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 bachelor’s 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 student’s 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 student’s 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.