Program Curriculum
Graduate Program
Pathology & Translational Pathobiology
Doctoral training in Pathology and Translational Pathobiology will require students to attain in depth understanding of various aspects of cell and molecular biology, organ system biology, animal models of human disease, tissue histology, and disease pathogenesis. To obtain this knowledge, the students will undertake extensive formal coursework composed of a unified core curriculum, advanced pathology coursework, and selected elective courses based on the student’s proposed research area. Doctoral programs at LSU Health Shreveport require students to pass 32 credit hours, including 20 hours letter grade hours, as part of their doctoral training. Students in the proposed Pathology and Translational Pathobiology PhD Track will obtain well over 32 credit hours in the first two years and 22.5 letter grade hours in the first two years, including 17 letter grade hours during Year 1 and 5.5 letter grade hours in Year 2. A detailed curriculum is listed below. Full-time students who have not yet completed the coursework requirement must register for a minimum of 9 credit hours (letter grade or S/U) in both the fall and spring semesters, and 6 credit hours in the summer semester. Students who have completed all coursework should register for dissertation research credit hours until completing all degree requirements.
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog
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Program Coordinator
Mary Lyle
Summary of Required Courses
Year 1
YEAR 1
The Pathology and Translational Pathobiology first-year curriculum closely matches that offered by the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience to allow students that enter the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program to have access to all three of these departments into the spring of their first year. In addition to the required coursework, all Pathology and Translational Pathobiology doctoral students will gain a basic understanding of clinical lab functions through a week-long rotation through the clinical laboratories in their first summer of doctoral training. These interactions with clinical colleagues, further solidified by participation and presentation within Pathology Grand Rounds, will help students identify mechanisms to improve the translational aspects of their research.
Fall, Year 1 |
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|---|---|---|
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IDSP 110 |
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
3 credits |
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IDSP 118 |
Cell Biology and Signaling |
3 credits |
|
IDSP 240A |
Ethics and Professionalism I (S/U) |
1 credit |
|
IDSP 116 |
Methods in Biomedical Sciences I |
1 credit |
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IDSP 117 |
Methods in Biomedical Sciences II |
1 credit |
|
IDSP 226 |
Basic Biostatistics |
1 credit |
|
IDSP 227 |
Advanced Biostatistics |
1 credit |
|
PATH 201 |
Pathology Research/ Laboratory Rotations (S/U) or IGP Laboratory Rotations |
3 credits |
Spring, Year 1 |
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|---|---|---|
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Foundations Courses |
5 credits |
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IDSP 212 |
Cardiovascular System |
1.5 credits |
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IDSP 213 |
Renal System |
1 credit |
|
IDSP 214 |
Respiratory System |
1 credit |
|
IDSP 216 |
Gastrointestinal System |
1 credit |
|
IDSP 217 |
Endocrine System |
1 credit |
|
IDSP 218 |
Nervous System |
1.5 credits |
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IDSP 123 |
Animal Models Course |
2 credits |
|
PATH 201 |
Pathology Research/ Laboratory Rotations (S/U) or IGP Laboratory Rotations |
3 credits |
Summer, Year 1 |
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|---|---|---|
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IDSP 240B |
Ethics and Professionalism II (S/U) |
0.5 credits |
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PATH 201 |
Pathology Research/Laboratory Rotations (S/U) |
1-9 credits |
|
|
Clinical Laboratory Rotation |
|
Year 2
In year 2, doctoral students in Pathology and Translational Pathobiology will take two specialized advanced Pathology courses, a histology course, and student-selected electives. This will allow students to tailor their graduate training within this curriculum.
