Training & Curriculum - Graduate PhD Program Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog English English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Translation is unavailable for Internet Explorer Cedars-Sinai Home 1-800-CEDARS-1 1-800-CEDARS-1 Close Find a Doctor Locations Programs & Services Health Library Patient & Visitors Community My CS-Link Education clear Go Close Academics Academics Faculty Development Community Engagement Calendar Research Research Areas Research Labs Departments & Institutes Find Clinical Trials Research Cores Research Administration Basic Science Research Clinical & Translational Research Center (CTRC) Technology & Innovations News & Breakthroughs Education Graduate Medical Education Continuing Medical Education Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Professional Training Programs Medical Students Campus Life Office of the Dean Simulation Center Medical Library Program in the History of Medicine About Us All Education Programs Departments & Institutes Faculty Directory Graduate PhD Program Back to Graduate PhD Program Training & Curriculum Application Information How to Apply PhD Program Statistics Faculty & Administration Student Research Current Students FAQs Training & Curriculum The curriculum of the PhD in Biomedical Sciences emphasizes research training and closely mentored instruction within a human disease-focused framework. The program prepares students for successful careers by training them as well-rounded scientists with a strong foundation of knowledge in research design, methodology, presentation and the skills needed to compete for research funding. Program Goals One of the PhD program's primary goals is to provide a contextual understanding of how basic and preclinical research relate to treatment and pathophysiology of disease. Courses are taught in small tutorial groups by members of the world-class PhD and MD faculty of Cedars-Sinai. Throughout the program, students have access to both basic science and clinical research mentors. Students are taught both by clinicians who diagnose and treat the diseases and by scientists who study their underlying mechanisms. Units will integrate biochemistry, immunology, genetics and microbiology, underscoring their interrelationships in understanding the mechanisms of human disease. Students will achieve: Broad knowledge and understanding of the biological sciences and their relevance to medicine Creativity in and enthusiasm for scientific ideas The ability to think "scientifically" and to negotiate scientific problem-solving The ability to acquire the necessary knowledge that is not included in the core curriculum but that is relevant to research projects The ability to conduct a scientific argument verbally and/or in writing with mentor, teachers and peers Initiative in engaging mentors, teachers and peers in creating supportive networks to enhance scientific growth Productive interactions with clinicians working on medical problems relevant to the primary research interest of the student to facilitate translational opportunities PhD students receive a $41,000 annual stipend as well as health insurance coverage. Courses and Lab Rotation Year 1 First-year students will be introduced to mentors and laboratories and will select up to three laboratories through which to rotate. Students will spend time in these laboratories familiarizing themselves with the research and the researchers. At the end of the laboratory rotations, the students will select their thesis mentors. During the first year, all students will complete the core curriculum and participate in ongoing workshops, seminars and research-in-progress talks and complete three courses: immunology/infectious diseases, genomics/genetics and developmental and cell biology. In addition, students must complete a biostatistics/bioinformatics course. Students are also encouraged to attend lectures, presentations and talks given throughout the medical center. Year 2 During the second year, students must complete a bioethics course, successfully complete a qualifying examination and participate in ongoing workshops and seminars. In addition, students must attend weekly research-in-progress meetings, which are required through to their fourth year. After successfully passing the qualifying examination, students are advanced to PhD candidacy. At this time, students select a doctoral committee and prepare a proposal for their dissertation research. Year 3 In their third year (and on), students complete thesis research and write and defend their dissertation. Students meet regularly with their doctoral committees and participate in ongoing workshops, seminars and research-in-progress meetings. Students may also select a translational research mentor who supplements and adds value to the student's research while building on the translational and clinical element of the student's dissertation. Students are required to include a chapter on the translational relevance of their research in their final dissertation. During this time, students also participate in an annual Graduate Student Symposium where graduate students present research talks and poster presentations. Graduate students from other institutions are invited to participate to share research and ideas as well as network. Laboratory Rotations Students are required to complete up to three laboratory rotations during the first year of the program. Laboratory rotations give graduate students an opportunity to experience different laboratory environments, research opportunities and investigators that they may be considering for their thesis research. These rotations also allow the faculty to get to know the students and evaluate them in a research setting. Laboratory rotations run congruent with the academic trimesters. Students are expected to partake fully in the laboratories' activities, including group laboratory meetings, discussion groups and laboratory projects. Students are expected to arrange independently each of their rotations with the Cedars-Sinai mentoring faculty who are participating in the program. Have Questions or Need Help If you have questions or wish to learn more about the PhD program, call us or send a message. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 8687 Melrose Ave. Suite G-532 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-423-8294 SEND A MESSAGE Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility