Additional Information
Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. Program
School of Graduate Education
Knight Hall 247
Phone: (307) 766-4128
Website http://www.uwyo.edu/biomedphd/
Email: bms@uwyo.edu
Program Director: Sreejayan Nair, Ph.D.
Degree Offered
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical sciences is the study of human biological processes; the complex interactions between physiological, genetic and environmental factors that influence disease and health. It spans the spectrum from fundamental discovery to innovation and application.
Areas of focus may include but not limited to cardiac health, nutrition, reproductive biology, toxicology, diagnostic & imaging and medical engineering.
The PhD program in biomedical sciences is designed to position graduates for long-term competitive success in the rapidly changing and multifaceted health-related arena in the 21st century. It is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program, making connections between various disciplines to gain new insights, discover and apply new knowledge, and promote self-directed, life-long learning.
Biomedical Sciences is a research & discovery focused program balancing depth and breadth of content knowledge with “enabling” skills including problem solving, innovation, entrepreneurship, communication and leadership.
Admission to the Biomedical Sciences PhD Program
1. Minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may be conditionally accepted at the discretion of the BMS Admission Committee. Please submit the application packet comprising the following documents for pre-admission screening:
a. Faculty sponsor. Contact potential biomedical sciences graduate program faculty sponsor in your area of interest prior to submitting an application. NOTE: a letter indicating the sponsorship by a faculty is strongly recommended as the program does not have sufficient number of graduate assistantships to support all students.
b. Official academic transcripts. Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with one or more semesters of biology, physics, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry/molecular biology, math are recommended. All applicants should have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (scale of 4.0). While a master’s degree is not required for admissions into the biomedical sciences Ph.D. program, a master’s degree with a strong background in the research area of focus is a plus.
c. TOEFL/IELTS/Duoling: The minimum acceptable scores are 540 (76 iBT) and 6.5 for TOEFL and IELTS respectively. An applicant whose native language is English and is a citizen of one of the following countries or has earned a university level degree from a school in one of the following countries may be exempt from providing additional proof of English proficiency: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia Dominica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Australia, Bermuda, Canada (all provinces except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States. Due to COVID-19 related postponements/ cancellations of TOEFL/IELTS exams, we will be accepting Duolingo scores or 110 or higher as proof of English proficiency, until further notice.
d. GRE: A composite minimum score of 291 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE is recommended. The GRE may be waived at the discretion of the admission committee if the applicant already possesses a master’s degree, and/or documented research accomplishment in the chosen discipline.
e. Three letters of recommendation.
f. Statement of research interests and career objectives. A letter stating research & career interests and goals, prior research experience and outcomes, reasons for interest in BMS program. Include your contact information in the letter.
g. Current professional resume
2. Application Process. The BMS admissions committee reviews the completed application.
a. Contact faculty in your area of interest and obtain their endorsement. Faculty may choose to interview the candidate on-campus or via zoom.
b. Submit your application materials (pdf files of cover letter/statement of purpose, letter of sponsorship from the faculty, three letters of reference, transcripts, TOEFL/GRE scores to the admissions office via the University’s admission portal.
c. To ensure full application review for fall semester admission, applications should be received by February 15.
d. Review by BMS Admissions Committee.
e. Forward application packet with BMS recommendation to the faculty and host department.
f. Notification of decision to applicant by May 1.
Program of Study
Rationale: The program of study is designed according to student learning goals and research opportunities. It blends depth and breadth of preparation by providing broad core requirements with electives promoting specialization in a “parent” discipline. This is recognized on program documentation by a Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences/”specialization” area. For example, Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences/Reproductive Biology.
Student Learning Outcomes: The BMS program provides unique array of formal courses and informal discovery experiences focused on ensuring aptitudes, behaviors and skills necessary for leadership and competitive success in the biomedical science arena.
Although the foundation enabling innovative, independent thinking and knowledge discovery is deep discipline knowledge, the BMS program is also designed to promote student competency in information assessment, synthesis and integration, communication and translation to the broader community, teamwork, leadership and project management.
The BMS program trains graduates to be competent, skilled experimentalists, problem solvers, critical and independent thinkers, expert in their field, with both depth and breadth of knowledge.
In addition, the program aims to instill characteristics that are essential to long-term professional success, preparing scientists who are effective and dedicated mentors and teachers, organized administrators, exemplars of high ethical standards, and effective collaborators. Upon completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate:
- Independent, critical thinking skills
- Ability to identify appropriate biographical resources
- Knowledge of recent advances in discipline and related areas
- Understanding of a broad spectrum of research methodologies and their applications
- Ability to critically analyze research findings
- Ability to design and independently execute research
- Ability to use appropriate information technology to record, manage, and disseminate information
- Understanding of issues related to researcher and subject rights
- Motivation and aptitude needed to acquire knowledge
- Communication skills that are appropriate for a range of audiences and purposes
- Ability to construct and articulate arguments to a wide range of audiences
- Ability to effectively support the acquisition of knowledge by others when teaching or mentoring students
- Willingness to assume responsibility for their work
- Ability to design and teach undergraduate or graduate courses
- Ability to publish single/first authored papers in peer-reviewed journals
Additional Course Information:
The BMS Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 72 hours of credit from UW or another approved university. At least 42 hours of the 72 hours minimum must be earned in formal classroom courses. Twelve hours of credit at 4000-level coursework are permitted towards this. This 72-hour requirement may include graduate credits earned while working toward the M.S. degree in the same area, but in that case, at least 42 hours of the 72 must be earned through formal coursework. Additional credits toward the 72-hour requirement will comprise mainly or entirely of Dissertation Research (BMS 5980) credits. As indicated above, to be considered a full-time graduate student at the University of Wyoming students must be signed up for 9 credit hours each semester.
Required course work (13 credits):
Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics (2 credits)
Graduate-level Physiology course (3 credits)
Epidemiology (2 credits)
Interdisciplinary Seminar in Biomedical Science (3 credits) (1 credit each year for at least three years)
Beyond the Bench: Fundamental Skill Sets for Biomedical Researchers (3 Credits)
Three courses from the following list (9 credits):
STAT 5050 (or other statistics course; 3 credits)
MOLB 5600, General Biochemistry (3 credits)
BIOL 4600, Cell Biology (4 credits)
MOLB 5670, Develop. & Molecular Cell Biology (3 credits)
PHCY 6230, Pharmacology I (4 credits)
Recommended Program Electives (9 Credits)
KIN 5025, Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
KIN 5047, Research Biomechanics (3 credits)
FCSC 5145 Advanced Nutrition (4 credits)
FCSC 5147 Nutrition and Weight Control (3 credits)
KIN 5062, Applied Concepts in Human Aging (3 credits)
CHE 5100, Biomedical Engineering (3 credits)
PATB 5510, Introduction to Virology (3 credits)
HLSC 4700, Health Informatics (3 credits)
HLSC/MOLB 4520, Public Health Issues in Developing Countries (3 credits)
HLSC/MOLB 4530 Global Experience in Public Health (2 credits)
HLSC/MOLB 4310 Foundations of Scholarship and Discovery (1 credit)
Concentration Area (12 credits)
Research/Dissertation (remaining): Students are expected to conduct research leading to a publishable dissertation. While publication expectations are determined largely by the major advisor, it is required that one manuscript be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal prior to the defense. Students will need to demonstrate lead authorship on articles published in their dissertation. (6 credits from MS if applicable)