Fall, Year 2 |
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|---|---|---|
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IDSP 235A |
Grant Writing |
1 credit |
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PATH 210 |
Basic Pathology |
1.5 credits |
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PATH 230 |
Molecular Basis of Disease Journal Club (S/U) |
1 credit |
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PATH 250 |
Pathology Seminars (S/U) |
0.5 credits |
|
PATH 270 |
Special Topics in Pathology Research (S/U) |
0.5 credits |
|
PATH 201 |
Pathology Research/ Laboratory Rotations (S/U) |
1-9 credits |
|
Fall electives (total 2 electives required for Fall or Spring, no letter grades req.) |
||
Spring, Year 2 |
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|---|---|---|
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CEBIO 200C |
Integrative Structural Biology |
3 credits |
|
PATH 220 |
Molecular Basis of Disease (S/U) |
1 credit |
|
PATH 230 |
Molecular Basis of Disease Journal Club (S/U) |
1 credit |
|
PATH 250 |
Pathology Seminars (S/U) |
0.5 credits |
|
PATH 270 |
Special Topics in Pathology Research (S/U) |
0.5 credits |
|
PATH 201 |
Pathology Research/ Laboratory Rotations (S/U) |
1-9 credits |
|
Spring electives (total 2 electives required for Fall or Spring, no letter grades req.) |
||
Summer Year 2 |
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|---|---|---|
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PATH 230 |
Molecular Basis of Disease Journal Club (S/U) |
1 credit |
|
PATH 250 |
Pathology Seminars (S/U) |
0.5 credits |
|
PATH 270 |
Special Topics in Pathology Research (S/U) |
0.5 credits |
|
PATH 400 |
Pathology Dissertation Research (S/U) |
1-9 credits |
Year 3+
After completing the formal coursework in Year 2, doctoral students in Pathology and Translational Pathobiology focus their efforts on completing their dissertation research. During this time, students are expected to continue their research training through their continued participation in the departmental Journal Club and Seminar Series.
Year 3 until Graduation |
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|---|---|---|
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PATH 230 |
Molecular Basis of Disease Journal Club (S/U) |
1 credit |
|
PATH 250 |
Pathology Seminars (S/U) |
0.5 credits |
|
PATH 270 |
Special Topics in Pathology Research (S/U) |
0.5 credits |
|
PATH 400 |
Pathology Dissertation Research (S/U) |
1-9 credits |
Brief Course Descriptions
See LSUHS Course catalog for full descriptions: http://catalog.lsuhs.edu/content.php?catoid=24&navoid=1116
Core Courses
IDSP 110: Basic Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology I (3 credits, letter grade)
Course Director: Lucy Robinson, PhD (Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
When course is offered: Fall, Annually
Prerequisites: None
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the basic biochemical properties of amino acids and proteins, a discussion of protein assembly and folding into the three-dimensional structures required for function and an introduction to basic principles of enzyme kinetics, examples of enzyme active site structure and mechanism of action. Topics on membrane transport, carbohydrates and the important biochemical processes and enzymes that cells utilize to generate metabolic energy are also included in this section. The course concludes with a basic introduction to nucleic acids structure and function: replication, transcription, RNA processing and protein synthesis
IDSP 116: Methods in Biomedical Sciences: Biochemical & Molecular Methods (1 credit, letter credit)
Course Director: Donard Dwyer, PhD (Dept of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience)
When course is offered: Fall, Annually
Prerequisites: none
Course Description: Methods in Biomedical Sciences is a discussion of principles and application of common methods used for detection and analysis of macromolecules and their structure, function, and interaction. This course covers biochemical methods of separation and detection of macromolecules as well as structural analysis. There will be some form of out-of-class work for many lecture topics, including problems, literature reviews and visits to core facilities and major equipment. The goals of the course are: to develop an understanding of basic methods applied to the study of proteins and nucleic acids; to become familiar with the instrumentation used for these methods (students should be aware of what instrumentation is required to use a particular method and have a basic idea how it is used), and to become aware of the ways that these methods and techniques are applied to biomedical study, i.e., understand what methods could/should be used to study a particular scientific problem. There will be one exam at the end of the course.
IDSP 117: Methods in Biomedical Sciences: Recombinant DNA & Cell Biology (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Rona Scott, PhD (Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology)
When course is offered: Fall, Annually
Prerequisites: none
Course Description: Goals are the same as for IDSP 116. This course covers recombinant DNA methods, including cloning and gene expression, DNA sequencing, PCR, and mutagenesis. The course also covers analysis of nucleic acids and proteins, including interaction detection methods, genomics and proteomics and also covers direct observation methods of analysis and immunological methods. There will be one exam at the end of the course.
IDSP 118: Cell and Signaling (3 credits, letter grade)
Course Directors: Christopher Schmoutz, PhD (Dept. of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience; Shile Huang, PhD (Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
When course is offered: Fall, Annually
Prerequisites: none
Course Description: An introduction to cellular signaling processes in eukaryotic cells, cell structure and the mechanisms underlying cell division and protein trafficking. The course will focus on the cell biology of the nucleus, regulation of the cytoskeleton, secretory pathways, endocytosis, protein targeting, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, apoptotic mechanisms, mechanisms of cell division and cell cycle control, the mechanisms involved in protein and membrane trafficking, and adhesion-mediated biology. Lectures and discussions of the current literature will comprise the course.
