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Career Opportunities in Health Science

Biomedical Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Print Version (2 page PDF file)

The Medical College of Georgia offers the Ph.D. degree in nine biomedical
science programs: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and
Anatomy, Genomic Medicine, Molecular Medicine, Neuroscience, Oral Biology,
Pharmacology, Physiology and Vascular Biology.  First-year Ph.D. students are admitted via a common admissions process to the Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences at MCG.After completing first-year core coursework and laboratory rotations, students choose a research mentor and enter the Ph.D. program in which that faculty member has an appointment. In each program, candidates complete a Ph.D. dissertation based on original research.  Completion of the Ph.D. program requires approximately five years of full-time study.

 

Students accepted into the biomedical sciences Ph.D. program will be considered on an annual basis for a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) package. For 2008/2009 the GRA package includes stipend support ($23,000/year), a reduced tuition rate of $25/semester (compared to the 2007-2008 outof- state tuition rate of $10,086/semester or the in-state rate of $2,523/semester) and the payment of health insurance premium ($1,749) for enrollment in the graduate student
(individual) health insurance plan required for all students attending the Medical College of Georgia. Students awarded a GRA package are responsible for paying standard student fees ($344/semester; 2008/2009).

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

This program provides research training in forefront technologies with strength in
gastrointestinal microbiology and cancer. Faculty research interests include gene regulation, signal transduction, membrane transport and structure/function of macro-molecules. For more information, contact Dr. Darren Browning at 706-721-9526, dbrowning@mcg.edu or www.mcg.edu/bmb/

Cellular Biology and Anatomy

This program provides diverse training in developmental biology, cell biology and
neuroscience. Students use state-of-the-art techniques to investigate biomedical problems related to the heart, kidney, nervous system, thymus, cardiovascular and neural crest cell development, genetic regulation of development, neurodegenerative diseases, the cytoskeleton and regeneration, special senses,
growth factors and cellular signal transduction mechanisms, nuclear structure/function and multi-drug resistance, gastroenterology and vascular biology.

For more information, contact Dr. Zheng Dong at 706-721-2825, zdong@mcg.edu or www.mcg.edu/SOM/cba/index.html

Genomic Medicine

This program provides an interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art research nvironment for genetic, genomic, proteomic and computational technologies to advance medicine. Faculty research interests cross multiple disciplines, including molecular immunology, diabetes, autoimmunity, obesity, computational biology
and bioinformatics. The core curriculum provides the foundation to address complex biological problems using integrated high-throughput technologies.

For more information, contact Dr. Richard A. McIndoe at 706-721-3542, mcindoe@mcg.edu or

www.cbgm.mcg.edu/GraduateProgram/ tabid/88/Default.aspx

Molecular Medicine

This program combines the resources of basic science and clinical medicine for an interdisciplinary approach to understanding disease processes. Based in an interdisciplinary research institute rather than an academic department, the program includes approximately 40 faculty drawn from clinical and basic science
departments. Students are encouraged to design their own program of study according to their interests and in consultation with their faculty mentor and advisory committee. Focused on discovering the molecular basis of human
disease, research opportunities include neurobiology, molecular chaperones,
radiobiology and cancer biology, regenerative medicine and reproductive medicine. For more information contact Dr.Wendy Bollag at 706- 721-0698, bollag@mcg.edu or Dr. Lynnette McCluskey at 706-721-5616, lmccluskey@ mcg.edu or www.mcg.edu/institutes/ immag/

Neuroscience

This program combines resources in clinical and basic neuroscience to teach psychiatric and neurological diseases, brain imaging systems, cellular and molecular neuroscience. Over 50 neuroscientists within the Institute of
Neuroscience, the Synapses and Cognitive Neuroscience Center, the Developmental and Regenerative Medicine Programs and the clinical and basic science departments provide research opportunities including learning and
memory, synaptic plasticity, stem cell research, neuronal migration, neuronal regeneration, receptor trafficking, dendritic plasticity, synaptic development, cannabinoid and dopamine receptor signaling, vision, movement disorders,
epilepsy,Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and drugs of abuse.An NIH training grant in neuroscience helps support student training in the program.

For information, contact Dr. Darrell Brann at 706-721-7779, by email at dbrann@mcg.edu or www.mcg.edu/neuroscience/.

Oral Biology

This program focuses on biological processes that contribute to normal development and disease processes of the oro-facial complex.  Based in the MCG School of Dentistry, graduate faculty in this interdisciplinary program span the spectrum of biomedical sciences specialties:Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry,
Microbiology, Pharmacology and Pathology.  These investigators have a wide range of research interests including oral cancer, bone metabolism, tissue regeneration, properties and biocompatibility of biomedical materials, oxidative stress and inflammation, diabetes and hypertension.

