GEMS Curriculum
Curriculum Overview Heading link
During their education in the GEMS PhD Program, students undergo unique educational experiences tailored to their specific research projects in the field of biomedical research. The aim is for each graduating PhD student to become a leading expert in their research area, which typically involves exploring uncharted territory. The nature of a dissertation project is not predetermined but requires students to navigate unknowns with mentor guidance and take control of their research to completion. The program emphasizes not only deep knowledge in a specific area but also the ability to generate significant new understanding in previously unexplored domains, as evidenced by the program’s newly revised interdisciplinary core.
First Year
In the first year, students engage in three lab rotations to gain exposure to different research environments, areas, and techniques. This experience helps them make informed decisions about selecting a lab for their thesis dissertation research. Additionally, all GEMS students are required to complete a series of core fundamental courses, which focus on developing essential skills and competencies while providing a fundamental knowledge base for conducting modern biomedical research. The first-year curriculum equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on their research projects and establishes the foundation for their PhD education.
Beyond the First Year
After the first year, the GEMS curriculum becomes more individualized. Students must take three elective or research concentration-specific courses before completing their PhD. Two of these electives should be related to their research concentration, allowing students to choose topics and areas of study within a structured course framework. The bulk of the curriculum comprises individualized learning experiences, including successful completion of a preliminary exam. After being admitted to doctoral candidacy, students participate in regular thesis committee meetings, receiving guidance from their Chair and committee members focused on the student’s research, research presentations and refinement of presentation skills. Finally, the completion of a written thesis dissertation followed by a public thesis defense, leads to the conferral of the PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences.
Courses Heading link
Please note, students are encouraged to meet with the Director of Graduate Studies for their respective concentration prior to registering for their concentration courses.
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GEMS 521/522 Foundations of Biomedical Sciences I & II (12 hours)
The primary courses for all first year GEMS students. It focuses on strengthening and developing skills and competencies (e.g. critical thinking, communication, teamwork, rigor/ reproducibility/ responsibility) important for all biomedical researchers in modern research environments. Diverse learning modalities involving lectures, discussions, student presentations, and other individual and group activities. Skills are developed through activities that teach students core knowledge of biology relevant to biomedical and inter-disciplinary research.
GEMS 504/505 Research Methods I & II (4 hours)
Lectures, demonstrations, and discussions concerned with principles and practical aspects of modern quantitative biochemical, molecular biological, physiological and biophysical methodology such as separation techniques, studies of biomembranes, genomics, and imaging. The course is modular and designed for students to select areas of interest. Module III – Biostatistics is required for first year GEMS students.
GEMS 506 Research Rotations (6 hours)
Students are required to participate in three, 7-week research rotations during the fall and spring terms of their first year. These rotations provide a variety of experiential opportunities within the six GEMS research concentrations. After the third rotation, students will choose their primary concentration, lab and PI that they will work with through the remainder of their tenure in the program.
GC 470 Essentials for Animal Research (1 hour)
Will acquaint the students with the regulations, sources of information, humane principles and ethical considerations involving the appropriate use of animals for research and teaching purposes. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only.
GC 501 Scientific Integrity and Responsible Research (1 hour)
Designed to meet NIH requirements for formal training in the responsible conduct of research. Ethical and legal issues in the conduct of research; University of Illinois at Chicago research standards, regulations, and procedures. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Meets during the Fall term on the West side of campus.
Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing.
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Cancer Biology
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Alan Diamond
- Fall- GEMS 551: Foundations of Cancer Biology
CRN: 48223
Meeting Times: M & TR 9:30-11 AM - Spring- Path 511: Pathobiology of Cancer
CRN: 32506
Meeting Times: M & TR 9:30-11 AM
Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Kishore Wary
- Fall- PCOL 560: Signals & Systems
CRNs: 38178/38179
Meeting Times: T & TR 3-4:30 PM - Spring- GEMS 515: Stem Cells & Regeneration
CRN: 40345
Meeting Times: T & TR 3-4:30 PM
Integrative and Translational Physiology
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Brian Layden/Dr. Pingwen Xu
- Fall- PHYB 518: Cardiac & Vascular Pathophysiology
CRN: 42225
Meeting Times: T 3:30-5:30 PM - Fall- PHYB 562- Therapeutic Development to Clinical Trials Pipeline
CRN: 48721
Meeting Times: M & W 10:30- 11:50 AM - Fall-PHYB 531- Metabolism: An Integrated Multi-Organ Crosstalk
CRN: 48713
Meeting Times: T 10:30-12 PM - Spring- PHYB 586: Cell Physiology
CRN: 39730
Meeting Times: M & W 1-2:30 PM
Microbiology, Immunity, and Inflammation
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Francis Alonzo
- Fall- MIM 554: Molecular Aspects of Host Responses in Microbiology
CRN: 44161
Meeting Times: M & W 9-10:30 AM - Spring- MIM 551: Advanced Topics in Immunology (first half of term)
CRN: 40892
Meeting Times: TR 9-10:30 AM - Spring- MIM 553: Virology (first half of term)
CRN: 42796
Meeting Times: W 10-11:30 AM - Spring- MIM 560: Microbial Pathogenesis (second half of term)
CRN: 23029
Meeting Times: M & W 9-10:30 AM
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Nava Segev
- Fall- BCMG 594: Special Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics-Grant Proposal Writing
CRN: 48061
Meeting Times: Arranged - Spring- BCMG 575: Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
CRNs: 45973/45974
M & F 1:30-3:00 PM
Neurobiology
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Kuei Tseng
- Fall- NEUS 501: Foundations of Neuroscience I
CRN: 26189
Meeting Times: W, & F 9-10:30 AM - Spring- NEUS 502: Foundations of Neuroscience II
CRN: 23501
Meeting Times: W & F 11-12:30 PM
- Fall- GEMS 551: Foundations of Cancer Biology