IDSP 123: Animal Models in Translational Research (1.5 credits, letter grade)
Course Directors: Christopher Schmoutz, PhD (Dept of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience). Xiuping Yu, PhD (Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
When course is offered: Spring, Annually
Course Description: This course will discuss the theories and applications of laboratory animal models to study human diseases. The goal of this course is to give students a working knowledge of the use of animal models in research, types of models and how to choose for translational relevance.
IDSP 226: Basic Biostatistics (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Elizabeth Disbrow, PhD (Dept of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience)
When course is offered: annually, spring semester
Prerequisites for course: none
Course Description: This course is designed for graduate students who have little background in statistics. The lectures and associated homework assignments will provide working knowledge of basic statistical methods and their applications. Lectures will be based on chapters from the textbook. Topics will include frequency distribution, correlations, regression analysis, probability, distributions and hypothesis testing. Examples of use of these methods, descriptions of experimental design incorporating these methods and ethical treatment of data will be considered in all aspects of the course.
IDSP 227: Advanced Biostatistics (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Cliff Frilot, PhD (School of Allied Health Professions)
When course is offered: annually, spring semester, after IDSP 226
Prerequisites for course: none
Course Description: This course is designed for a graduate student who has knowledge of basic statistics. The lectures and homework assignments will provide working knowledge of more advanced statistical methods/concepts and their applications. Lectures will be based on chapters from the textbook. Additional material will supplement this text. Topics will include power analysis, parametric and non-parametric analysis, analysis of variance and components and factor analyses. Examples of use of these methods, descriptions of experimental design incorporating these methods and ethical treatment of data will be considered in all aspects of the course.
IDSP 235 A: Grant Writing (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Andrew Yurochko, PhD (Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology)
When course is offered: Annually, fall semester
Prerequisites for course: None
Course Description: This IDSP235 Grant Writing course will provide a broad overview of the principles of grantsmanship, and the multiple steps involved in grant writing and submission and review of a grant application. Elements of the class will include how to write a competitive grant, grant submission, the role of the Office of Sponsored Programs in grant submissions, the review process, and the submission of revised applications. The overall goal of the course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the entire grant process, along with an education about the specifics of grant writing and how to try to secure funding as an academic scientist.
IDSP 240: Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Science (0.5 credit, S/U)
Course Director: Kelly Tatchell, PhD (Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
When course is offered: Fall, annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Course Description: The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the underlying philosophy in scientific endeavors and the ethical issues that face scientists. The course will involve detailed discussions about the history of scientific thought, the scientific method, experimentation and data collection, mentoring and current ethical issues. Sessions will include lectures and discussions by faculty and students.
CEBIO 200C: Integrative Structural Biology (Histology, 3 credits, letter grade).
Course Director: Manikandan Panchatcharam, PhD (Dept. of Cell Biology and Anatomy)
When course is offered: Fall, annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Course Description: An introduction to the microscopic anatomy and function of human tissues.
Path 210: Basic Pathology (1.5 credits, letter grade)
Course Director: Md. Shenuarin Bhuiyan, PhD (Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology)
When course is offered: Fall Semester
Prerequisites: None.
Course Description: This comprehensive course in general pathophysiology will follow the classic Robbins and Cotran Pathological Basis of Disease textbook, introducing students to both the basics of cellular and molecular pathology and to an organ system-based analysis of major disease pathogenesis. Normal tissue histology and function will be discussed in relation to organ systems as a basis for the understanding of disease mechanisms. The students will learn the mechanisms involved in disease processes and will develop an understanding of diseases and clinical medicine to help them converse knowledgeably with medical colleagues and target their research towards clinically relevant issues.
Path 220: Molecular Basis of Disease (1 credit, S/U)
Course Director: A. Wayne Orr, PhD (Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology)
When course is offered: Spring Semester
Prerequisites: PATH 210: Basic Pathology
Course Description: The Molecular Basis of Disease course integrates basic science knowledge obtained by students in the first year of graduate school with mechanisms of disease progression to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the causes, symptoms, and complications of various diseases, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. An integrative approach to the clinical, pathologic, biochemical, and molecular perspectives of diseases is introduced. This will help the students to understand the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases, the mechanisms of clinical diagnosis and treatment, and the current research targets to limit disease progression. Active student participation is required. Students will work with a faculty advisor to prepare at least one lecture within the course and present it to the group. The course is open to all PhD and MD/PhD students.
