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Biomedical Sciences

SOM Office of Research
MSC08 4560
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
(505) 272-1887

Degrees and Certificates Offered

• Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (M.S.)
     Concentrations: Clinical Research; Neuroscience.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.)
     Concentrations: Cancer Biology; Cardiovascular Physiology; Infectious Disease and Immunology; Neuroscience.
• Graduate Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science (GCERT)
• Graduate Certificate in University Science Teaching in Biomedical Sciences (GCERT)

Introduction

The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP) offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in the basic biomedical sciences and offers a joint M.D./Ph.D. degree program with the School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program. Applications to the joint M.D./Ph.D. program should be made through the M.D. degree application process. Contact the Biomedical Research Education Program for more information by email, brep@salud.unm.edu, or visit the Biomedical Research Education Programs Web site. 

A Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with concentration in Clinical Research is currently offered to those who have earned a terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., or Sc.D.).

A certificate in University Science Teaching may be obtained by completing 15 credit hours of specialized course work, teaching, and an independent project.

The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP) is an integrated, interdepartmental program in the basic medical sciences leading to the Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or M.S. degrees. The program provides students with a broad-based, one-year core curriculum followed by focused course work and thesis/dissertation research. Research is conducted in faculty laboratories in the various basic science departments in the School of Medicine. In addition to our School of Medicine faculty, the BSGP is complemented by affiliated faculty in the UNM College of Pharmacy, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and the Veterans Administration who may direct graduate student research. To receive their degree, students fulfill the requirements of the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program in one of the content areas:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology and Physiology
• Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
• Neurosciences
• Pathology
• Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The timeframe for completion of the degree requirements is generally four to six years for the Ph.D. degree and three years for the M.S. degree.

Admission Information and Requirements

November 15th is the priority deadline for Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP) admission applications, although applications are accepted until March 1. Early application is strongly encouraged, and applications that are incomplete as of March 1 are not considered for admission.

The minimum requirements for admission to the program include:

1)  B.S., B.A., or four-year equivalent, from an accredited U.S. institution or a recognized international institution.
2)  The following courses are prerequisite to the first-year core courses:

• Biological Science, two semesters
• General Chemistry, two semesters
• Organic Chemistry, two semesters
• Biochemistry, one semester
• Calculus, one semester
• Physics, two semesters

3)  Overall 3.00 GPA, with a grade of "B" or better in the prerequisite courses.
4)  GRE combined score must total at least 1000, or the revised GRE equivalent, and at least 3.50 for Analytical Writing.
5)  International applicants must submit their official TOEFL scores (minimum score of 580 on paper-based, 237 on computer-based exam, or 92 on Internet-based exam).
6)  Laboratory bench research experience is highly desirable.

Admission is competitive, thus meeting the minimal requirements does not ensure entry into the program. However, all aspects of an application are considered (course work, GPA, exam scores, letters of recommendation, letter of intent, and laboratory research experience). Students who may not have met all of the minimum requirements but have otherwise demonstrated exceptional potential to succeed in graduate study may be considered for admission to this program.

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Concentrations

• Clinical Research
• Neuroscience

Required Core Courses

Clinical Research Concentration

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Clinical Research provides learners who have earned a terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., Sc.D.) with the didactic and experiential learning necessary to conduct extramurally-funded clinical and translational research. Its mission is to produce skilled clinical and translational researchers dedicated to sound scientific clinical research and scholarship, conducted in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner, who develop and implement novel therapeutic interventions contributing to the transformation of human health and health care within the State of New Mexico.

The multidisciplinary, competency-based program uses adult learning principles as its foundations and incorporates 12 domains of study. The 12 domains include: Research Design, Measurement, Study Implementation and Project Management, Biostatistics, Current and Emerging Technologies, Patient Outcomes Research, Epidemiology, Conducting Research within Healthcare Systems, Biomedical Informatics, Cultural Competence, Grantsmanship, and Ethics and Regulatory Compliance. The concentration is developed to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to develop competency in these twelve domains.

Those accepted in the degree program prepare an individual Inventory Assessment: Needs Analysis and Self-Identification to identify knowledge, skills and abilities attributable to their prior education, training, and experience. Together with the degree Committee of Studies and their mentors, learners develop an Individual Program of Studies that prepares them to develop clinical and translational research skills sufficient to become independent investigators.

Neuroscience Concentration

Find requirements for this concentration under Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences.  

Admissions Requirements

Applications for the degree program are accepted once per year.

The minimum requirements for admission include:

From the Applicant

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Three references with names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
3. Official copy of transcript for terminal degree (in lieu of GRE, MCAT, PCAT, TOEFL).
4. Attendance at a M.S. in Biomedical Sciences with concentration in Clinical Research Seminar.
5. Letter/Personal Statement (three to five pages) that must address: 

• research and career trajectory;
• prior research activities;
• program importance as a component of training;
• helpfulness of program competencies as preparation for desired research;
• career timeline after program completion;
• tenure and promotion plans and implications of enrollment in the degree program.

