Year 1 Fall

Core: Systems Biomedicine (includes Matlab Bootcamp and Journal Club) (BSR1800, 8.5 credits)

Programming: Python (BDS1007, 1 credit)

Programming: Intro to R (BIO6300, 2 credits)

RCR: Responsible Conduct of Research (BSR1021, 0.5 credits)

WIP: Works in Progress Seminar in AIET (BSR5912, 1 credit)

Research: Lab Rotation (BSR1006, 4 credits)

Year 1 Spring

Core: Principles of Physiology and Pharmacology (includes Journal Club) (BSR1802, 3.5 credits)

Biostat: Applied Biostatistics for Biomedical Research (BSR1026, 3 credits)

RCR: Rigor and Reproducibility (BSR1022, 0.5 credits)

WIP: Works in Progress Seminar in AIET (BSR5913, 1 credit)

Research: Lab Rotation (BSR1007, 4 credits)

Year 2 Fall and Spring

Advanced Electives: Advanced electives, depending on student’s needs (must total to 6 credits in Year 2)

Seminar: Seminars in AIET (BSR5910/BSR5911, 1 credit)

Journal Club: Journal Club in AIET (BSR4910/BSR4911, 1 credit)

WIP: Works in Progress Seminar in AIET (BSR5912/BSR5913, 1 credit)

Research: Independent Research (BSR8000, 10 credits)

(Must complete qualifying exam/thesis proposal by June 30 of Year 2)

Year 3 and Beyond

Additional advanced electives if appropriate for the student’s needs

Seminar: Seminars in AIET (BSR5910/BSR5911, 1 credit)

WIP: Works in Progress Seminar in AIET (BSR5912/BSR5913, 1 credit)

Research: Dissertation Research (BSR9000, 8 credits)

Elective Options

Systems Biology: Biomedical Modeling (BSR1803, 3 credits, strongly recommended for all students)

Introduction to AI & Deep Learning in Medical Imaging (recommended, particularly for students undertaking dissertation research in AI/ML)

Any other electives offered by AIET, any other MTA, through any relationship with an outside institution such as the Hasso Plattner Institute or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, or even through other institutions, can be appropriate if agreed upon by the student, dissertation advisor, and MTA co-directors. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this flexibility and choose advanced electives that are most relevant to their dissertation research and training goals.

Introduction to Biophysics and Biophysical Instrumentation (BSR6901, 1.5 credits)

Introduction to Nanomedicine (BSR 0907, 3 credits)

Variations on Curriculum

The Systems Biomedicine core (BSR1800/1802) can be exchanged for the Biomedical Science curriculum (BSR1012/1013) for students with a particularly strong quantitative background but relatively little background in basic biology.

BIO6400 can fulfill the biostatistics requirement but may result in an unacceptably heavy workload in Y1 Fall semester if combined with the Systems Biomedicine core (BSR1800/1802). This option will only be appropriate in rare and exceptional cases.

Advanced electives should be taken in Y2; it is strongly discouraged to undertake advanced electives before completing the core curriculum and identifying a dissertation advisor and lab.

MD/PhD students will have completed their MD/PhD-specific core curriculum in MD Y1, so the curriculum for MD/PhD students will be identical to the above, with the following exceptions:

• ‘Core’ will be dropped

• Journal club and Seminar will be added in PhD Y1

• Advanced electives may be taken in Y1 if a dissertation advisor and lab has been identified

Year 1 – Fall

BMS Fall (BSR1012)

Biostatistics (BIO6400 or MPH0300)

Responsible Conduct of Research (BSR1003)

Introduction to Journal Club (BSR1004)

Lab Rotation (BSR1006)

Year 1 – Spring

BMS Spring (BSR1013)

Advanced Electives

Introduction to Journal Club (BSR1005)

Journal Club in Genetics and Data Science (BSR4401)

Rigor and Reproducibility (BSR1022)

Lab Rotation (BSR1007)

Year 2 – Fall

Independent Research (BSR8000)

At least 3 advanced elective course credits

Seminars in Genetics and Data Science (BSR5401)

Journal Club in Genetics and Data Science (BSR4401)

GDS Work in Progress (BSR5402)

Year 2 – Spring

Independent Research (BSR8000)

At least 3 advanced elective course credits

Seminars in Genetics and Data Science (BSR5401)

Journal Club in Genetics and Data Science (BSR4401)

GDS Work in Progress (WIP) (BSR5402)

Web Page: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/stem-cell

Faculty: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/stem-cell/faculty

Description

Developmental biology addresses a fundamental question: How do organisms develop from zygotes? As a discipline, developmental biology encompasses genetics, cell biology, physiology, and evolution. As an area of current biomedical research, it provides insights into complex processes that, when disrupted, result in disease.

