Molecular Pathobiology
About the Programs
MS without thesis: 36.0 - 48.0 semester credits
Doctor of Philosphy: 96.0 semester credits
The Molecular Pathobiology program provides a thorough education in contemporary knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms and prepares students for careers in research as well as teaching in academic and corporate institutions. Students entering without advanced standing should complete the MS program in two to three years and the PhD program in four to five years.
The program has a large faculty, drawn from many basic science and clinical departments within the University. Active research programs involve HIV neuropathology, cancer biology and therapeutics, inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, ulcerative colitis, pathophysiology of apoptosis, tissue engineering, transplant immunology, and diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, biliary, and gastrointestinal systems.
Funding for these programs provides an opportunity for research training in such diverse areas as the cellular and molecular biology of cancer; tumor immunology and virology; molecular genetics; neurobiology; pathophysiology of cardiovascular, biliary, and gastrointestinal diseases; and contemporary advances in epithelial ion transport, signal transduction, tissue engineering, and apoptosis.
To learn more about applying to Drexel College of Medicine programs visit the Drexel College of Medicine's Biomedical Studies website.
About the Curriculum
Background courses in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and integrative biology are taken during the first academic year. In addition, every student carries out short research projects in three different laboratories chosen by the student. This exposure to research not only gives the student broad research training, but also helps the student to select a thesis advisor at the end of the first academic year. In the second year, the student begins thesis research and takes several advanced courses, tailored to the student’s individual interests.
Courses Repeatable for Credit
As well as taking all required courses, MS and PhD students may re-enroll in courses having the status “repeatable for credit” (such as journal club, seminar and research courses) for the duration of their program in order to meet the total number of credits required for graduation.
For more information, including a scheduling a plan of study, visit the College of Medicine's Molecular Pathobiology Program website.
MS Degree Requirements: Thesis Option
MS with thesis: 48.0 semester credits
| Required Courses | ||
| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity & Ethics | 2.0 |
| IDPT 501S | BIOSTATISTICS I | 2.0 |
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 |
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 |
| IDPT 600S | THESIS DEFENSE | 9.0 |
| PATH 502S | PATHOLOGY 1ST LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| PATH 503S | PATHOLOGY JOURNAL CLUB | 1.0 |
| PATH 509S | PATHOLOGIC PROCESSES | 3.0 |
| PATH 600S | PATHOLOGY THESIS RESEARCH | 9.0 |
| PATH 601S | CELL MOL PATHBIO CANCER ANGIOG | 4.0 |
| Suggested Electives * | ||
| Select at least one of the following: | 4.0 | |
| MEDICAL NEUROSCIENCE | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY | ||
| Graduate Neuroscience I | ||
| INTEGRATED NEUROSCIENCE | ||
| PATHOLOGY 2ND LAB ROTATION | ||
| PATHOLOGY 3RD LAB ROTATION | ||
| GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
| Total Credits | 48.0 | |
| * | Additional courses from the Biograduate Medical programs may be taken as electives. Students should check with the College of Medicine's Biomedical Graduate Studies program. |
MS Degree Requirements: Non-Thesis Option
MS without thesis: 39.0 semester credits
| Required Courses | ||
| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity & Ethics | 2.0 |
| IDPT 501S | BIOSTATISTICS I | 2.0 |
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 |
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 |
| IDPT 850S | Literature Review Non-Thesis MS | 4.0 |
| PATH 503S | PATHOLOGY JOURNAL CLUB | 1.0 |
| PATH 509S | PATHOLOGIC PROCESSES | 3.0 |
| PATH 601S | CELL MOL PATHBIO CANCER ANGIOG | 4.0 |
| Suggested Electives * | 10.0 | |
| Select three of the following: | ||
| MEDICAL NEUROSCIENCE | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY | ||
| Graduate Neuroscience I | ||
| INTEGRATED NEUROSCIENCE | ||
| PATHOLOGY 1ST LAB ROTATION | ||
| PATHOLOGY 2ND LAB ROTATION | ||
| PATHOLOGY 3RD LAB ROTATION | ||
| GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
| Total Credits | 36.0 | |
| * | Additional courses from the Biograduate Medical programs may be taken as electives. Students should check with the College of Medicine's Biomedical Graduate Studies programs. |
PhD Degree Requirements
During the third year, students develop a plan for their doctoral research in conjunction with their thesis advisor. A formal, written thesis proposal is then presented to the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee. Acceptance of this proposal after oral examination by the Committee leads to the final stage of doctoral training. PhD candidates then spend the majority of their time on thesis research. After concluding their research, they must submit and publicly defend their thesis before the Thesis-Examination Committee.
