Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.)
Explore the dynamic field of biomedical sciences in this cutting-edge interdisciplinary doctoral program. Core coursework integrated with seminars and laboratory rotations expose students to the breadth of biomedical inquiry prior to pursuing advanced research concentrations. In this interdisciplinary program, students will be required to master a broad knowledge of basic biomedical sciences. Integration of coursework is reinforced by laboratory experiences and seminars that highlight the interdisciplinary relationship and approach to biomedical research. The student progresses from a set of core courses to advanced courses in their chosen concentration and an in-depth doctoral research project. Under guidance of the graduate faculty, the student will integrate knowledge from the broad spectrum of biomedical disciplines into his or her focus in an area of specialization.
Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.)
Description
What is Biomedical Sciences at ODU like?
Explore the dynamic field of biomedical sciences in this cutting-edge interdisciplinary doctoral program. Core coursework integrated with seminars and laboratory rotations expose students to the breadth of biomedical inquiry prior to pursuing advanced research concentrations. In this interdisciplinary program, students will be required to master a broad knowledge of basic biomedical sciences. Integration of coursework is reinforced by laboratory experiences and seminars that highlight the interdisciplinary relationship and approach to biomedical research. The student progresses from a set of core courses to advanced courses in their chosen concentration and an in-depth doctoral research project. Under guidance of the graduate faculty, the student will integrate knowledge from the broad spectrum of biomedical disciplines into his or her focus in an area of specialization.
Program Highlights
What makes Biomedical Sciences at ODU unique?
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Students choose from six competitive concentrations: Bioelectrical Science, Bioinformatics & Genomics, Biological Chemistry, Microbiology & Immunology or Stem Cell Research & Regenerative Medicine, and One Health.
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Work with award winning research faculty
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
N/A
Major:
Biomedical Science
Degree Level:
Graduate
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Biomedical Engineers
$92,970
MEDIAN SALARY
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
Biological Scientists, All Other
$80,200
MEDIAN SALARY
All biological scientists not listed separately.
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
$96,070
MEDIAN SALARY
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research.
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$93,010
MEDIAN SALARY
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Courses
What are some courses offered in Biomedical Sciences at ODU?
CHEM 865:
Advanced Biochemistry
This course will cover macromolecular structure, function, thermodynamic stability and folding kinetics; protein chemistry; molecular biology; and molecular mechanisms of disease and bioinformatics.
BIOL 810:
Advanced Cell Biology
This course will cover selected current topics in cell biology that reflect recent advances in the field. Major topics include membranes and transport, signal transduction, cell adhesion and motility, cell cycle, apoptosis, and specialized cell functions. Students will read current research papers that describe the latest innovations in microscopic and molecular analysis of cellular function. This course is built on previous coursework in cell biology by reinforcing key fundamental concepts and performing a more in-depth examination of cellular mechanisms. Prerequisite: Course background in cell biology is recommended.
MDTS 850:
MOL GEN GEN FUNCT and GENOMICS
The goals of this course are a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in molecular genetics and gene function and in-depth exploration of modern experimental analyses of these processes. Topics include DNA replication, repair, and recombination; transcription; epigenetic regulation of transcription; chromatin structure, histone modifications, transcription factors, and regulatory RNAs; long-range chromatin interactions and gene regulation; post-transcriptional gene regulation and translation; molecular biology based experimental analysis of gene function; and experimental genomic approaches to gene regulation and gene function.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Biomedical Sciences at ODU?
Students entering the Doctor of Philosophy program in Biomedical Sciences should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)
Admissions Requirements
Students admitted to the program should ordinarily hold a B.S. degree in one of the life sciences, including biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, chemistry or microbiology. The requirements for admission to the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program are as follows:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a B (3.00) average on a 4.0 scale. Students with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply.
Transcripts of coursework only from institutions awarding a bachelor's or master's degree.
A statement of personal goals and academic objectives.
Writing sample on a science related topic (from a course or from your research experience).
Resume listing all degrees earned and work experience.
Three letters of recommendation on letterhead, preferably from faculty members at colleges attended who are familiar with the applicant's academic and research capabilities.
A completed application form.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test scores, sent directly from ETS to the ODU International Graduate Admissions Office. Test scores must accompany applications for non-native English speaking candidates with a degree issued outside of the United States.
Consideration of applicants for entrance into the fall semester will begin December 15th and continue until the class is filled. The closing date to receive complete applications is February 1st.
Spring and summer entrance on a case-by-case basis is only allowed for Post-M.S. students. Applicants must be accepted by an ODU mentor before applying. Please email all questions regarding this special process.
Please note that students who are currently enrolled in master's study either at the University or another institution are strongly encouraged to complete their degree before applying to the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program since the acceptance of all graduate credits previously earned cannot be guaranteed
Students holding a bachelor's degree in another, related field such as computer science, mathematics and physics may need to take leveling courses in the biological and chemical sciences or pursue master's level work in those fields. Both the Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Biochemistry Departments offer master's degrees.
For admission to the Biomedical Sciences program
Tests:
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). English Proficiency Requirement for Non-Native Speakers of English, 84 internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Recommendations:
Three letters of recommendation
Writing Sample :
Yes
Transcripts :
Transcripts of coursework only from institutions awarding a bachelor's or master's degree.
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 571
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,394
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 595
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Research and Teaching Assistantships
Students on research or teaching assistantships may be eligible for a tuition waiver.
Next Steps
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
Office Administrator & Coordinator of Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs
Name:
Genny Conwell
Location:
MONARCH HALL, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-5645
For General Inquiries:
Graduate Admissions
Location:
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-6512
Email:
gradadmit@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
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