One aspect of developmental biology, the specification and differentiation of distinct cell lineages, has led to the identification and isolation of embryonic, fetal, and adult stem cells. Stem cell biology, an area of intense current interest, holds great promise for the potential treatment of human disease and for understanding basic questions in development.

Mount Sinai's Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells training area offers basic and advanced coursework, seminars, and journal clubs. Our learning environment includes faculty drawn from the entire ISMMS community, along with their research labs. We provide a comprehensive, multifaceted experience. As developmental and stem cell biologists, our faculty create an atmosphere of exploration, discovery, and advancement in developmental biology and stem cell research.

Goals/Objectives

In the DRS multidisciplinary training area (MTA), you will work with model organisms and embryonic and adult stem cells to explore fundamental questions in Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells and their impact on regenerative medicine.

The goal of this program is to train you as part of our next generation of scientists who will become experts in Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells, and who are committed to careers that will push the boundaries in regenerative medicine to ultimately help alleviate human disease.

Program Directors

Nicole C. Dubois, PhD

212-824-8946

Georgia Panagiotakos, PhD

212-659-1378

Metrics

Average number of new students each year: 6 PhD; 1 or 2 MD/PhD

Average time to degree: 6 years

Webpage: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/artificial-intelligence

Faculty: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/artificial-intelligence/faculty

Description

The Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Medicine (AIET) concentration of the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences at ISMMS offers students with solid quantitative and technical backgrounds educational and research opportunities in AI/machine learning, next generation medical technologies (medical devices, sensors, robotics, etc.), imaging, nanotechnology, information technology, and virtual/augmented reality simulation technologies for clinical applications or drug discovery. In addition to receiving foundational education in the use of information systems, students enrolled in the AIET training area will learn how to develop and interpret predictive diagnostic and therapeutic models using a variety of machine learning tools based on statistics and probability theory, drawing upon quantitative fields such as computer science, mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical/computational chemistry, and digital engineering. AIET further leverages existing relationships with several well-regarded higher education institutions (State University of New York at Stony Brook, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), the Grove School of Engineering at the City College of New York, the Cooper Union - Albert Nerken School of Engineering, and the Hasso Plattner Institute of the University of Potsdam, in Germany) to offer complementary technical expertise to expand collaborative research and enrichment opportunities for trainees and faculty.

Program Directors

Hayit Greenspan, PhD

212-824-8494

Alan C. Seifert, PhD

212-824-8440

PTD uses a personalized curriculum to allow our diverse student body to obtain rigorous training at the intersection between computation and experiments. Depending on their undergrad background, and as early as in the first year, students can choose between different Core Curriculum courses (one in the Fall semester and at least two in the Spring semester). A number of Advanced Electives is offered in the second and third year of the program, although students are welcomed to take advanced electives in other training areas as well.

Year 1 – Fall

Systems Biomedicine (BSR1800) OR Biomedical Science (BSR1012)

Biostatistics (BIO6400 or MPH0300)

Responsible Conduct in Research (BSR1003)

Seminars (BSR5802)

Journal Club (BSR4801)

Lab Rotation (BSR1006)

Year 1 – Spring

Two of the following three options:

• Systems Biology: Biomedical Modeling (BSR1803)

• Quantitative Graduate Physiology (BSR1802)

• Structural and Chemical Approaches to Pharmacology and Drug Discovery (BSR 2108)

Journal Club (BSR4801)

Rigor and Reproducibility (BSR1022)

Lab Rotation (BSR1006)

Year 2 – Fall

Minimum of two advanced electives (1-3 credits each)

Seminars (BSR5802)

Journal Club (BSR4801)

Independent Research (BSR8000)

Year 2 – Spring

Minimum of two advanced electives (1-3 credits each)

Seminars (BSR5802)

Journal Club (BSR4801)

Independent Research (BSR8000)

Thesis Proposal

Year 3 and above

Advanced electives (optional)

Seminars (BSR5802)

Journal Club (BSR4801)

Doctoral Dissertation Research (BSR9000)