Students will choose from the following Foundations Courses to achieve 5 total credits.
IDSP 212: Foundations of Biomedical Sciences I - Cardiovascular System (1.5 credits, letter grade)
Course Director: Steven Alexander, PhD (Dept. of Molecular and Cellular Physiology)
When course is offered: Fall, Annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Course Description: An integrative approach to the physiology, anatomy, histology and pharmacology of the cardiovascular system.
IDSP 213: Foundations of Biomedical Sciences I - Renal System (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Karen Stokes, PhD (Dept. of Molecular and Cellular Physiology)
When course is offered: Spring, Annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Course Description: An integrative approach to understanding the kidney's role in maintaining homeostasis. Emphasis will be on global regulation of salt, water and acid/base balance seen from a traditional as well as molecular perspective. Where available, "knockout" animals and functional expression analyses are incorporated.
IDSP 214: Foundations of Biomedical Sciences I - Respiratory System (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Christopher Pattillo, PhD (Dept. of Molecular and Cellular Physiology)
When course is offered: Spring, Annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Course Description: An integrative course covering the physiology, anatomy/histology and pharmacology of the respiratory system.
IDSP 216: Foundations of Biomedical Sciences II - Gastrointestinal System (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Norman Harris, PhD (Dept. of Molecular and Cellular Physiology)
When course is offered: Fall, Annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Course Description: Integrative course covering the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the gastrointestinal tract.
IDSP 217: Foundations of Biomedical Sciences II - Endocrine System (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Diana Cruze-Topete, PhD (Dept of Molecular and Cellular Physiology)
When course is offered: Spring, Annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Course Description: An integrative course covering the physiology, anatomy, histology and pharmacology of the endocrine system.
IDSP 218: Foundations of Biomedical Sciences II - Nervous System (1.5 credits, letter grade)
Course Director: Elizabeth Disbrow, PhD (Dept. of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience)
When course is offered: Spring, Annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Course Description: Integrative anatomical, physiological and pharmacological examination of the nervous system.
Elective Courses
Fall Electives
Fall Electives
IDSP 204A & B Practical Bioinformatics – A survey (A offered for 3 letter grade credits, B offered S/U)
Course Director: Nancy Leidenheimer, PhD (Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
When course is offered: Fall semester
Prerequisites: none
Description of course: An overview of bioinformatics and computational biology in the context of biomedical research. This course will enable students to integrate bioinformatics into their research projects by providing an understanding of the computational resources, tools, interfaces, and databases that are useful to the non-bioinformatician. Basic skills such as sequence alignments, “omics” analysis, and pathway construction will be taught with relevance to cancer, microbiology, neuroscience, and biochemistry. Students will also be introduced to translational/medical bioinformatics, as well as the power of programming for mining databases. Programming skills are not required.
PHARM 245: Toxicology (2 Credits, letter grade)
Faculty Member in charge: Yunfeng Zhao, PhD
When course is offered: Fall, Annually
Prerequisites for course: Permission of instructor
Description of course: Three hours of lecture and classroom discussion. A study of the general principles of toxicology, including the biochemical and physiological mechanisms involved in injury. Specific organ systems and toxic compounds will be discussed for illustration.
PHARM 258: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (1 Credit, letter grade)
Faculty Member in charge: Kevin Murnane, PhD
When course is offered: Summer, Annually
Prerequisites for course: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IDSP 110) and Cells and Signaling (IDSP 118)
Description of course: Two hours of lecture, twice a week. In depth presentation of receptor quantification and drug pharmacokinetics. Material is covered in lecture and through the completion of problem sets. Student's progress is judged based on examination performance and take-home problems.
Spring Electives
Spring Electives
PHYSIO 278. Advanced Cardiovascular Physiology (3 credits, letter grade)
Course Director: Norman Harris, PhD
When course is offered: Spring, Annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Description of course: A comprehensive summary of physiology of the microcirculation, peripheral circulation, and heart. The major emphasis is on the functions of various components of the microcirculation including a consideration of the biophysics of vascular smooth muscle contraction and its relation to the regulation of blood flow distribution within and among organs, substrate transport across the microcirculation, the endothelial cell as a metabolic barrier to substrate transport, regulation of blood flow in the various organs, and angiogenesis.
