Molecular Pathology
OFFICE: 1012 Basic Science Building,
School of Medicine
Professors
Courses
The Graduate Program
The goal of the molecular pathology Ph.D. program is to provide research
training in the pathobiology of disease for physicians, health scientists,
and biologists. The program is interdepartmental in nature. It is centered
in the Department of Pathology, but faculty members are also drawn from
other departments and institutions. The program provides a comprehensive
knowledge of normal and abnormal biological processes, with particular
emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of human diseases.
Course Work
The course requirements are designed to ensure that all students acquire
competence in cellular and molecular pathology. The requirements are
flexible in order to allow students from various backgrounds to join
the program. Students holding a bachelors degree in one of the
biological sciences are required to take the introductory course in
pathology taught for medical students. This requirement may be waived
for students holding medical graduate degrees (M.D. or D.V.M.). All
students must take five of seven core courses offered by faculty members
from the Department of Pathology. These courses cover topics in molecular
pathology, cancer, infectious disease, human genetic disease, nervous
system disease, and developmental disorders.
Examinations
First Qualifying Examination (Minor Proposition)
The purpose of this examination is to test the students ability
to choose a research problem in molecular pathology and to propose an
experimental approach to its solution. The problem should be unrelated
to the students thesis project. The student is expected to demonstrate
knowledge in molecular biology and basic pathology. The first qualifying
examination will be taken by the end of the fall quarter of the second
year.
Second Qualifying Examination (Major Proposition)
The second qualifying examination, a university requirement, consists
of an oral report by the student about research accomplished and the
goals to be achieved for completion of the thesis. Upon successful completion
of the examination, the student will advance to candidacy. The second
qualifying examination has to be taken by the end of the fourth year.
Departmental Ph.D. Time Limit Policies
Students must be advanced to candidacy by the end of four years. Total
university support cannot exceed six years. Total registered time at
UCSD cannot exceed seven years.
Molecular Pathology
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