Personalized Molecular Medicine
Admissions Requirements
All of the required application information, including official transcripts from all institutions attended, must be submitted in order for an applicant to be considered by the PMM program Admissions Committee. In general, students should have a sufficient educational background in the biological or biochemical sciences prior to admission to the program. The following minimal requirements will be applied:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in the United States or proof of an equivalent degree and training at a foreign institution.
- Required prior coursework: 2 years of biological science for science majors with labs; organic and inorganic chemistry with labs; 1 semester of calculus (exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis). Highly recommended: 1 year of physics; analytical chemistry with lab; biochemistry; molecular biology; genetics.
- Minimal grade point average (GPA): No lower than B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
- GRE, MCAT, DAT: The GRE, MCAT, or DAT is recommended but not required. Scores on tests taken more than five years prior to the date of application are not acceptable.
- International applicants from countries where English is not the native language must earn a minimum score of 84 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a score of 7.0 on the Academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or a score of 115 on the Duolingo English Test.
- Letters of recommendation (three) attesting to the applicant's readiness for graduate level studies. These letters should be submitted with the online application to the GSBS.
- Research experience is not required, but will be considered.
International applicants who have completed or will complete their degree prior to matriculation at an accredited U.S. Institution may be exempted from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
Application deadlines can be found on the program's admission page.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 36 SCH and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 is required for the M.S. degree. In addition, students must successfully complete all the course requirements. Students choosing the course based plan must pass the final oral examination. Students choosing the Thesis/Research Plan must register for MMED 6098, Thesis, for at least one semester prior to graduation and successfully defend a thesis. All students must be recommended by their program Committee on Graduate Studies (COGS) for approval of their degree to the Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
First Year
First-year students shall take the required PMM courses (Core Curriculum) and choose a degree plan (Course-Based or Thesis/Research Plan). All students will register for Seminars in Molecular Medicine (MMED 6091). Students must enroll for nine semester credit hours per semester.
Course-Based Plan: Students will complete required courses, research practicum, and practicum reports.
Thesis/Research Plan: In addition to completing the required courses, students will complete two laboratory rotations and must select a research area of interest and a Thesis/Research Advisor.
Second Year
Course-Based Plan: Students will complete additional course requirements as well as the Research Practicum and Practicum Reports. Students may complete additional elective courses as needed to meet final credit hours required for graduation. Students will complete their final oral examination based on course and practicum material.
Thesis/Research Plan: Student will choose a Thesis/Research Committee and gain approval of their research proposal to advance to candidacy. Student will complete their research, write their thesis, and defend their thesis in a final presentation and oral examination.
Master of Science in Personalized Molecular Medicine - Thesis/Research Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MMED 6016 | Advanced Molecular, Cellular, and Synthetic Biology | 4 |
| MMED 5019 | Graduate Colloquium In Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| MMED 6091 | Seminars in Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| TSCI 5070 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 2 |
| Two Laboratory Rotations | ||
| Identification of Research Mentor | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.0 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| MMED 6091 | Seminars in Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| CSAT 5095 | Experimental Design And Data Analysis | 3 |
| MMED 5001 | Advances in Personalized Medicine | 2 |
| MMED 6018 | Journal Club and Research Presentation in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MMED 6097 | Research | 1.5 |
| Approval of Research Mentor | ||
| Start Thesis Work | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MMED 6091 | Seminars in Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| MMED 5015 | Modern Methods in Molecular Analysis | 2 |
| MMED 6018 | Journal Club and Research Presentation in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MMED 6097 | Research | 4.5 |
| Form Thesis Committee | ||
| Approval of Research Proposal | ||
| Advancement to Candidacy | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| MMED 6091 | Seminars in Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| MMED 6018 | Journal Club and Research Presentation in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MMED 6097 | Research | 3.5 |
| MMED 6098 | Thesis | 1 |
| PMM Elective (Any graduate level course) | 2 | |
| Complete Research | ||
| Meet with Committee | ||
| Write and Defend Thesis | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.0 | |
For all semesters, students must enroll for a minimum of 9 semester credit hours (SCH).