From the Research Thesis Advisor

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Letter of Commitment with very specific mentoring plan, including:

• goals and objectives of advising relationship;
• expectations for frequency of contact and type of contact;
• advisor roles and expectations;
• student roles and expectations;
• feedback mechanisms;
• turnaround time for feedback;
• agreement to participate in: M.S. in Biomedical Sciences with concentration in Clinical Research Seminar Orientation (2 hrs.), Mentor Training and Evaluation, Biannual Student Portfolio Review and Independent Committee on Studies (thesis committee).

From the Department Chair or Dean

1. Letter of support describing: 

• career trajectory;
• commitment to faculty position;
• release time;
• other support (e.g., research funds, book/supply fees, travel to scientific meetings, etc.);
• tuition support (if resident or fellow).

Admission is competitive and meeting the minimal requirements does not ensure entry into the program. However, all aspects of an application are considered (professional statement, letter of recommendation, letters from department chair and research thesis advisor). Learners who may not have met all the minimum requirements, but have otherwise demonstrated exceptional potential to succeed in graduate study may be considered for admission to this program.

Program Requirements

The degree encompasses an individualized learning experience of 38 credit hours as follows:

Core requirements: 14 credit hours
Core requirements for the degree substitute for those required for the general M.S. in Biomedical Sciences. One credit hour in each domain is required, except for Biostatistics and Seminar for which two credit hours are required.

Electives: 18 credit hours
A second credit hour in any one of the domains is considered an elective. No single domain may accrue more than 6 credit hours (1 required credit hour and 5 elective credit hours). Two credit hours of electives are required in no less than three domains, and 3 credit hours of electives in at least two domains.

Thesis: 6 hours
Many higher level competencies are attained through practical research experience.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences

Concentrations

• Cancer Biology
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Infectious Disease and Immunology
• Neuroscience

Required Core Courses

Cancer Biology Concentration

The Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences Cancer Biology concentration provides trainees with focused and individualized training in cancer-relevant disciplines. There are over 50 graduate faculty members constituting the University of New Mexico Cancer Center, which is an NIH-funded P30 Center with emphases on basic research, clinical translation and community studies. These faculty are extramurally funded and internationally recognized leaders in their fields and their trainees represent the next generation of cancer researchers charged with making cutting edge technological advances in genomics, imaging, molecular and drug discovery. The complexity of such medical advances also requires culturally sensitive community outreach and integration to assure that the dissemination of these advances will be effective and accepted by patients, caregivers and health care providers. In recognition of the need for greater interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary graduate training, the Cancer Biology concentration addresses new, national graduate training guidelines that require students to articulate individualized training goals and plans for targeted career development. The flexible curriculum will enable students to choose from a menu of courses that offer training relevant to each of the four Cancer Center research programs: 1) Cancer Control and Disparities; 2) Cancer Genetics, Epigenetics and Genomics; 3) Translational Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling; 4) Cancer Biotechnology, Drug Discovery and Targeted Delivery. The concentration is designed to offer required and elective courses as well as professional career development that is relevant to all four programs, yet with sufficient flexibility to enable trainees to focus on selected areas of interest. The reorganization of existing courses offered by different departments along with special topics short courses centered on breaking new areas into a single Cancer Biology concentration will both enhance recruitment of the best and the brightest graduate trainees and will in turn provide transdisciplinary, individualized training for students with an interest in cancer-focused research.

Requirements

Cardiovascular Physiology Concentration

The Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences Cardiovascular Physiology concentration provides an individualized program of upper-level courses and scientific research in the laboratory of a faculty member within the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease (CVMD) Signature Research Program. The mission of the CVMD Signature program is to support and enhance the research activity of investigators at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center who are pursuing important, clinically relevant research questions focusing on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease. The training program is currently supported by an NHLBI-funded Cardiovascular training grant and is designed to ensure broad training in physiology with major research interests in vascular biology, hypertension, sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension, hypoxia, diabetes, aging, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and stroke.

Requirements

Infectious Disease and Immunology Concentration

The Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences Infectious Disease and Immunology concentration provides an individualized program of upper-level courses and scientific research in the laboratory of a faculty member within the Infectious Diseases and Immunity Signature Research Program. The goal in this Research Program is to develop and enhance collaborative programs among researchers, physicians and businesses in New Mexico to address the threat of infectious and immunologically-mediated inflammatory diseases in New Mexican populations and the world by characterizing epidemiologic issues, studying basic host-pathogen mechanisms, developing new vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, and testing the preventive, therapeutic and diagnostic efficacy of these discoveries in clinical trials.

