Case Western Reserve University - Program in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics - Overview
The School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University
The Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine combines a unique history of innovation with dedication to education, creativity, and compassion. Since 1843, the School of Medicine has been at the forefront in medical education and biomedical research. Faculty members and alumni are responsible for a number of major achievements in the medical field, including the development the modern technique for human blood transfusions, the development of the first surgical treatments of coronary artery disease, and the creation of the world's first human artificial chromosome.
The School of Medicine is the largest medical research institution in Ohio and is the 3rd medical school in history to receive the best review possible from the Liaison Committee on National Education. It houses 54 academic departments and 28 research centers and institutes. The school's interdisciplinary curriculum integrates flexibility, collegiality, independent scholarship and research, leadership opportunities, and interactive teaching into each of the school's 25 graduate degree options.
Two Graduate Programs in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
CWRU offers the first graduate programs in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (SYBB) in Ohio. The program produces scientists who are familiar with multiple disciplines, and who can successfully combine the skills of experimental and computational or mathematical areas of study. The SYBB program includes faculty members and coursework from a number of departments and centers at CWRU, including biomedical engineering, physiology and biophysics, and pharmacology. Graduates of the program will be proficient in 3 fundamental core competencies: bioinformatics and computational biology, genes and proteins, and quantitative analysis and modeling.
A student interested in the SYBB program may pursue either the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Science (MS) degree. All SYBB graduate students participate in 2 to 3 3-month laboratory rotations. MS students have the option of completing their degrees in conjunction with theses, or through a comprehensive non-thesis track. Doctoral students create and defend dissertations based on their own original research. Required courses include: Current Proteomics and Bioinformatics for Systems Biology. Possible elective courses in the program include Cell Structure and Function, Proteins and Nucleic Acid, and Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes for Biology.
Many Research Opportunities at a Top Research Institution
One of the top research universities in the nation, Case Western Reserve University values and encourages student research at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. The university receives over $375 million in external research awards each year, which go to support the efforts of the university's 100 designated academic and research centers.
CWRU's School of Medicine is the largest biomedical research institution in Ohio. The school offers many opportunities for interdisciplinary research and innovation in the areas of basic, clinical, population-based, and translational research. Top research themes include cancer, infection and inflammation, metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. Research centers and institutes at the Case Medical Center include the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Center for AIDS Research, Cleveland Center for Membrane Structural Biology (CCMSB), Case Center for Imaging Research. and Center for Clinical Investigation.
Supported by Nationally Renowned Faculty
Faculty members within the School of Medicine are nationally renowned researchers and teachers, dedicated to personalized and exceptional education. In 2008 alone, 620 faculty members worked on NIH grants and NIH-funded studies, totaling almost $250 million in research funds. Current and former faculty members include 8 Nobel laureates, 6 members of the Institute of Medicine, 2 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 2 US Surgeon Generals, and the first woman director of the Center for Disease Control.
Financing Graduate Education
Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Ph.D. students will receive tuition support and a stipend from their mentor. Master's students will have the ability to apply for financial aid and merit and needs based scholarships through the University's Office of Financial Aid. Ohio residents in the Ph.D. and M.S. programs will be eligible to receive a Choose Ohio First Scholarship from the Ohio Board of Regents.
Case Western Reserve University -- Ohio's Largest Research University
The history of Case Western Reserve University began in 1826, and developed into the story of one of the nation's strongest research institutions. Today, the university is the only independent, research-oriented university in its region. CWRU offers a world-class education that integrates state-of-the-art technologies, social services, and cutting-edge research. CWRU students pursue close to 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and represent all 50 states and more than 92 countries.
CWRU is located just outside Cleveland, Ohio, on 155 acres in University Circle. The community enhances the university's rich urban experience by offering a multitude of cultural, medical, and educational opportunities. The campus is just a short walk from the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, Little Italy district, and numerous sports activities. Cleveland is ranked as one of the country's most livable cities, as well as a "hot new dining city."
CWRU Consistently Receives High Marks
Case Western Reserve University consistently earns a top ranking among the nation's best universities. "US News and World Report" has named the university among the nation's best for more than a decade. The report also ranks the School of Medicine highest in Ohio in research achievements, and 22nd in the nation. The school has also earned top marks for its research programs in at least 7 areas of study, including nutrition, biomedical engineering, and public health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) ranked the school 12th among medical schools in the country. The National Science Foundation (NSF) rated the university 13th among private institutions and 26th in the nation in federal expenditures for science and engineering research and development.