Year 1 – Fall

BMS Fall (BSR1012)

Biostatistics (BIO6400 or MPH0300)

Responsible Conduct of Research (BSR1003)

Introduction to Journal Club (BSR1004)

Lab Rotation (BSR1006)

Year 1 – Spring

BMS Spring (BSR1013)

Introduction to Journal Club (BSR1005)

Rigor and Reproducibility (BSR1022)

Lab Rotation (BSR1007)

Year 2 – Fall

Independent Research (BSR8000)

Embryos, Genes and Development AND Stem Cells and Regenerative Biology (these courses are offered every other year with one taken in the Fall of Year 2 and the other in the Fall of Year 3)

DRB/BFSCI Seminar series

DRB/BFSCI Work-in-Progress series

DRS Journal Club (BSR4301)

Year 2 – Spring

Independent Research (BSR8000)

3-credit Elective

DRB/BFSCI Seminar series

DRB/BFSCI Work-in-Progress series

DRS Journal Club

Year 3 and beyond

Dissertation Research

DRB/BFSCI Seminar series

DRB/BFSCI Work-in-Progress series

Website: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/immunology

Faculty: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/immunology/faculty

Description

Immunology Institute investigators study the physiology and pathophysiology of immune cells with a special emphasis on the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, and development of therapeutic interventions. Our main programmatic areas are Mucosal Immunology, Immunodeficiencies, Food Allergy, Immunotherapy, and Transplantation Immunology.

Our basic and clinical researchers collaborate extensively. We have unique and large populations of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), primary immunodeficiencies, food allergy, malignancies receiving immunotherapy, as well as recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants who participate in research. Our program thus provides an advantage in terms of translational science. In areas where we do not have direct access to human samples, we create animal models of disease. This melding of patient populations with animal models and multiple approaches to study mechanisms is unique and serves to distinguish our Immunology program from other Immunology programs around the country. In our Immunology institute, faculty with interests in diverse aspects of the immune system work together to achieve excellence in research, mentoring, and training.

Goals/Objectives

The goal of this training area is to provide students with a rigorous, flexible, and comprehensive education program in Immunology. Students will be trained to develop the conceptual and technical skills required to become outstanding scientists in the field of immunology.

Program Directors

Jeremiah Faith, PhD

212-824-8953

Alice O. Kamphorst, PhD

212-659-9305

Webpage: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/therapeutics

Faculty: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/therapeutics/faculty

Description

Mount Sinai’s multidisciplinary training area in Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics (DMT) provides cutting-edge training in molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Discovery. Biophysics is an established discipline that uses the principles and methods of physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and computation to address fundamental biological and biomedical questions, such as what are the structural determinants and molecular mechanisms underlying protein function and how this information can be used to design small-molecule modulators with exciting biological or therapeutic properties. Systems Pharmacology is an emerging interdisciplinary field of research that seeks to translate molecular-level information on diseases and drug action into predictions of effects seen at the organismal level and across heterogeneous populations. The integration of these experimental and computational methodologies is an imperative innovation for the discovery of new therapeutics and the development of personalized medicine.

The DMT program welcomes students from both traditional and non-traditional paths into PhD programs in medical schools, including undergraduate degrees in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmacology, genetics and many more. While students with a more biological background get the opportunity to obtain rigorous training in biophysical, chemical, and computational approaches to biological research, trainees from more technical disciplines get their first sustained exposure to biological research during their PhD training at Mount Sinai.

This is enabled by DMT’s personalized curriculum and multidisciplinary research programs, which provide a platform for education at the intersection between computation and experiments for the next generation of physicians and biomedical scientists. In particular, trainees are prepared to apply a thorough understanding of molecular recognition, protein-protein interactions, and networks of molecular interactions within and between cells to the design and synthesis of new molecules with potentially improved therapeutic properties in relevant human disease models. We are extremely proud that many of our graduates find employment opportunities (several in the biotech industry and private sector, but also in academia, government, etc.) before their thesis defenses.

Goals/Objectives

DMT provides an educational environment in which students receive the training needed to discover and design new drug-like molecules that can modulate the function of biological systems. Trainees gain a thorough understanding of drugs and drug targets under investigation using a variety of approaches ranging from structural, computational, molecular, and cell biology to biochemistry and synthetic chemistry. Our students also gain a deep understanding of biological systems and disease states through training that emphasizes a quantitative, predictive understanding of physiology, pharmacology, organ level research, and animal studies.

