Curriculum: Curriculum

Year 1: PAT 703 - Introduction to Pathology Research: This seminar series is designed to introduce you to faculty and their research to better help you choose your laboratory rotations. PAT 704 - Pathology Research Data Analysis and Presentation:  In the second and subsequent years you will attend an informal weekly gathering in which students present and discuss their work with fellow students and faculty. IBS 700 - Biological Chemistry and Cellular Physiology: Comprehensive and rigorous background in the principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and cellular physiology. IBS 701 - Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Disease: Physiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic approaches to diseases. IBS 702 - Molecular Basis of Genetic Disease and Functional Genomics: Genetics, genetic basis of disease and molecular medicine. Lab Rotations: You will spend 10-12 weeks in three different labs. By the summer you will have chosen your mentor and lab in which to do your thesis. Seminar: In the first and subsequent years you will attend a weekly departmental seminar in which faculty from our department, other UAB faculty or faculty from other institutions discuss their research. Year 2: Most of your time will be spent in your lab developing your thesis project and participating in the following: PAT 700 - Biology of Disease: Basic mechanisms of acute and chronic cell injury, inflammation, immune injury, neoplasis, hemostasis, and developmental disease. PAT 701 - Molecular Basis of Disease: Alterations in molecular and cellular mechanisms of cells and tissues resulting in disease. PAT 704 - Pathology Research Data Analysis and Presentation: In the second and subsequent years you will attend an informal weekly gathering in which students present and discuss their work with fellow students and faculty. Journal Clubs: You will need to take a minimum of four journal clubs during your Ph.D. training, where various scientific papers are presented and discussed. Committee choice and first meeting: By the end of your second year you should have chosen and met with a self-chosen committee of at least five faculty members. Year 3: Early in your third year you will prepare for your preliminary exam which consists of writing a NIH-style grant on your proposed thesis work and defending it orally before your thesis committee. Year 4 and beyond: These years are spent intensively researching your thesis project.  The formal dissertation and its public defense before your committee and your colleagues culminates your graduate career.