IPBS PhD tracks
Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences (IPBS)
Contribute to the evolution of scientific knowledge and help improve human health
The goal of the PhD training program is to prepare the student for a professional career in science through the acquisition of a general base of scientific knowledge, the development of logical skills, and a set of methodological tools to identify relevant scientific questions and search for their answers. The students will learn to search the scientific literature and data repositories, and to evaluate and select the relevant information from these sources. They will also learn to communicate clearly with their science colleagues and with the lay public. The ability to challenge current paradigms, and apply critical thinking to new problems is central to this training. The training process is initially mentored by an established scientist, with the end goal of becoming an independent scientist. Nevertheless, in a sense, the training will stretch throughout the scientist’s career, in the postdoctoral years and beyond, with the initial mentoring replaced by continued interactions with peers and students.
The PhD degree is conferred after demonstrating certain competencies:
- Acquisition of general knowledge base in the biomedical sciences.
- Acquisition of deep knowledge in a more specific field within these sciences.
- The ability to identify relevant original questions, and to propose and execute critical experimental designs to address these questions.
- The ability to search and critically evaluate the scientific literature and scientific data.
- Acquisition of oral and written communication skills for scientific peers and the general public.
- Ability to mentor junior scientists.
The PhD degree is offered via the Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences (IPBS), which consists of six academic tracks of study:
- Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cancer Biology
- Cell and Molecular Physiology
- Integrative Cell Biology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Neuroscience
PhD students are admitted into the IPBS, and dissertation advisor and track selection occurs by the end of the first year of study. The PhD curriculum is organized to allow for cross-disciplinary coursework and research to suit the needs and desires of the individual student.
Our Commitment To You
PhD graduates in the six tracks will possess the following knowledge, skills and values needed to begin a professional career in science and research.
KNOWLEDGE
- Gain a general understanding of the Biomedical Sciences with deeper knowledge in a specific field
SKILLS
- Identify original questions
- Propose and execute critical experimental designs to address these questions
- Learn the skills to search and evaluate scientific literature and data
- Understand how to "translate" scientific jargon into easy-to-understand language
- Ability to confidently challenge paradigms and apply critical thinking to new problems
PROFESSIONAL VALUES
- Understand the importance and responsibility of mentoring junior scientists
Curriculum
IPBS PhD track students take the first two semesters of our Core Curriculum, which provide a broad overview of biomedical sciences disciplines. Research rotations during these semesters help students become familiar with ongoing research, with the goal of selecting a research laboratory and mentor before starting the second year. First and second year electives include track-specific coursework and offer some flexibility in cross-disciplinary study.
Each student will take a minimum of 40 credits and 27 lecture-based didactic credits at the end of the second year. Research or additional elective coursework will bring total credit hours up to 48 by the end of the third year. Students are required to register for and attend the Journal Club and Seminar associated with their track for the duration of their PhD study.
The Qualifying Exam for candidacy for the PhD degree is at the end of the fourth semester.
IPBS Core Curriculum
Semester 1
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (4 credits)
- Cell Biology (4 credits)
- Methods in Biomedical Sciences (1 credit)
- Ethics in Biomedical Sciences (1 credit)
- Research (three lab rotations; 2 credits)
Semester 2
- Statistical Methods in Biomedical Sciences (3 credits)
- Presentation Skills (1 credit)
- Elective course from any track (3 credits)
- Elective course from any track (3 credits)
- Research (2 credits)
Semester 3
- Advanced/specialized course (3 credits)
- Advanced/specialized course (3 credits)
- Research (3 credits)
Semester 4
- Advanced/specialized course (3 credits)
- Research (4 credits)
Admission
The deadline to apply to the PhD program for Fall 2025 is Sunday, December 1, 2024. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and early applications are strongly encouraged. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and/or coursework in relevant sciences (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology) from an accredited college or university. Applications are submitted online (only); there is no fee to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- COMPLETED APPLICATION
Please Apply Here to submit applications to the Office of Graduate & Professional Enrollment Management. - PERSONAL STATEMENT AND RESUME
A personal statement and current resume/CV are required. - OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree (at minimum) to apply. Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work are required for admission. - LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. - STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Your statement of purpose should be a brief, one page statement explaining your interest in this program and research experience, if any. - INTERVIEW
An in-person interview is required for admission. Applicants selected by the IPBS Admissions Committee are invited to interview at the Loyola University Health Sciences Campus. Interviews take place between January-March of the admission year.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
International applicants must have a degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree and are required to submit the above documents as well as:
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
- A Declaration and Certification of Finances Form
- Evaluations of international transcripts sent by any member organization of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services).
Please visit our International Student Requirements page for more details!
Questions? Contact Graduate Program Administrator Sandra Marijan (smarijan@luc.edu)
PhD Stipend
Students enrolled in Loyola's IPBS receive a stipend to help defray living expenses during their research training. The current stipend for PhD students is $34,000 per year. PhD students also receive a full tuition scholarship for 48 credit hours.
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The goal of the PhD training program is to prepare the student for a professional career in science through the acquisition of a general base of scientific knowledge, the development of logical skills, and a set of methodological tools to identify relevant scientific questions and search for their answers. The students will learn to search the scientific literature and data repositories, and to evaluate and select the relevant information from these sources. They will also learn to communicate clearly with their science colleagues and with the lay public. The ability to challenge current paradigms, and apply critical thinking to new problems is central to this training. The training process is initially mentored by an established scientist, with the end goal of becoming an independent scientist. Nevertheless, in a sense, the training will stretch throughout the scientist’s career, in the postdoctoral years and beyond, with the initial mentoring replaced by continued interactions with peers and students.
The PhD degree is conferred after demonstrating certain competencies:
- Acquisition of general knowledge base in the biomedical sciences.
- Acquisition of deep knowledge in a more specific field within these sciences.
- The ability to identify relevant original questions, and to propose and execute critical experimental designs to address these questions.
- The ability to search and critically evaluate the scientific literature and scientific data.
- Acquisition of oral and written communication skills for scientific peers and the general public.
- Ability to mentor junior scientists.
The PhD degree is offered via the Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences (IPBS), which consists of six academic tracks of study:
- Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cancer Biology
- Cell and Molecular Physiology
- Integrative Cell Biology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Neuroscience
PhD students are admitted into the IPBS, and dissertation advisor and track selection occurs by the end of the first year of study. The PhD curriculum is organized to allow for cross-disciplinary coursework and research to suit the needs and desires of the individual student.