Program Directors

Avner Schlessinger, PhD

212-241-3321

Michael Lazarus, PhD

212-241-7770

Webpage: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/genetics-genomics

Faculty: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/genetics-genomics/faculty

Description

This program offers students the opportunity to conduct research in the areas of genome organization and evolution, mechanisms of gene regulation, informatics and genome analysis, gene discovery and characterization, the molecular pathology of genetic diseases, and gene therapy. All organisms and genetic mechanisms are included.

Program Directors

Anne Bowcock, PhD

212-659-8256

Sander Houten, PhD

212-659-9222

Year 1 – Fall

BMS Fall (BSR1012)

Biostatistics (BIO6400 or MPH0300)

Responsible Conduct of Research (BSR1003)

Introduction to Journal Club (BSR1004)

Lab Rotation (BSR1006)

Year 1 – Spring

BMS Spring (BSR1013)

Introduction to Journal Club (BSR1005)

Rigor and Reproducibility (BSR1022)

Lab Rotation (BSR1007)

Year 2 – Fall

Fundamentals in Immunology (BSR1501)

Journal Club in Immunobiology (BSR4501)

Seminars in Immunology (BSR5501)

Dissertation Research

Year 2 – Spring

3 Credits of Electives

Journal Club in Immunobiology (BSR4501)

Advanced Topics in Immunology (BSR6502)

Seminars in Immunology (BSR5501)

Dissertation Research

Year 3 – Fall

Journal Club in Immunobiology (BSR4501)

Seminars in Immunology (BSR5501)

Dissertation Research

Year 3 – Spring

Journal Club in Immunobiology (BSR4501)

Seminars in Immunology (BSR5501)

Dissertation Research

Year 1 – Fall

Principles of Neural Science, Behavior and Brain Pathophysiology (Unit 1, Systems Neurosci; BSR 1706) Biostatistics (BIO6400 or MPH0300)

Responsible Conduct in Research (BSR1003)

Neuroscience Journal Club (Selected Topics in Neuroscience - BSR4701)

Translational Neuroscience Seminar (BSR5701)

Lab Rotation (BSR1006)

Year 1 – Spring 1

Principles of Neural Science, Behavior and Brain Pathophysiology (Unit 2, Cellular/Molecular Neurosci; BSR 1705)

Neuroscience Journal Club (Selected Topics in Neuroscience - BSR4701)

Translational Neuroscience Seminar (BSR 5701)

Rigor and Reproducibility (BSR1022)

Lab Rotation (BSR1007)

Year 1 – Spring 2

Principles of Neural Science, Behavior and Brain Pathophysiology (Unit 3, Behav/Cognitive Neurosci; BSR 1707)

Principles of Neural Science, Behavior and Brain Pathophysiology (Unit 4, Mol Pathogenesis; BSR 1708)

Topics in Clinical Neuroscience (includes direct patient contact; BSR 6705)

Neuroscience Journal Club (Selected Topics in Neuroscience - BSR4701)

Translational Neuroscience Seminar (BSR 5701)

Other Course Requirements

Minimum of two additional advanced electives (1-3 credits each) taken at any time during Years 1-4

Neuroscience Journal Club (Works in Progress): Attendance required for Year 1 and Year 2 students; presentations required for Year 2, Year 3, and Year 4 students. All students should register for JC Years 1-4.

Translational Neuroscience Seminar: All students should register each semester and attend as many seminars as possible.

Year 1 – Fall

BMS Core I (BSR1012)

Biostatistics (BIO6400 or MPH0300)

Responsible Conduct of Research (BSR1003)

Introduction to Journal Club (BSR1004)

Laboratory rotation (BSR1006)

Year 1 – Spring

BMS Spring (BSR1013)

Introduction to Journal Club (BSR1005)

Rigor and Reproducibility (BSR1022)

Laboratory rotation (BSR1007)

Year 2 – Fall

Advanced Virology (offered on alternate years, (BSR6601)

Virus Host Interactions Journal Club (BSR4602)

Student Journal Club in Microbiology (BSR4601)

Seminar in Microbiology (BSR5601)

Year 2 – Spring

Virus Host Interactions Journal Club (BSR4603)

Student Journal Club in Microbiology (BSR4601)

Seminar in Microbiology (BSR5601)

Fundamentals in Immunology (if taken as an advanced course, (BSR1501)

Second advanced course offered by any other MTA (if not taken earlier chosen by student and Thesis/Dissertation Advisor from any other MTA)

Year 3 and beyond.