Master of Science in Personalized Molecular Medicine - Course Based Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MMED 6016 | Advanced Molecular, Cellular, and Synthetic Biology | 4 |
| MMED 5019 | Graduate Colloquium In Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| MMED 6091 | Seminars in Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| TSCI 5070 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.0 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| MMED 6091 | Seminars in Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| CSAT 5095 | Experimental Design And Data Analysis | 3 |
| MMED 5001 | Advances in Personalized Medicine | 2 |
| MMED 6018 | Journal Club and Research Presentation in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MMED 5020 | Research Practicum | 1.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MMED 6091 | Seminars in Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| MMED 5015 | Modern Methods in Molecular Analysis | 2 |
| MMED 6018 | Journal Club and Research Presentation in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MMED 5020 | Research Practicum | 4.5 |
| Practicum Report | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| MMED 6091 | Seminars in Molecular Medicine | 1.5 |
| MMED 6018 | Journal Club and Research Presentation in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
| MMED 5020 | Research Practicum | 4.5 |
| PMM Elective (Any graduate level course) # | 2 | |
| Practicum Report | ||
| Final Oral Examination | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.0 | |
For all semesters, students must enroll for a minimum of nine semester credit hours (SCH).
Students in the Masters program in Personalized Molecular Medicine (PMM) will:
- Show proficiency in fundamental biological principles in personalized molecular medicine.
- Show proficiency in reviewing and interpreting the scientific literature.
- Communicate effectively through scientific writing and verbal presentations.
- Show proficiency in the techniques performed in personalized molecular medicine.
- Show proficiency in conducting independent research (Thesis/Research Plan).
CSAT 5095. Experimental Design And Data Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.
The purpose of the course is to provide an introduction to experimental design and statistical analysis. The emphasis of the course will be on the selection and application of proper tests of statistical significance. Practical experience will be provided in the use of both parametric and nonparametric methods of statistical evaluation. Among the topics to be covered are: data reduction, types of distributions, hypothesis testing, scales of measurement, chi square analysis, the special case of the comparison of two groups; analysis of variance; a posteriori multiple comparisons tests, tests of the assumptions of parametric analyses, advanced forms of the analysis of variance, linear regression, and correlation analysis. This course involves the use of statistical software; therefore, access to a laptop or a computer with web access for classes and examinations is required.
CSAT 6095. Analysis and Visualization of Genomic Data. 2 Credit Hours.
This course covers the basics of genomic data analysis and visualization. The focus is on general computational methods, their basis in biomedicine, and how to evaluate and visualize analysis results. Students are expected to be able to qualitatively describe the algorithms presented.
Prerequisites: CSAT 5095 or Equivalent.
MMED 5001. Advances in Personalized Medicine. 2 Credit Hours.
This course is designed to integrate the fundamental principles of cell and molecular biology with modern practices in personalized medicine. The topics will include understanding the molecular mechanisms of human disease, strategies for patient therapy and drug design, and translational strategies for personalized patient care. The course will combine presentations from nationally and internationally renowned speakers in Personalized Molecular Medicine as well as team-based learning approaches to design the next steps in research to advance studies in specific areas of personalized medicine.
MMED 5015. Modern Methods in Molecular Analysis. 2 Credit Hours.
Modern Methods in Molecular Analysis, (MMED 5015), Fall Semester Only - This course is designed to introduce students to the basic experimental techniques used in the study of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, protein analysis, genomics, and personalized molecular medicine. This course will include didactic lectures as well as laboratory demonstrations and group learning activities.
MMED 5019. Graduate Colloquium In Molecular Medicine. 1.5 Credit Hour.
A course designed to provide graduate students with experience in critical reading of the primary literature, seminar preparation and presentation, data analysis and interpretation, and team-based learning as they relate to Personalized Molecular Medicine.