96.0 semester credits
During the third year, students develop a plan for their doctoral research in conjunction with their thesis advisor. A formal, written thesis proposal is then presented to the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee. Acceptance of this proposal after oral examination by the Committee leads to the final stage of doctoral training. PhD candidates then spend the majority of their time on thesis research. After concluding their research, they must submit and publicly defend their thesis before the Thesis-Examination Committee.
| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity & Ethics | 2.0 |
| IDPT 501S | BIOSTATISTICS I | 2.0 |
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 |
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 |
| IDPT 600S | THESIS DEFENSE | 9.0 |
| PATH 502S | PATHOLOGY 1ST LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| PATH 503S | PATHOLOGY JOURNAL CLUB | 1.0 |
| PATH 505S | PATHOLOGY 2ND LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| PATH 506S | PATHOLOGY 3RD LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| PATH 509S | PATHOLOGIC PROCESSES | 3.0 |
| PATH 600S | PATHOLOGY THESIS RESEARCH | 9.0 |
| PATH 601S | CELL MOL PATHBIO CANCER ANGIOG | 4.0 |
| Suggested Electives * | ||
| Select a minimum of two courses from the following: | 44.0 | |
| MEDICAL NEUROSCIENCE | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY | ||
| Graduate Neuroscience I | ||
| INTEGRATED NEUROSCIENCE | ||
| GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
| Total Credits | 96.0 | |
| * | Additional courses from the Biomedical Graduate programs may be taken as electives. Students should check with the College of Medicine's Biomedical Graduate Studies program. |
Courses
PATH 502S PATHOLOGY 1ST LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
First rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotation are generally conducted during fall, spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 503S PATHOLOGY JOURNAL CLUB 1.0 Credit
Students enroll for a minimum of four semesters for this twice monthly meeting.
PATH 505S PATHOLOGY 2ND LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
Second rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during fall, spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 506S PATHOLOGY 3RD LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
Third rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during fall, spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 507S MEDICAL PATHOLOGY PART 1 7.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 509S PATHOLOGIC PROCESSES 3.0 Credits
An abridged pathology course focusing primarily on aspects of general pathology (inflammation, wound healing and repair, immunopathology and autoimmunity, coagulation, vascular biology, and principles of neoplasia). Histopathology and cytology will be introduced. This course is a subset of PATH-507-05 Medical Pathology I geared toward the needs of graduate students.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 600S PATHOLOGY THESIS RESEARCH 9.0 Credits
Research toward the fulfillment of the dissertation is conducted beginning after successful completion of the qualifying examination. Progress is monitored by the student's advisor and department, Advisory Committee or Thesis Committee.
PATH 601S CELL MOL PATHBIO CANCER ANGIOG 4.0 Credits
An advanced course addressing the cell and molecular processes associated with the biology of cancer progression. Major topics include cytogenetic abnormalities, the role and function of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, growth factor receptor interactions, cell cycle control and regulation of cell death, angiogenesis and the role of the extracellular matrix, viruses and cancer, tumor immunobiology, and tumor metastases. Although didactic in nature, the course requires extensive exposure to the current literature on topics at the forefront of cancer research.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 751S PATHOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 819S ANATOMIC PATH & LAB MED- 3 WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 820S ANATOMIC PATH & LAB MED- 1 WK 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8214S LABORATORY MEDICINE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 821S ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY- 2 WEEKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8222S ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY - 2 WEEKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 0 credits
PATH 8224S ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 0 credits
PATH 822S ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8232S CLINICAL PATHOLOGY- 2 WEEKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 0 credits
PATH 8234S CLINICAL PATHOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 823S CLINICAL PATHOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8242S DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY - 2 WEEKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 0 credits
PATH 8244S DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 824S CLINICAL PATHOLOGY-2 WEEKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 825S DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 826S ANATOMIC PATH & LAB MEDICINE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 828S DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY - 2 WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 829S PATHOLOGY SUBSPECIALTY - 2 WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8311S ANATOMIC PATH & LAB MED - 1 WK 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8312S ANATOMIC PATH & LAB MED - 2WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8313S ANATOMIC PATH & LAB MED- 3WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8314S ANATOMIC PATH & LAB MEDICINE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8412S PATHOLOGY SUBSPECIALITY- 2 WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 8414S PATHOLOGY SUBSPECIALITY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 9092S Forensic Pathology - 2wks 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 9094S ELECTIVE - PATHOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 955S LABORATORY MEDICINE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 956S PATHOLOGY RESEARCH 2 WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 9752S RESEARCH - PATHOLOGY - 2WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 9754S RESEARCH - PATHOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PATH 9756S RESEARCH-PATHOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
