University of Illinois At Chicago

Program Information

Degree Offered

PhD

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The GEMS Program offers students integrated training in the biomedical sciences. Graduate programs include the areas of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Neurosciences, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology. Students have the flexibility to choose a mentor from among more than 150 funded research faculty in all departments and PhD programs of the College of Medicine. Areas of research excellence within the broader disciplines include Cancer Biology; Carcinogenesis; Cancer Prevention; Cardiovascular Biology; Cell Biology and Apoptosis; Cell and Membrane Biology; Development; Gene Regulation; Host-Pathogen Biology; Lung Biology; Molecular and Integrated Cardiac and Vascular Biology; Proteomics, Genomics & Bioinformatics; Neuroscience; Reproductive Biology; Signal Transduction and Cell Signaling; Integrative Physiology; Molecular Pathology; and Virology. During the first year, GEMS students engage in a core curriculum that focuses on the fundamentals of biochemistry and cell and molecular biology, and integrates these with topics in molecular medicine and physiology. In the second semester students take a variety of courses with the goal of concentrating more selectively on an area of interest.
At the end of the first year, students select a mentor with whom they will undertake their thesis research. Students choose from among the more than 150 faculty members in all the departments of the College of Medicine. Students rotate through labs (~10 weeks each) of three or four potential mentors before selecting a thesis mentor. In their remaining (typically 3 - 4) years of study, students benefit from the more intimate environment of their chosen program, as well as the wealth of weekly seminars and journal clubs throughout the College of Medicine. All GEMS students are supported for the duration of their graduate school tenure.

Eligibility Requirements:

Three letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

International Student Requirements:

The university considers any student who currently holds a visa of any type or is seeking a visa to be international. Even if you do not require a student (F or J) visa to attend UIC, you are viewed as an international applicant. Most policies which apply to those seeking student visas will apply to holders of other types of visas.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above