Requirements

Neuroscience Concentration

The Neuroscience concentration curriculum leads to the M.S. or Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences degree, with the majority of students obtaining a Ph.D. Pre-doctoral requirements of the program are one year of BSGP core curriculum followed by an individualized program of upper level courses and scientific research in the laboratory of a BSGP-approved faculty mentor. Students in the Neuroscience concentration will conduct their research studies under the mentorship of a faculty member or an affiliated faculty member of the Department of Neurosciences, an academic unit of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the nervous system and to the comprehensive education and training of students in the neurosciences. Research laboratories of faculty members and affiliated faculty members of the Department of Neurosciences conduct investigations in the fundamental areas of neuroscience, focusing on four main areas of study: 1. Nervous system development 2. Learning, memory, and substance abuse 3. Brain injury, repair, and diseases of the nervous system 4. Behavioral health disorders.

Requirements

Ph.D. Program Assistantships

The BSGP Director, upon the advice of the BSGP Steering Committee, awards first-year stipends to the highly qualified students who are admitted to the BSGP Ph.D. program and who remain in good standing by BSGP and UNM Office of Graduate Studies standards. As of Fall 2013, the stipend is $25,000, plus tuition remission and payment of student health insurance premiums. Students are responsible for the payment of certain student fees, including the Health Sciences Center library fee. International students are also responsible for a one-time UNM Global Education Office fee.

Early application (November 15th) ensures best consideration for this financial package worth over $30,000, although the financial support package is offered to all first-year Ph.D. students. The funding for Ph.D. students is provided through the end of the first academic year (May 31) by the BSGP.

During the first year, students identify a research mentor who assumes the financial responsibility starting June 1, and provides the resources necessary for students to conduct their dissertation research. Students are funded by their research mentor (advisor), and/or training grants, and/or the research mentor’s department.

Students are responsible for identifying a research mentor prior to end of the first academic year in order to continue to progress in the program. The BSGP is an intensive research-based Ph.D. program. Therefore, students who fail to identify a research mentor and secure funding beyond the first academic year of the program are unable to continue in the BSGP. The program provides guidance and a variety of opportunities during the first academic year of the program for students to successfully identify research mentors. However, the task of finding a long-term fit within a research lab is the personal responsibility of each individual student. 

General Program Information

The School of Medicine participates in programs which provide educational opportunities in biomedical research for students from under-represented minority groups, e.g. Initiatives for Minority Student Development (IMSD), Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) and Bridges to the Ph.D. The BSGP is committed to training for a diverse scientific workforce.

Completion of 48 credit hours plus 18 dissertation hours is required for the Ph.D. degree and 24 credit hours plus 6 thesis credit hours is required for the M.S. degree. Due to the intense research nature of both degree programs, students often complete more than the minimum requirements for each degree prior to graduation.

More information concerning the M.S. and Ph.D. programs may be requested from the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, SOM Office of Research, MSC08 4560, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 or obtained from the BREP Web site. E-mail inquiries are welcomed at brep@salud.unm.edu.

Joint M.D./Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences Program

The M.D./Ph.D. program is designed to provide comprehensive training in both clinical sciences and a basic biomedical science discipline. The intent of the program is to provide students with an integrated and cohesive training experience while obtaining the M.D./Ph.D. degree. Students participate in activities common to both programs while involved in the M.D. curriculum or engaged in Ph.D. dissertation research.

Currently, the program consists of 18 months of the medical school (M.D.) curriculum followed by three to four years of Ph.D. dissertation research and the graduate school curriculum. Students conclude with the remaining two years of the medical school curriculum. The joint M.D./Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in seven to eight years. The Ph.D. and M.D. degrees are awarded simultaneously at the end of the entire training period. Students take two one-month long rotations in research laboratories during the initial 18 months of the program. These experiences are meant to broaden the research experience of the students as they decide in what research area they wish to specialize. Students can pursue many lines of research activity performed by investigators in biomedical research in the School of Medicine.

For more information, visit the Biomedical Research Education Programs Web site or contact us:

M.D./Ph.D. Program
SOM Office of Research
MSC08 4560
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
(505) 272-1887
email: brep@salud.unm.edu

Admission Requirements

The minimum requirements for the M.D./Ph.D. Program are identical to the M.D. degree requirements:

• Overall GPA: 3.00
• MCAT Score: 28

Research experience is highly desirable. The commitment of the seven- to eight-year program requires an understanding of a research environment. Heavy emphasis is placed on whether or not a candidate has research background.

Required Course Work

The only change from the M.D. curriculum takes place during the summer of the first academic year. In place of the Practical Immersion Experience (PIE) the M.D./Ph.D. students take laboratory research rotations during their Research Intensive Experience (RIE).

