Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences - University of Florida - Overview
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Program at Top-Ranked Medical School
University of Florida College of Medicine at Gainesville is a top-rated school, regularly ranking in the top-50 schools nationwide by, "US News and World Report." The College of Medicine garners over $270 million annually in grants and research appropriations. The college offers a world-class interdisciplinary PhD program in which students have chances to study with over 200 of the university's prominent faculty members.
Associated with the Shands at UF teaching Hospital, also rated by "US News and World Reports" as a top 50 hospital, the program is a cooperative effort between 7 departments within the University of Florida College of Medicine and the Department of Dentistry. The research and curricula focus on cutting-edge technology while offering broad foundations in both basic and clinical science.
8 Advanced Concentrations
The program offers 6 advanced concentrations in biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics, immunology and microbiology, molecular cell biology, neuroscience, and physiology and pharmacology. All graduate students begin their first years with standard courses of study, and later complete 3 research rotations in areas of concentration. All students take part in specialized journal clubs.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The biomedical program at the UF College of Medicine offers an advanced concentration in biochemistry and molecular biology through which students research enzymatic mechanisms and structure-function relationships, gene regulation, protein function, nucleic acid - protein interface reactions, chromatin structure, cytoskeletal and membrane proteins, and macromolecular structure determination. Among the numerous distinguished faculty members of the program is Brian D. Cain, chair for the 2011 Molecular Bioenergetics Gordon Conference.
Genetics
The advanced concentration in genetics focuses on the study of genomes, gene sequencing, and gene function and interaction. This specialized program is directed by Margaret Wallace, PhD, winner of the prestigious Young Investigator Award from the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation.
Immunology and Microbiology
The advanced concentration in immunology and microbiology provides students with research opportunities in bacteriology, virology, infectious disease, autoimmunity, and host-pathogen interactions. Noted researcher Richard Condit, former chair of the Program Division of the American Society of Virology, chairs the department.
Molecular Cell Biology
The advanced concentration in molecular cell biology engages student in the study of cell regulation and cancer, manipulation of stem cells, liver pathobiology, and the role of aberrant protein processing and trafficking in disease processes. Students may choose to study the decay of macular eye tissue with National Science Foundation (NSF) member Professor Michael E. Bolton.
Neuroscience
Students who choose the advanced concentration in neuroscience receive opportunities to study and research neurotransmitters, neurosignaling, and the brain. They receive hands-on training from many distinguished staff, such as Dr. Barbara-Anne Battelle, winner of the 2007 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Distinguished Mentor Award.
Physiology and Pharmacology
Students pursuing the advanced concentration in physiology and pharmacology investigate such wide-ranging topics as aging, cancer, drug development, gene therapy, hypertension, ion channels, toxicology, fetal development, and vascular biology. Among the many great researchers in this area is Dr. Hideko Kasahara, winner of the Melvin L. Marcus Young Investigator Award from the American Heart Association 73rd Scientific Session.
Program Requirements
The University of Florida College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Bioscience program requires a GPA of 3.0 or better in upper division coursework. Each applicant is encouraged to have a year or more of research experience. Although some students have earned master's degrees, most matriculate with undergraduate degrees. Applicants to the University of Florida College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Bioscience program must submit GRE exams taken within the last 5 years. Mean scores are in the range of 1250.
Renowned Faculty Members
As befits a teaching and research institution, the Medical College at UF boasts numerous distinguished faculty members and instructors, including such luminaries as Michael L. Good, noted authority on anesthesia. In all, over 200 physicians and scientists from many departments support the program. Faculty members involve students in a diverse range of research areas and actively collaborate on interdisciplinary projects.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
State-of-the-art research facilities include a new 163,000 square-foot Biomedical Sciences building, the Shands at UF Teaching Hospital, the McKnight Brain Institute, the Powell Gene Therapy Lab, and the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. Faculty members and graduate students also collaborate closely with Scripps Florida, the Burnham Institute for Medical research, and the Moffitt Cancer Center.
Full Financial Support
All students admitted to the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Program at University of Florida College of Medicine receive tuition waivers and generous annual stipends. They are appointed graduate assistants and considered employees of the University of Florida.
The University of Florida
The University of Florida in Gainesville, located on a beautiful 2,000 acre campus, is among the nation's leading research universities, as categorized by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. UF is a member of the Association of American Universities, the nation's most prestigious higher education organization.
The College of Medicine, opened in 1956, has become a nationally recognized leader in medical education and research.