MMED 5020. Research Practicum. 1.5-5.5 Credit Hours.
Independent research experiences under the direction of a faculty advisor for students who choose the Course-Based Plan of Study for the Master of Science in Personalized Molecular Medicine Program. Research experiences include training in metabolomics, flow cytometry/FACS analysis, single cell analysis, molecular and cell biology approaches, systems approaches, computational biology, or drug design depending on the interests of the student. Research experiences also include directed research projects in research laboratories involving experimental design, data collection, data analysis, statistical analyses, and data presentation. During the Research Practicum, students will learn about the underlying principles of a particular method and how to apply this method to address a specific scientific aim. Students may participate in conducting mini-projects to gain first-hand experiences within a given topic. A written Practicum Report will be generated by the student at the end of each semester of Research Practicum culminating in an oral presentation by the student highlighting the key findings.
MMED 6016. Advanced Molecular, Cellular, and Synthetic Biology. 4 Credit Hours.
Advanced Molecular, Cellular, and Synthetic Biology, (MMED 6016), Fall Semester Only- This foundational course is a study of the organization and function of the genome at the molecular level. The topics include: gene structure, transcriptional control, RNA structure and processing, translation, genome replication and repair, the regulation of cell division, signal transduction, hormone regulation, epigenetic regulation, the molecular biology of tumors, and the regulation of proteins. Also included will be the use of CRISPR-Cas and other synthetic biological methods used in research and clinical applications (Science 2015 349; 1564). This is an advanced course intended to introduce the student to the important molecules involved in the life processes of the cell. Their structure, function, localization, and interactions will be the focus of study. The students will also be introduced to the implications that these molecular events have in human health and disease and how research of these molecular events can form the foundation of personalized molecular medicine approaches.
MMED 6018. Journal Club and Research Presentation in Molecular Medicine. 1 Credit Hour.
A course designed to provide graduate students with experience in critical reading of the primary literature, seminar preparation and presentation, data analysis and interpretation, and team-based learning as they relate to Personalized Molecular Medicine.
MMED 6091. Seminars in Molecular Medicine. 1.5 Credit Hour.
This course includes presentations from nationally and internationally renowned speakers in Molecular Medicine. This course will share with students the most up-to-date research discoveries in Molecular Medicine. Additionally, this course will include a unique annual mini-symposium in which leaders from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies will speak to students about jobs, patents, entrepreneurial endeavors, clinical trials, drug discovery, and integrating academics with business.
MMED 6097. Research. 1-12 Credit Hours.
Independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor for students who choose the Thesis-Based Plan of Study for the Master of Science in Personalized Molecular Medicine Program and also for the Ph.D. students in the Molecular Medicine Graduate Program. Independent research experiences will be determined by the faculty mentors along with the student. Students will conduct research projects to gain first-hand experiences within a given topic. (Variable SCH 1-12).
MMED 6098. Thesis. 1 Credit Hour.
Independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor for students who choose the Thesis-Based Plan of Study for the Master of Science in Personalized Molecular Medicine Program. Independent research experiences will be determined by the faculty mentors along with the student. Students will conduct research projects to gain first-hand experiences within a given topic, write a Master's Thesis, culminating in an oral Thesis Defense by the student highlighting the key research findings.
TSCI 5070. Responsible Conduct of Research. 2 Credit Hours.
This foundational course introduces students to core ethical content necessary for responsible research conduct. Through interactive seminars, students will learn about (1) scientists as responsible members of society (contemporary ethical issues in biomedical research and environmental/social impacts of research), (2) policies for research with human subjects and vertebrate animals, (3) collaborative research, (4) conflicts of interest (personal, professional, financial), (5) data acquisition and laboratory tools (management, sharing, ownership), (6) responsible authorship and publication, (7) mentor/trainee responsibilities and relationships, (8) peer review (9) research misconduct (forms of misconduct and management policies) (10) informed consent, privacy regulations, good clinical practice, and special populations in clinical investigations.