IDSP 113: Genetics (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Kelly Tatchell, PhD (Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
When course is offered: Spring, Annually
Prerequisite: IDSP 110
Course Description: This course will provide the student with an overview of classical genetics as well as an in-depth consideration of several fundamental processes involving DNA, including its recombination and repair. The course will also explore the emerging areas of genomics and proteomics. Lectures and discussions of the current literature will comprise the course.
IDSP 119: Gene Expression (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: David Gross, PhD (Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
When course is offered: Spring, Annually
Prerequisites: IDSP 111, 112, 113, 114, 115
MICRO 291: BACTERIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR PATHOGENESIS I (2 credits)
Course Description: An advanced course of lectures, discussions, and student presentations in the areas of structure, function, and physiology of bacteria. In the first portion of the course, emphasis will be placed on bacterial structure and the functions of these structures, bacterial physiology, and the nature of antibiotics and their mechanisms of action. In the second portion, the mechanisms employed by bacteria to cause disease will be stressed, and lectures will cover the major types of bacterial infectious diseases. Lastly, basic information on the properties of fungi will be covered, and lectures will address topics in medical mycology.
IDSP 201: Introduction to Human Cancer-Research, Treatment & Prevention (2 credits, letter grade)
Course Director: Jason Bodily, PhD (Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology)
When course is offered: As needed
Prerequisites: Permission of course director.
Course Description: This is a two credit introductory course team-taught by basic scientists and clinical scientists. Three topics will be covered: 1) An introduction and overview of cancer; 2) cancer cell biology; 3) the molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer; . Students will learn about the biochemical mechanisms operating during development of neoplasia, oncogenes, tumor suppresser genes, metastasis, angiogenesis, tumor immunology, diagnostic approaches (conventional and molecular) and treatment modalities. The course will consist of lectures and literature discussions that stress the research approaches and findings that currently form the basis for our understanding of how neoplastic cells arise and form cancers. This course will form the basis for more advanced courses in the cell and molecular biology of cancer.
IDSP 202: Mechanisms of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Shile Huang, PhD (Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
When course is offered: As needed
Prerequisites: IDSP 201, Approval by Course Director
Course Description: An advanced course, involving lecture and discussion, to study the processes involved in the development of metastatic disease. Students will learn the fundamentals, including the key molecules, events and signaling pathways that are directly involved in the invasive/metastatic processes. Important seminal papers as well as current literature will form the basis of student discussion.
BIOCH 124: Metabolism, (1 credit, letter grade)
Course Director: Lucy C. Robinson, PhD
When course is offered: Spring, Annually
Course Description: A lecture course presenting selected features of the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides accompanied by discussions of important mechanisms cells utilize to regulate these processes. Discussions of the consequences of faulty regulation of pathways in some metabolic diseases are included. Course Director:
PHARM 260: Molecular Pharmacology (1.5 Credits, letter grade)
Faculty Member in charge: Christopher Schmoutz, PhD
When course is offered: Summer, Annually
Prerequisites for course: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IDSP 110), Cells and Signaling (IDSP 118) and Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PHARM 258)
Description of course: Two hours of lecture, twice a week and student presentations. This course provides a detailed examination of molecular events that occur during and after drugs bind to receptors. Intracellular signal transduction events and cross-talk among different systems are emphasized.
Summer Electives
Summer Electives
PHARM 220 : Clinical Toxicology (1 Credit, letter grade)
Faculty Member in charge: Kenneth E. McMartin, PhD
When course is offered: Summer, Annually
Prerequisites for course: None
Description of course: Three day, all day course of lectures and panel discussion. This course deals with clinical and laboratory methods for the diagnosis and treatment of intoxication from drug over dosage and poisons. Special problems associated with drug abuse and industrial and environmental toxicology are also discussed. Independent topical paper is required.
PHARM 243: Environmental Toxicology (2 Credits, letter grade)
Faculty Member in charge: Kenneth E. McMartin, PhD
When course is offered: As required
Prerequisites for course: None
Description of course: Two hours of lecture and classroom discussion. A study of the effects of industrial, agricultural and other human-produced pollutants on the deterioration of the environment. The control of environmental problems will be illustrated in case histories.
