Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biological Sciences/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Research

Program Overview

The B.S./Ph.D. in Biomedical Research program at Marshall University offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated students to pursue a research-focused career. The accelerated program allows students to earn both a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Research in seven years. Students receive a tuition waiver, stipend, and medical insurance during the Ph.D. portion of the program and have the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects. Graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in biomedical research in academia, industry, and government.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

• Objectives:
• Attract top high school students interested in biomedical research to Marshall University.
• Provide an accelerated path to earning both a B.S.
in Biological Sciences and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Research in seven years instead of the usual eight to nine years.
• Increase recruitment from other regions and help attract students interested in research to Appalachia and West Virginia.
• Description:
• A combined program offered by Joan C. Edward School of Medicine and Marshall University College of Science.
• Provides a unique opportunity for highly motivated students to pursue a research-focused career.
• Offers a rigorous curriculum with a strong emphasis on research experience.
• Students receive a tuition waiver, stipend, and medical insurance during the Ph.D. portion of the program.

Outline:

Required Undergraduate Curriculum:

• Biology Requirements:
• BSC 120: Principles of Biology (4 credit hours)
• BSC 121: Principles of Biology (4 credit hours)
• BSC 302: Principles of Microbiology (3 credit hours)
• BSC 310: Comp Vertebrate Anatomy (4 credit hours)
• BSC 324: Principles of Genetics (4 credit hours)
• BSC 450: Molecular Biology (3 credit hours)
• BSC 491: Capstone Experience (2 credit hours)
• Chemistry Requirements:
• CHM 211: Principles of Chemistry I (3 credit hours)
• CHM 217: Principles of Chemistry Lab I (2 credit hours)
• CHM 212: Principles of Chemistry II (3 credit hours)
• CHM 218: Principles of Chemistry Lab II (2 credit hours)
• CHM 355: Organic Chemistry I (3 credit hours)
• CHM 356: Organic Chemistry II (3 credit hours)
• CHM 361: Intro to Organic Chemistry Lab (3 credit hours)
• CHM 365: Introductory Biochemistry (3 credit hours)
• Mathematics Requirement:
• MTH 229: Calculus/Analytical Geometry I (5 credit hours)
• Physics Requirements:
• PHY 201: College Physics I (3 credit hours)
• PHY 202: General Physics I Laboratory (1 credit hour)
• PHY 203: College Physics II (3 credit hours)
• PHY 204: General Physics II Laboratory (1 credit hour)
• Elective Undergraduate Classes (Any two of the following):
• BSC 301: Vertebrate Embryology (3 credit hours)
• BSC 304: Microbiology Lab (2 credit hours)
• BSC 413: Principles of Organic Evolution (3 credit hours)
• BSC 417: Biostatistics (3 credit hours)
• BSC 422: Animal Physiology (3 credit hours)
• BSC 424: Animal Parasitology (3 credit hours)
• BSC 428: Neuroscience (3 credit hours)
• BSC 438: Emerging Infectious Disease (3 credit hours)
• BSC 448: Introductory Immunology (3 credit hours)
• BSC 454: Principles of Advance Technology in Molecular Biology (3 credit hours)
• BSC 456: Genes and Development (3 credit hours)

Required Biomedical Research Graduate Curriculum:

• BMR 601: Introduction to Nucleic Acids and Proteins (3 credit hours)
• BMR 602: Introduction to Cell Structure and Function (3 credit hours)
• BMR 603: Regulation of Cell Function (2 credit hours)
• BMR 604: Cellular Basis of Disease (1 credit hour)
• BMR 660: Communication Skills I (1 credit hour)
• BMR 661: Communication Skills II (1 credit hour)
• BMR 667: Experimental Approach to Physiology (3 credit hours)
• BMR 680: Seminar taken every summer (1 credit hour)
• BMR 785: Introduction to Research - taken every summer (3 credit hours)
• BMR 882: Research - taken every summer (1 credit hour)

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Undergraduate:
• Coursework grades
• Exams
• Research project
• Graduate:
• Coursework grades
• Qualifying exams
• Dissertation research and defense

Assessment Criteria:

• Undergraduate:
• Academic performance
• Research potential
• Graduate:
• Academic performance
• Research progress
• Dissertation quality

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Undergraduate:
• Traditional lectures
• Laboratory experiments
• Research opportunities
• Graduate:
• Seminar discussions
• Research guidance from faculty mentors
• Research presentations

Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in biomedical research.
• Faculty members are actively involved in research and have a strong commitment to teaching.

Unique Approaches:

• The program offers a unique research-focused curriculum.
• Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects.
• The program provides a strong foundation for a successful career in biomedical research.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Biomedical researcher
• Academic researcher
• Research scientist
• Pharmaceutical scientist
• Government scientist

Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in biomedical research.
• Graduates are highly competitive for positions in academia, industry, and government.

Outcomes:

• The program has a strong track record of placing graduates in top-tier research institutions.
• Graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in biomedical research.

Other:

• The program is open to both high school students and current Marshall University students.
• Students with a declared major in Biological Science are eligible to apply.
• The program offers a full tuition waiver, stipend, and medical insurance to Ph.D. students.
• The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in biomedical research.
• The program is committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a research career.