Course Descriptions
- Mandatory Courses
- Elective Courses
- Potential Electives from Other FIU Colleges
- Additional Required Credits
A unique feature of the PhD Program in Basic Biomedical Sciences is that graduate students and medical students will sit side-by-side in the introductory basic sciences portion of the medical curriculum, as described below. The graduate students will also be working on extra assignments given by the course directors. Exams for graduate students will be separate from the medical students.
Prerequisite for all the mandatory courses: Currently enrolled in the HWCOM PhD program and permission of the course director
| Course No | Credits | Descriptions |
| GMS 6904 |
3 |
Introduction to Scientific Writing: The introductory course is designed to teach the students to plan, write, and present scientific papers and grant applications. |
| GMS 6990 |
6 |
Molecular Genetics and Cellular Biology: The course is designed to introduce fundamental concepts in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and genetics with an emphasis on medically-relevant themes. The topics will be presented as lectures, team-based learning activities, and whole class discussions. In addition, student will evaluate current scientific literature related to course topics. Students will also be introduced to responsible research conduct (scientific ethics) as part of the curriculum. |
| GMS 6991 |
2 |
Principles of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics: This course is an introduction to the elements and foundations of epidemiology and biostatistics. The main perspective is the use of these methods in the practice and research of medicine. Concepts from the sciences of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics will be presented to the student in theory and problem-based scenarios. The course will help the students to understand how clinical information is measured and translated into data for the purpose of research and evaluation, the roles of bias and chance as sources of error, how to control them, and how these concepts constitute the backbone of a scholarly analysis of medical and public health literature and of good clinical practices. |
| GMS 6992 |
4 |
Basic Structure of the Human Body: This course gives graduate students an introduction to basic concepts of human anatomy, including embryology, histology, gross anatomy and neuroanatomy. Essentials of early human development, composition of different tissues and organ morphology are taught as the foundation for an in-depth understanding of the physiology of the human body and of pharmacology. Course objectives will be delivered by lectures and different types of laboratory sessions. |
| GMS 6995 |
3 |
Molecular Microbiology and Infectious Diseases: This course introduces the general principles of infectious diseases and the host response to infection. An overview of microbes (bacteria, viruses, protozoans, prions, and fungi) important to human diseases and disease processes will be presented. Understanding microbial diseases will include discussion of virulence mechanisms, evasion strategies used by pathogens against the antimicrobial immune response, and antimicrobial therapies. Study methods for learning specific pathogens will be introduced in the lectures and through a guided self-learning approach in mentored journal clubs and assignments. |
| GMS 6999 |
4 |
Physiology and Immunology: In this course, graduate students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of physiology and immunology from a biomedical perspective. The objective of this course is to develop a working knowledge of physiology/immunology that will assist the students in evaluating pathology and therapeutic target options. Using an organ-based approach, physiology will be presented by emphasizing the dynamic coordination of molecules, cells, tissues, and systems required to maintain essential processes within the human body. Additionally, students will be exposed to basic immunological concepts and how abnormal immune functions contribute to pathophysiology.. |
The following courses are taught at Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.
| Course No | Credits | Description |
| Herbert Wetheim College of Medicine | ||
| GMS 6993 |
4 |
Basic Pharmacology: This course is an introduction to the basic principles of pharmacology and looks at drugs mainly from a molecular, cellular, and basic science perspective. The course includes a systematic study of the effects of drugs on different organ systems and disease processes, the mechanisms by which drugs produce their therapeutic and toxic effects, and the factors influencing their absorption, distribution and biological actions. |
| GMS 6994 |
4 |
General Pathology: This course introduces the molecular and genetic basis of human diseases while emphasizing the basic pathologic processes and vocabulary. Areas covered in this course include: cellular adaptations, necrosis, apoptosis, inflammation, repair, hemodynamic disorders, neoplasia, and pathology as it relates to genetic, nutritional, environmental factors, and blood vessel disorders. |
Prerequisites for any of the courses taken outside HWCOM: Approvals of the HWCOM Graduate Program Director, Host Department and the Course Instructor.
| Course No | Credits | Description |
| College of Arts and Sciences - Chemistry and Biochemistry | ||
| CHM 5305 |
3 |
Graduate Biological Chemistry: Structures of biological molecules; Biochemical reaction mechanisms; Enzyme kinetics; Biomolecular thermodynamics; Biomolecular spectroscopy. |
| CHM 6382 |
3 |
Advanced Biological Chemistry: In depth exploration of one or more biological chemistry areas, for example, use of multinuclear NMR in examining nucleic acids and proteins; biosynthesis of toxins, roles of porphyrins. |
|
College of Engineering & Computing – Biomedical Engineering |
||
| BME 6545 | 3 |
Biosensors and Nanobioelectronics: Advanced topics in the design and practical application of bioelectronic devices such as biosensors, DNA nanowires, analytical electrochemistry and biomolecular electronics. |
|
College of Engineering & Computing – Computer Science |
||
| CGS5166 |
2 |
Introduction to Bioinformatics Tools: Introduction to bioinformatics; analytical and predictive tools; practical use of tools for sequence alignments, phylogeny, visualizations, pattern discovery, gene expression analysis, and protein structure. |
| Course No | Credits | Descriptions |
| GMS 6939 |
1 |
Graduate Seminar: A weekly seminar/discussion course consisting of research presentations by students, faculty, and visiting scientists in the area of biomedical sciences will form part of a recurring credit |
| GMS 6940 |
1 |
Supervised Teaching in Biomedical Science: Students will assist the faculty members who teach either graduate or medical students. |
| GMS 6942 |
1 |
Laboratory Rotations: Laboratory rotations in specific laboratories of the HWCOM graduate program faculty that will eventually lead to the choice of a thesis laboratory. |
| GMS 6961 |
5 |
Qualifying Examination: The Qualifying Examination determines, in part, the student's eligibility for admission to candidacy for the PhD degree. The examination is designed to test the student's basic knowledge of biomedical sciences, as well as assess creativity and rationality of research design. |
| GMS 6962 |
1 |
Formation of Committee: Appointment of Dissertation Committee: Preliminary Proposal: The student submits preliminary research proposal approved by his/her committee. |
| GMS 6963 |
3 |
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal: Doctoral Dissertation Proposal written in NIH style R01 grant application. |
| GMS 6964 |
1 |
Dissertation Proposal Seminar: Public presentation by the candidate followed by proposal defense in closed session with committee members. |
| GMS 6979 |
5 |
Research Credits: Research conducted in the PhD advisor’s laboratory. |
| GMS 7980 |
6 |
Dissertation Research Credits: Research conducted towards the PhD dissertation. |
| GMS 7981 |
1 |
Dissertation Defense Seminar: Presentation of doctoral defense seminar. Permission of major professor and graduate committee is required. |