For more information, contact Dr. Jill Lewis at 706-721-2991, jillewis@mail.mcg.edu

 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is a wide-ranging discipline encompassing chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, physiology and behavior. Faculty apply a wide array of techniques to explore cardiovascular function and the nervous system.  Faculty research interests include receptorassociated proteins, cell signaling via G proteincoupled receptors, protein kinases and ion channels and cognitive function in aged primates. Courses of study are designed to meet the needs of individual students. Graduates are employed in academic research and in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

For more information, call Dr. Richard White at (706) 721-7582, rwhite@mcg.edu, www.mcg.edu/SOM/phmtox/

Physiology


Physiology integrates concepts and principles from all areas of medical science to understand function at the cell and molecular, tissue, organ systems and whole-animal levels. Faculty have expertise in cardiovascular neural and endocrine
physiology and collaborate extensively with faculty in other departments on campus.  Students and faculty maintain a high national and international profile, with publications, awards, extramural funding and regular presentations at scientific meetings.

For more information, contact Dr. Derek Schreihofer at 706-721-7885, dschreihofer@mcg.edu, www.mcg.edu/som/phy

Vascular Biology

This program is based in an interdisciplinary research center, the Vascular Biology Center, that includes 13 core faculty members and more than 30 associate faculty members from many clinical and basic science departments on
campus. Research projects encompass molecular and genetic studies, the regulation of cellular processes,multi-cellular and organ system regulation and human studies. For more information contact Dr. Richard Venema at
706-721-2576, rvenema@mcg.edu, or www.mcg.edu/centers/vbc/

 

Admission Requirements

 

  • B.S., M.S. or M.D. degree (or equivalent)
  • Three references from individuals ­ qualified to assess prior academic and research performance
  • An official transcript from each college or university attended (must be mailed directly to MCG from the institution)
  • Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test score. Scores must be less than 5 years old. For G.R.E. registration materials and location of centers, visit http://www.gre.org or contact the Educational Testing Service at (609) 771-7670. The Medical College of Georgia institution code is 5406.
  • $30 application fee The Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program will refund the application fee for applicants who meet the following criteria:
    –U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
    –Applications are for the Ph.D. program in Biomedical Sciences
    –Applications are received by December 31,2008
  • Minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 79 Internet-based for students whose first language is not English.
    TOEFL scores must be less than two years old. For details on exemptions and waivers, visit www.mcg.edu/Admissions/intstud.htm
    For testing information, contact:

    TOEFL® Services
    Educational Testing Service
    P.O. Box 6151
    Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, U.S.A.The Medical College of Georgia institution code is 5406.

  • Official verification of transcripts from all foreign colleges and universities by an approved Foreign Credential Evaluations Service (Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.,World Education Services (WES) or Educational
    Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)). A professional course-by-course evaluation of all foreign educational documents and calculation of Grade Point Average (GPA) equivalent are required. A limited number of
    applicants will be selected to have their international transcripts evaluated at the expense of the School of Graduate Studies.  To be considered for this service, completed applications and all required application materials (with the exception of the transcript evaluation) must be submitted to MCG’s Office of Academic Admissions by December 31, 2008. Additional information and/or documentation may be requested for the purpose of the transcript evaluation. If your transcript is not selected for this service or if
    you apply or complete your application after December 31, 2008, you are responsible for obtaining a professional course-by-course transcript evaluation (including GPA calculation) on your own and at your own
    expense to fulfill this application requirement. See details at www.mcg.edu/Admissions/intstud.htm

Applicant ­ Profile

Admission is highly competitive and requires a strong academic profile.While outstanding qualifications in one or more areas may outweigh a weakness in another, the successful applicant should have:

  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The average GPA for incoming students is 3.5.
  • Minimum GRE score of 1000 (sum of verbal and quantitative). The typical GRE score for incoming students is ~1200.
  • Laboratory research experience, the quality of which is documented in one or more of the letters of recommendation from a supervisor or mentor.

Deadlines

December 31, 2008 – for submission of application for eligible applicants to receive application fee refund.


December 31, 2008 – for submission of application and all required application materials (with the exception of the transcript evaluation) to be considered for a transcript evaluation of international transcripts at the expense of the
School of Graduate Studies.


January 15, 2009 – for submission of application and all required official pplication
materials.


Applications and application materials received after January 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.

How to Apply
Apply online at www.mcg.edu/Admissions or contact the Office of Academic Admissions (gradadm@mcg.edu).

 

Apply for Graduate Admission Now

 

All applications and application materials must be sent directly to:

 

Office of Academic Admissions
170 Kelly Building–Administration
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Telephone: (706) 721-2725
Toll free: 1-800-519-3388
Fax: (706) 721-7279
E-mail: gradadm@mcg.edu

Web site: www.mcg.edu/Admissions

For more information, visit www.mcg.edu/gradstudies, call 706-721-9516 or email BIOMED@mail.mcg.edu.

 

     

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October 29, 2008