> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/chapter-4-1/ms-in-biomedical-sciences-msbs/program-requirements/curriculum-requirements.md). # Curriculum Requirements The first semester will ensure mastery of fundamental core concepts in contemporary cellular and molecular biomedical sciences, application of statistical principles to experimental design and data analysis, responsible conduct of research, and critical analysis and presentation of primary research literature in the biomedical sciences. Course work in the subsequent semesters will be devoted to advanced elective study in the student's chosen area of interest as well as continued work on a research project, which will form the basis for a Master's thesis or capstone project. * Core Curriculum – Students must complete the four fundamental Core courses (8 credits total): * BSR1030 Core I: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (2 credits) * BSR1031 Core II: Pharmacology & Drug Discovery (2 credits) * BSR1032 Biomedical Sciences Core III: Cell & Developmental Biology (2 credits) * BSR1033 Core IV: Neuroscience (2 credits) * MPH0300 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 credits) * BSR1021 Responsible Conduct of Research (0.5 credits) * BSR1022 Rigor and Reproducibility (0.5 credits) * Independent Research (10-12 credits) \[Track 1] * Independent Research (8-10 credits) \[Tracks 2-4] * MTA Journal Clubs and Seminars (2 credits) * Concentration/Track-specific electives (6-8 credits, based on track) * BSR8901 Thesis MS Biomedical Science (4 credits) \[Track 1] * BSR8902 Biomedical Science Capstone Project (4-6 credits) \[Tracks 2 & 3] * BSR8903 Biomedical ScienceCapstone Project (4 credits) \[Track 4] #### --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/chapter-4-1/ms-in-biomedical-sciences-msbs/program-requirements/curriculum-requirements.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.