The Molecular Basis of Disease (MBD) program at the University of Toledo (UT) is designed to develop scientists and educators who will commit their careers to the fight against human diseases. The program offers degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS).
It is our goal to provide a broad integrated approach to understanding biomedical sciences and in-depth training in a specialized research area. It is also our goal that upon completion of the program, the student will be prepared for a high-level career in research and education. The MBD program focuses on a full range of diseases. Research interests include, but are not limited to: cancer, diabetes, and infertility, as well as cardiovascular, infectious, immunological, microbial, bacterial, and genetic diseases.
Within each of these areas, research may range from fundamental mechanisms at the gene or enzyme level up to cell biology and whole-organ studies. The MBD faculty work closely with (and sometimes also belong to) two other programs at UT-the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) and Bioinformatics & Genomics/Proteomics (BGP).
A. Goals for MBD students
There are several specific goals and objectives for MBD students. These differ in extent, but not thrust, for MSBS and Ph.D. Students. By graduation, the successful MBD student will:
- Have a basic and well-rounded understanding of current knowledge in the field. By expanding and modifying the existing information, the student will acquire more in-depth knowledge as well as a thorough understanding of the theoretical bases for their chosen research area.
- Become proficient at using modern technology to gather information and analyze data. The student will develop the ability to read the literature critically with understanding and an ability to distinguish well supported from unreliable conclusions. The student will become competent in finding information in various online databases.
- Be able to design and carry out experiments using a range of approaches. This includes demonstrating competence in the fundamental techniques of cell culture, DNA/RNA analysis, protein purification and analysis, functional assays, etc. It also involves the use of more specialized methods that include advanced techniques in molecular genetics, signal transduction, bioinformatics, gene microarrays, genomics, proteomics, and gene knock-out and transgenics. By developing a thorough understanding and appreciation of the use of appropriate controls and statistical methods, the student will learn how to critically analyze data and meaningfully interpret experimental results.
- Be able to clearly present his/her scientific work and that of others. This includes mastering formal oral and poster research presentation skills, publishing quality manuscripts, and critically presenting recent reports in scientific literature. Publications involve the ability to write clearly with scientifically founded arguments and observations. Oral presentations include formal slide- and Powerpoint-based lectures and informal poster or "Chalk talk" sessions. Clear scientific presentations also involve the ability to handle questions thoughtfully and appropriately, and to engage in academic and scholarly discussions and in constructive debates and criticisms.
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B. The goals of the MBD program
- To admit students with high academic record and outstanding research experience.
- To develop a set of at least six MBD-specific advanced graduate courses to be taken as electives after the first year of studies. Special emphasis would be in subjects such as immunology, virology, oncology, physiology, and bioinformatics.
- To develop high interaction among MBD-participating laboratories so that the student learns a broad range of approaches in his/her quest of pursuing different areas in the molecular basis of disease.
- To develop a technical writing course to be taken prior to the qualifying exam by the end of the second year. This course is designed to train students on writing well-focused manuscripts and grant proposals as well as on critically reviewing them.
- To develop a comprehensive oral examination to be taken by the second year of studies.
- To secure a graduation rate of 90% or better, with an average graduation time of five years for the Ph.D. degree and 2 years for the MSBS degree.
- To yield an average of at least three high-quality peer-reviewed publications per Ph.D. student.
- To develop a coordinated placement service to help graduate students find the best possible post-doctoral positions or jobs.
- To develop an educator-training program so that interested Ph.D. students can learn basic educational methods and are offered some teaching experience.
- To provide funding to send every second-year student to a national meeting of his/her choice, so they are introduced to scientific meetings at an early stage of their education.
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