Pathway to Discovery in Molecular Medicine
Course Offerings
Core Coursework
Students will take three core classes from the list of the following four:
BMS 260 Cell Biology (Fall): Scope of this Cell Biology course is to convey an understanding of the function and the organization of molecules and organelles inside and outside the cell, and how these are used to construct a multicellular tissue and organ.
BMS 255 Genetics (Winter): Scope of the graduate level course in Genetics is to convey an understanding of basic genomics and molecular genetics, use of genetic animal model systems and of the analytical principles of simple and complex human genetic traits.
BMS 265 Macromolecular Structure & Function (Spring): This course introduces graduate students to the basic biochemistry and analysis of proteins and nucleic acid.
NS201A Basic Concepts in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (Fall): An interdisciplinary introduction to fundamental aspects of nervous system function. The course emphasizes the ionic and molecular basis of excitability, synaptic transmission and signal transduction.
Core Elective
This course will be offered to all MMP students before starting their research year, depending on their previous knowledge and experience in basic laboratory research, and will also be open to residents as an elective.
Introduction to Molecular Medicine in the Laboratory (Summer):
A three-week long, intensive elective that will feature hands-on laboratory exercises with basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques. The course will also have an intensive introduction to navigating and using genomic and proteomic databases. Finally, the course will feature supervised reading groups that focus on historical and recent literature chosen to demonstrate how laboratory inquiry has led to new insights into disease pathogenesis and to novel preventive or therapeutic interventions.
Additional Electives
One additional quarter elective is required, not to be taken simultaneously with a core course. This course is to be chosen from BMS, PIBS, or PSPG graduate courses in (for example but not limited to) immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, human genetics, or other pertinent topics. Examples of the courses available include:
- Microbiology 204 Molecular and Cellular Immunology
- BMI 206 Introduction to Bioinformatics
- BMS 220 Basic & Clinical Aspects of Stem Cell Biology
- Biochemistry 200A Macromolecules
- Biochemistry 297 Molecular Pathology & Biology of Neoplasia
- Biochemistry 201 Biological Regulatory Mechanisms
- Biochemistry 246 Developmental Biology
- Genetics 224 Human Genetics
- Micro 202 Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis
- Micro 208 Biology of Animal Viruses
- Micro 209 Advanced Topics in Immunology
- NS201B: Basic Concepts in Developmental and Systems Neuroscience
- Physiology 198 Foundations of Scientific Inquiry
Journal Club and Research Club
One full year of weekly journal club participation is also required during the first two years. BMS 198 Journal Club or the MSTP Journal Club will usually satisfy journal club. Students will participate in the Molecular Medicine Fellowship Program Research seminar during their research year, at the end of which they will present their research work to their colleagues and to the Molecular Medicine fellows and faculty. The weekly Molecular Medicine Training Program Research Club will provide an opportunity for MMP students to join with faculty and trainees at the fellow level in presenting their research.