Additional Course Requirements
Additional Course Requirements
Path 201: Pathology Research/Laboratory Rotations (1-9 credits, S/U)
Course Director: Md. Shenuarin Bhuiyan, PhD (Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology; Graduate Program Director)
When the course is offered: Year Round
Prerequisites: None.
Course Description: A laboratory course in which students either rotate through faculty laboratories and become acquainted with the research area and laboratory routines in each; or perform research in their selected dissertation lab for the qualifying and preliminary exams. Students in the doctoral program gain in-depth experience in research development, design, and methodology.
Path 230: Molecular Basis of Disease Journal Club (1 credit, S/U)
Course Director: Oren Rom, PhD (Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology)
When course is offered: Fall and Spring Semester
Prerequisites: None.
Course Description: The Molecular Basis of Disease Journal Club serves to integrate basic science knowledge, translational models of disease progression, and clinical assessment of disease diagnosis, progression, and treatment. Held in both the Fall and Spring semester, this journal club allows students to keep abreast of recent contributions to the research literature, learn how to critically evaluate experimental data, and hone public speaking skills.
Path 250: Pathology Seminars (0.5 credit, S/U)
Course Director: Shenuarin Bhuiyan, PhD (Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology)
When course is offered: Fall and Spring Semester
Prerequisites: None.
Course Description: The Pathology Seminars course consists of 1) the Pathology Seminar Series and 2) Pathology Grand Rounds. Each of these events provides different but complementary benefits to graduate student training. The Pathology Seminar Series hosts a variety of renowned extramural speakers from around the country. This monthly seminar held on the second Thursday of every month from August to May provides students with access to leaders in their field and exposure to cutting-edge technology within their discipline. As part of this series, students and postdoctoral fellows have lunch with the seminar speaker after their talk. This meeting teaches students to be able to quickly communicate their research and provides an excellent networking opportunity for the student to make useful connections to enhance their career development. In Pathology Grand Rounds, doctoral students will be exposed to a variety of clinical and basic science presentations on disease diagnosis and pathogenesis. These presentations, given by departmental faculty, local faculty from other departments, and external faculty, cover a broad array of topics. Pathology Grand Rounds are held every Friday at noon, and students are required to attend at least one Grand Rounds presentation per month as part of the Seminar Series requirement. As part of their research training, students will be expected to give a presentation in Pathology Grand Rounds once per year. These Grand Rounds Seminars will further the student’s training in how to present and discuss experimental data and hone their skills as scientists and teachers.
Path 270: Special Topics in Pathology Research (0.5 credits, S/U)
Course Director: A. Wayne Orr, PhD (Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology)
When course is offered: Fall and Spring Semester
Prerequisites: None.
Course Description: All Pathology and Translational Pathobiology research faculty belong to one or more research focus groups, such as the Vascular Biology and Inflammation Focus Group, the Cardiac Biology Focus Group (led by Dr. Shenuarin Bhuiyan), the Neurovascular Biology and Stroke Focus Group, and the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Focus Group (led by Dr. Oren Rom). These groups meet either weekly or fortnightly to discuss ongoing research activities by the group members. These meetings provide an excellent training platform, in which faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students meet and discuss research findings and new developments in the field. It is an important component of a training program for the predoctoral and postdoctoral student and is a special opportunity for the graduate student to demonstrate his/her abilities as a teacher and biomedical scientist, to learn to present and discuss experimental data, and to think on his/her feet. Students will be expected to attend one of these focus groups, participate in the discussion, and present their research findings at least once per year.
Path 400: Pathology Dissertation Research (1-9 credits, S/U)
Course Director: Shenuarin Bhuiyan, PhD (Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology)
When course is offered: Year round
Prerequisites: Completion of the Preliminary Exam
Course Description: This course consists of conducting research to fulfill the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Research for the doctoral degree is conducted under the supervision of the student's Advisor in concert with the members of the student’s Advisory Committee. As the project develops, students continue to collect data, acquire new techniques and learn the literature relevant to their research project. Consequently, as the research advances, students are exposed to new methods and new information each semester as they develop their research skills. The students meet regularly with their advisors and committees and provide oral and written updates on their research progress. Because each student is responsible for a different project, the length of time required to complete each project varies as does the number of times the student registers for this course. Registration is by consent of the Head of the Department. The amount of credit is to be stated at the time of registration. Students can register for this course ONLY after they have been accepted for PhD candidacy.