Graduate research at the University of Kansas Medical Center covers a rich and diverse range of topics in both basic and translational sciences. Basic research is geared toward understanding the basic biological systems that control life. Understanding these systems may lead to, treatments of diseases. The discovery and refinement of these rational treatments is translational research. With such a range of research topics, it is often difficult to choose a lab that best fits the scientific interests of a student. The interdisciplinary program allows the student to make an informed choice of labs to enter. During the Faculty Research Series, students attend presentations from every faculty member interested in mentoring a new student into their lab. The students then select 3 research lab rotations. At the end of the 3 rotations, the student will discuss with the mentor of choice to determine if it is a mutual best fit for overall research goals. At the beginning of the second year, the student enters the concentration area of the selected mentor to complete their Ph.D. training.
The interdisciplinary program covers the first 2 semesters of graduate study, during which time each cohort takes a core group of courses intended to provide a broad state-of-the-art background for a future career in biomedical research. Students take a core group of courses that provide a broad state-of-the art background for a future career in biomedical research. Many aspects of cell biology, biochemistry, and cell signaling physiology are covered. Courses are both lecture- and discussion-based. Students receive introductions to critical research techniques, work on problem sets, and critically evaluate our current knowledge base. In addition, students must take courses in scientific ethics and scientific communication. Scientific communication covers graphic presentation of data and both written and oral communication.
At the end of the first year, students will have built a considerable knowledge base and developed appropriate skills in scientific communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. Students will then expand their knowledge base and skills by taking advanced courses in their chosen concentration. Our graduate program prepares students for successful careers in biomedical research.
The application process is an online process. Application to this graduate program is facilitated through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS). Detailed instructions on how to apply and the application deadlines are posted on the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences website http://www.kumc.edu/igpbs/how-to-apply.html.
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution documented by submission of official transcript indicating the degree has been conferred before entering the program. Official transcripts from institutions attended post-baccalaureate are also required.
Students with degrees from outside the U.S. may be subject to transcript evaluation indicating the degree is equivalent to a U.S. degree and meets the minimum cumulative GPA requirements. - A cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants who are not native speakers of English, whether domestic or international, must demonstrate they meet the Minimum English Proficiency Requirement.
- A background check is required during the admission process; it may affect the student's eligibility to enter the program.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Prerequisite coursework:
- One year of general chemistry
- One year of organic chemistry or one semester of organic chemistry and one semester of biochemistry
- One year of biological sciences
- One semester of calculus
- One semester of physics
- Research experience (beyond labs associated with lecture courses) is strongly suggested.
- Interview - the most qualified applicants will receive an invitation for an interview.
Applicants will be assessed based on a combination of GPA, research experience, and interview. After an applicant has been admitted, a program may defer an applicant's admission for one year after which time the applicant must submit a new application.
Admission requirements are subject to change. In most cases, use the catalog of the year student entered the program. Other years’ catalogs».
Typical Plan of Study
Beginning with the Fall semester of year two, the student enters the Ph.D. program their faculty mentor is associated with and completes the degree requirements listed in the catalog for that specific program:
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cancer Biology
Cell Biology and Anatomy
Microbiology
Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Neurosciences
Pathology
Pharmacology
Toxicology
TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INTERDISCIPLINARY GRADUATE PROGRAM IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
The Ph.D. degree signifies that the holder is prepared for entry into research and/or teaching in postgraduate training and faculty positions. It follows that graduates must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of academic situations in the classroom and laboratory. Therefore all students admitted for graduate study must meet the following abilities and expectations.
- Observation: The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiences in the basic sciences, including but not limited to biology demonstrations in animals, cultures, and microscopic studies of tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate must be able to observe and analyze experimental detail. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation.
- Communication: A candidate should be able to communicate, to understand, and to observe lectures and laboratory instruction. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively in order to present and analyze research data. Communication includes not only speech, but also reading and writing. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with students, staff, and faculty.
- Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function to carry out lab techniques. A candidate should be physically able to do laboratory procedures and analyze data. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
- Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: The abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of scientists, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
- Behavioral and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the completion of research and teaching responsibilities. Integrity and motivation are personal qualities, which are required for success in science.
Disabled individuals are encouraged to apply. Applicants whose response indicates that they cannot meet the expectations will be reviewed by the Graduate Committee and Technical Support staff of KUMC to assess the extent of the student’s difficulties. At this review the provisions for reasonable accommodation will be determined.
For further information, contact Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 4095 Hemenway, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas 66160-7400 (Phone: (913) 588-2719 Fax: E-mail: IGPBS@kumc.edu
STUDENT POLICY ON INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Due to the need to assure the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, the fact that an applicant for admission has an infectious disease or is the carrier of an infectious disease may be a factor in determining eligibility for academic program admission at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Determination of eligibility for admission in such cases will be made on an individual basis in consultation with the applicant’s physician, taking into consideration (among other factors), legal requirements and the current best medical information available to determine whether the applicant could complete the normal course of study with reasonable accommodation and without risk to him/herself or to others. Therefore, applicants having an infectious disease or who are carriers of an infectious disease must advise the Graduate Committee of this fact and may be required to provide medical records for review by the Student Health Physician in order to determine eligibility for admission.
DRUG FREE WORKPLACE POLICY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
It is the policy of the University of Kansas that unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances or alcohol is prohibited in buildings, facilities, or grounds controlled by the University. Any student found to be illegally manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, or using controlled substances or alcohol at the University or any of its affiliated educational sites, shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable policies as outlined in the Graduate Student Handbook. Students are reminded that illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances may also subject individuals to criminal prosecution.
