PhD in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Program Description

If you dream of participating in breakthrough scientific research and contributing to the advancement of biomedical knowledge, you are in the right place. Pathology, the study of disease, integrates all aspects of biomedical science to further the understanding of disease processes and develop methods for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease. Our department focuses particularly on cancer, immunologic, inflammatory, and neurologic disorders. We have a strong and diverse faculty composed of core and joint members who offer multiple research and training opportunities in experimental pathology.

Current foci of research by departmental faculty and students include:

• Disorders of brain development and normal aging
• Disorders of cell cycle and cell signaling in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer
• Normal and abnormal immunological responses to infectious agents and environmental toxins and to other stimuli
• Development of immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases

Curriculum

The doctoral curriculum comprises study in lecture- and discussion-based courses and laboratory experience extending over one to two years, followed by a comprehensive written and oral qualifying examination. A proposal for dissertation research is then prepared and presented to the student’s individual dissertation committee; the research is performed under the guidance of the major advisor with the help and advice of the committee over the ensuing two or more years. Ultimately, the student writes and defends a dissertation based upon the research performed.

The required courses are listed below. The track chosen and the degree program (PhD or MD/PhD) determine the specific curriculum. For further information on the interdepartmental tracks, please refer to their sections in this publication.

Laboratory rotations are performed in the first year of study to:

• Acquaint the students with research opportunities in the program
• Teach a variety of approaches to research and teach specific research methods
• Permit choice of a laboratory for dissertation research. The dissertation research advisor should be chosen and preliminary work in the area of research begun early in the second year of study.

There is an emphasis on integration of basic experimental and clinical aspects of pathology in the program. Students are encouraged to attend research and clinical seminars and discussions at the Medical School.

The Director of Graduate Studies serves as a curriculum advisor to all students in the first two years of the program and approves the course registration forms. After the required courses are completed, the student’s research advisor provides direction in the choice of additional courses.

Criteria for Admissions

Students must have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. Additional criteria considered by the admissions committee include:

• A good academic record/GPA
• GRE test results and TOEFL for International students
• Personal statement
• Letters of references
• Interview evaluation (if invited)
• Interest level in pathology research
• All aspects of your application are considered in the decision process

Sample Curriculum (Credit Hours)

First Year Fall

• Biochemistry (4)
• Elementary Biostatistics (2)
• Seminar (2)
• Lab rotations (2)
• Responsible Conduct of Research

First Year Spring

• Basic and Experimental Pathology (4)
• Special Topics (2)
• Medical Immunology (2)
• Lab rotations (2)
• Responsible Conduct of Research

Second Year Fall

• Special Topics (2)
• Electives
• Responsible Conduct of Research

Second Year Spring

• Molecular Biology (4)
• Electives
• Responsible Conduct of Research

Years 3–5

• Directed Studies

Responsible Conduct of Research is presented by Boston University and requires participation in 4 sessions of 2 hours each, usually 1 session per semester, and results in NIH certificate. Information can be found at RCR Program Basics.

See Specific Curriculum Requirements.

Financial Support

All PhD and MD/PhD students who are admitted to the program automatically receive a stipend, tuition, activity fees, and health insurance. For the 2010/2011 academic year, the stipend was $30,500 for entering students and $31,500 for students who have passed their qualifying exams.

Students are also eligible to compete for support from outside agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. While in graduate school, students are also eligible to compete with other students in the Division for research and travel awards from the department and Boston University School of Medicine.

Additional Opportunities

Research opportunities that provide students with the techniques and knowledge necessary to confront scientific problems

Teaching opportunities through BUSM, BU CityLab Academy, BU Metropolitan College, and BUSM Office of Student Affairs tutoring program

Departmental seminars provide students with the opportunity to hear and interact with pathologists and basic scientists from a variety of disciplines

Journal Club allows students to lead discussions about current literature, fundamental papers, or new ideas in their fields of study

Core Facilities

• Animal Research Resource Center
• Biomedical Imaging Center
• Cellular Imaging Core
• Experimental Pathology Laboratory Service Core Facility
• Flow Cytometry Core Facility
• High Throughput Screening Core
• Microarray Resource Core Facility
• Molecular Genetics Core Facility
• Proteomics Core Facility