Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences

Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences

Program Curriculum

Photo of CONJ 660 course students.

PBMS is meant to be a flexible program where the educational training plan is custom-built for each student based on their research project and trajectory. Course requirements reflect our desire that students receive a strong scientific foundation in core biomedical disciplines and learn to think critically about their own project and the work of others. Recognizing that graduates in the biomedical sciences follow many trajectories, we provide training in analytical, professional and communication skills that will prepare students for diverse scientific careers.

Year 1: Curriculum Overview

PMCB students in the classroom.

PBMS course requirements reflect our desire that students receive a strong scientific foundation in core biomedical disciplines and learn to think critically about their own project and the work of others.

All students will take Ethics, Scientific Logic and Methods and Models. Based on their academic background and with the advice of Academic Mentors, students will pick 2 out of 3 core courses (Biochemistry, Genetics, and Cell Biology) and 1 of 3 electives (Chemical Biology innovators, Principles of Physiology, Molecular Biophysics and Structural Bioinformatics and Fundamentals of Immunology). Students may choose to take all 3 core courses instead of choosing 1 of the elective courses.

Fall Quarter

 Required

  • MGRD 650 - The Practice and Ethics of Science
  • BMSC 665 - Scientific Logic
  • BMSC 664 - Research Models and Methods

Core

  • BMSC 661 - Structure & Funct. of Bio. Molecules
  • BMSC 662 - Genetic Mechanisms and Bioregulation
  • BMSC 663 - Cellular Biology

Electives

  • BMSC 666 - Chemical Biology Innovators
  • BMSC 667 - Principles of Physiology
  • BMSC 668 - Molecular Biophysics and Structural Bioinformatics
  • BMSC 669 - Fundamentals of Immunology 

All students will take the listed required courses. Based on their academic background and with the advice of Academic Mentors, students will select 2 of the 3 listed core courses, and 1 of the 3 listed elective courses. Students may choose to take all 3 core courses in place of choosing an elective. 

Winter Quarter

Students rotate through three labs during winter term, with 4 weeks spent in each lab. To make sure that students are focused on their research, Winter term has a “course-light” schedule, where students are only required to attend scientific seminars and journal clubs.

Spring Quarter

Students begin research in their thesis labs in addition to advanced elective courses as determined between the student and their Academic Mentor.

Year 2: Curriculum Overview

PMCB students in the classroom.

In addition to research and Research, students continue to develop their scientific knowledge through advanced elective courses and courses focused on quantitative skills, communication and professional development. 

By the end of the second year, students undergo the qualifying examination. This examination consists of two parts, a written examination (an NRSA-style proposal), and an oral defense. The student is expected to answer questions regarding the scientific background, rationale, and methodologies of the proposal.

Upon successful completion of both portions of the qualifying exam, the student is advanced to candidacy.

  • BMSC 660 (CONJ 660)- Short scientific talks- Summer Term
  • BMSC 610 (CONJ 610)- Data Rigor and Reproducibility- Winter Term
  • BMSC 611- Introductory Scientific Writing- Spring Term
  • BMSC 612- Writing an NRSA Proposal- Spring Term
  • CONJ 640- Professional Development- Spring Term
  • BMI 670- Scientific writing and communication for informatics students- Fall Term
  • MGRD 628- Teach Practicum/Assistantship- Each Term
  • BMSC 621- Searching and Information Management- Spring Term
  • BMSC 622- Scientific Posters- Fall Term
  • BEST 607 (Seminar Series)- Neuroscience and Career Pathways- Winter Term, Spring Term
  • BMSC 630- Professional Practicum- Each Term, contact PBMS Program Director
  • BMSC 631- Professional Experience- Each Term, contact PBMS Program Director
  • HIP (Human Investigations Program) courses: See FY23-24 Schedule here. Review course descriptions here. Limited availability, email pbs@ohsu.edu to enquire  In the past PBMS students have taken the below HIP courses:
    • HIP 530 Leadership Skills in Team Science (2 credits)- Fall Term
    • HIP 531 Best Practices in Project Management (2 credits)- Winter Term
    • HIP 532 Organizational Mindsets for Effective Research Careers (2 credits)- Spring Term
  • NEUS 644 Racial Equity in Scientific Research and Beyond, elective- Fall 2023