accordingly (2 units/quarter).

BMSC 223 (E-Z): Themes in Human Biology and Disease

Oral presentations and intensive small-group discussion of selected topics in the area of special competence of each faculty member. Course emphasizes

BMSC 223 (E-Z) Themes in Human Biology and Disease

BMSC 223E: Inflammation, Autoimmunity, and Pathogen Defense (3 units)

BMSC 223F: Cardiovascular Physiology (4 units)

BMSC 223G: Renal Physiology (3 units)

BMSC 223I: Respiratory Physiology (3 units)

BMSC 223J: Gastrointestinal Physiology (3 units)

BMSC 260 A, B, C

A survey of the mechanisms of common human diseases at the molecular, cellular and organ system levels and the multidisciplinary approaches used for their investigation. Instructional components include lectures, discovery in problem-based learning sessions, and independent study (2 units/quarter).

Designated Emphasis

Options include:

MDCL 231: Foundations of Medicine*

Covers basic principles of disease processes, genetics, and molecular, cellular, and development biology. Instruction is driven by cases and accomplished through lectures and discovery in small group discussions, laboratories, and conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination, and the longitudinal ambulatory clinical experience. Includes problem-based learning (7.5 units).

MDCL 232: Cardio, Renal and Respiratory Sciences*

Covers physiology, pathophysiology, physical diagnosis & imaging in the cardiovascular, renal & respiratory sciences. Instruction is driven by cases & accomplished through lectures & discovery in small group discussions, laboratories, & conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination & the longitudinal ambulatory clinical experience. Includes problem-based learning (12 units).

 

MDCL 233: Gastro, Endocrine and Reproductive Health*

Covers biochemistry, pathophysiology, physical diagnosis & imaging associated with gastrointestinal endocrine & reproductive health. Instruction is driven by cases & accomplished through lectures and discovery in small group discussions, laboratories & conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination & the longitudinal ambulatory clinical experience. Includes problem-based learning (10 units).

MDCL 234: Musculoskeletal Medicine*

Covers the musculoskeletal system, biology & pathology of the peripheral nervous system & physical diagnosis. Utilizes lectures & case studies to accomplish course objectives. Promotes discovery of learning by small group discussions, laboratories & conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination & the longitudinal ambulatory clinical experience. Includes problem-based learning (4 units).

MDCL 235: Clinical Neurosciences*

Covers neurobiology & provides an introduction to neurology & psychiatry, as well as physical diagnosis & imaging of the nervous system. Utilizes lectures & case studies to accomplish course objectives. Promotes discovery of learning by small group discussions, laboratories & conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination & LACE. Includes problem-based learning (5 units).