Advanced Virology (if not taken in fall of 2nd year)

Second advanced course offered by any other MTA (if not taken earlier chosen by student and Thesis/Dissertation Adisor from any other MTA)

Virus Host Interactions Journal Club (BSR4603)

Student Journal Club in Microbiology (BSR4601) - until students pass their Thesis Proposal

Seminar in Microbiology (BSR5601) Independent research.

Webpage: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/neuroscience

Faculty: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/neuroscience/faculty

Description

The doctoral program in the Neurosciences provides students with advanced training at all levels of investigation, from molecules to circuits to behavior. Emphasis is on the basic and translational neurobiology of major developmental, neurological and psychiatric illnesses, and leverages the strong and integrative partnerships between the Hospital and the School of Medicine. Laboratory opportunities at Icahn School of Medicine take advantage of particular strengths in translational neuroscience, developmental neurobiology, aging and neurodegeneration, mechanisms of

addiction, depression and other neuropsychiatric diseases, neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience, memory, computational neuroscience, neuroimaging, vision, vestibular function, neuropathology, sensory signal transduction, neural and neuroendocrine receptor signaling, and synaptic and behavioral plasticity. The function of the nervous system is studied in diverse model systems, from 'simple' invertebrates such as the sea snail Aplysia, the fruit fly, or the worm C. elegans, all the way to complex vertebrates including nonhuman primates and humans.

Students are exposed to an exciting curriculum taught by a nationally and internationally recognized faculty. Required Core coursework is completed in the first year and includes a course with direct patient contact. Laboratory experience builds on expertise in basic neurobiology, translational neuroscience and clinical neurology and psychiatry, all uniquely integrated with one another due to close apposition of clinical and basic research at The Mount Sinai Hospital and the ISMMS. By this interdisciplinary approach, the PhD program in the Neurosciences provides trainees with the essential tools to assume productive, independent careers in research, education, industry, and/or clinical settings.

Goals/Objectives

The goal of the Neuroscience (NEU) training program is to provide a broad, integrative background in the neurosciences, covering molecules, cells, circuits, systems and behaviors, while simultaneously enabling students to pursue focused, multidisciplinary research in basic, translational and clinical neuroscience to address developmental, neurological or psychiatric disorders of the nervous system.

Program Director

George W. Huntley, PhD

212-824-8981

Webpage: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/cancer-biology

Faculty: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/cancer-biology/faculty

Description

This training program combines research in the biology of cancer with a curriculum that challenges trainees to consider how their research may be translated into improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Program Directors

James J. Manfredi, PhD

212-659-5495

Martin J. Walsh, PhD

212-241-9714

Website: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/microbiology

Faculty: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/microbiology/faculty

Description

The Microbiology MTA is focused on studying the interaction of viruses and their hosts, and the host factors that may determine susceptibility to infections. We study viruses, such as influenza virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), Ebola and Marburg viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human cytomegalovirus (CMV), Zika virus (ZIKV) as well as genetics/epigenetics of viral infections and other topics related to microbial pathogenesis and viral immunology. Studies are directed at understanding how the innate immune system of the infected host is counteracted by components of these viruses and how the innate immune systems, such as the interferon signaling system, work on a molecular level. Microbiology researchers use this knowledge to develop new vaccines against these viruses and identify small molecular weight compounds for use as antivirals. This is a great training area for those who would like to obtain a Master’s degree or PhD in the field of Virology.

Goals/Objectives

The goals of the MIC MTA are to provide comprehensive training in the field of virology and viral immunology

Program Directors

Jean Lim, PhD

212-241-7811

Domenico Tortorella, PhD

212-241-5447

Metrics

Average number of new students each year: 5.8 students

Average time to degree: 5.2 years

The PhD program offers eight MTAs for students to choose from. Students are required to declare their MTA by the end of the 2nd semester in the program. See the page for more information.

Information about MTAs can be found on the and the site.

Information about individual MTAs can be found at the links below:

Year 1 – Fall

BMS Fall (BSR1012)

Biostatistics (BIO6400 or MPH0300)

Responsible Conduct of Research (BSR1003)

Introduction to Journal Club (BSR1004)