In addition the M.D. degree curriculum the M.D./Ph.D. students are required to take the following courses in the BSGP:

Other available courses offered for M.D./Ph.D. students through the BSGP are listed under the BSGP courses.

A total of 48 credits hours plus 18 dissertation credit hours and good standing throughout the SOM curriculum is required for the M.D./Ph.D. degree.

Financial Support

The M.D./Ph.D. students are provided with a scholarship or stipend either through the SOM or from the BSGP mentor for the entire period of their M.D./Ph.D. program. The amount of this financial support is approximately $25,000, plus tuition remission and payment of student health insurance premiums.

General Program Information

The School of Medicine participates in programs that provide educational opportunities in biomedical research for students from under-represented minority groups, e.g. Initiatives for Minority Student Development (IMSD), Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) and Bridges to the Ph.D. The M.D/Ph.D. Program is committed to training for a diverse scientific workforce.

Graduate Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science

The certificate program in Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) is designed to meet the needs of a variety of learners who seek exposure to clinical and translational research competencies, but who are not interested in or are ready for a Master's program. The CTS Certificate program, along with the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Clinical Research, is an educational component of the UNM HSC Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC). The CTSC is a Health Sciences Center initiative to integrate and expand the reach of biomedical research from the laboratory to clinical and medical practice: promoting a bench to bedside to community effort. Increasingly, pressing global health problems have led educators to accelerate the training of clinical, basic science, and translational researchers. Therefore, this program provides students the basic tools necessary to translate scientific discovery into actionable solutions.

Qualifications

The CTS Certificate program is open to students seeking a graduate degree in a basic science, public health, medical, clinical, engineering or social science discipline (M.D., Ph.D., Pharm.D., Sc.D., and M.P.H.). Individuals who have already completed graduate training in these areas and are receiving additional training at UNM (i.e., post-doctoral and clinical fellows), or are currently employed at UNM as junior faculty, are eligible to participate. Admission standards include competitive standardized tests scores (i.e., MCAT, GRE) and strong academic records. Additionally, preference is given to applicants who exhibit ability to effect multi-modal communication with fellow learners, colleagues, instructors and other members of the health care and research communities. Finally, the one-year program schedule is intensive, so regular attendance and in-class participation is required.

Admission Requirements

The program begins in July each year, and the application deadline is early April. Prospective students can access application materials from the Biomedical Research Education Program, or download the required forms from the Certificate Program in Clinical and Translational Science Web site. Application materials include a Personal Statement, Letters of Recommendation, and additional supporting information. Prospective students may also contact the BREP office at (505) 272-1887, or email brep@salud.unm.edu.

Curriculum

The entire program is based on the attainment of competencies. In the CTS Certificate program, with the exception of biostatistics (BIOM 559), the courses address "level 1" competencies, or the basic language and understanding of the particular domain, in the 12 domains considered essential for clinical and translational research, which are:

• BIOM 556  Research Design
• BIOM 557  Measurement
• BIOM 558  Study Implementation and Project Management
• BIOM 559  Biostatistics
• BIOM 560  Current and Emerging Technologies
• BIOM 561  Patient Outcomes Research
• BIOM 562  Epidemiology
• BIOM 563  Conducting Research within Healthcare Systems
• BIOM 564  Biomedical Informatics
• BIOM 565  Cultural Competence
• BIOM 566  Grantsmanship
• BIOM 567  Ethics and Regulatory Compliance

Learners attain levels 1 and 2 competencies for biostatistics, which include specific data analysis skills. For degree-seeking students, the 14 credit hours required for the Certificate may be included in, or may be in addition to, the credit hours required for their graduate degrees, depending on the other requirements. Students should work with their advisors to determine the specific requirements for the Certificate and the primary degree toward which they are working.

Graduate Certificate in University Science Teaching in Biomedical Sciences

The University Science Teaching in Biomedical Sciences Certificate Program is designed for trainees in the biomedical sciences to gain rigorous training in the educational pedagogy and practical experience in discipline specific teaching. This transcripted certificate program encompasses 15 credit hours of required and elective coursework and completion of a final portfolio designed to enhance competitiveness for careers that include teaching in the basic sciences. In addition to practical teaching experience, students gain exposure to, and hands-on experience with, multiple approaches to teaching through workshops, discussions, and project design, thereby developing creative, critical thinking, and communication skills that are also essential to successful research. The 15 credit hours required for the Certificate are included in (not in addition to) the 66 credit hours required for the Ph.D. degree.

Qualifications

Students must have successfully completed their first year of the BSGP and passed the Qualifying Exam.

Teaching Portfolio

Documentation of all activities leading to the Certificate are assembled into a Teaching Portfolio that also includes a statement of teaching philosophy.

Curriculum