Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS) is an integrative and flexible academic approach to the beginning of scholarly activity leading to the PhD. Students who enter the IGPBS undertake a curriculum in biomedical sciences, facilitated by faculty of diverse research interests. The program provides foundational knowledge as well as advanced insight into current biomedical research. As part of the overall curriculum, emphasis is placed on all aspects of career development and training, from acquisition of knowledge and critical review of current research publications, to development of skills in scientific writing and presentation.

During the first year of study, students within IGPBS participate in laboratory rotations. These rotations provide the students with opportunities to delve into research topics that encompass a wide spectrum of areas of current biomedical investigation. Students may elect to rotate through as many as four different research laboratories, with each rotation extending nearly one academic quarter. During this time, the IGPBS student can determine which research project and laboratory setting is a best fit, personally and professionally.

Upon commitment by both the student and mentor to research and training that will lead the student to successful completion of the requirements for the PhD, the student then moves into the degree granting program within the University.

Combined Degree Programs

The Combined Degree Programs at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science exemplify the University’s commitment to the interdisciplinary and interprofessional training of clinician-scientists for careers in academic healthcare and biomedical research. The Combined Degree Programs are intended for those students who are interested in careers as clinician-scientists in diverse roles such as clinical and preclinical healthcare profession educators, clinical investigators, or leaders in industry.

In conjunction with the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the Combined Programs are sponsored by the following RFUMS colleges:

• DPM/PhD - Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
• MD/PhD - Chicago Medical School
• PharmD/PhD - College of Pharmacy

Students in the Combined Degree Programs first complete educational and licensing (Step 1 of the USMLE or APMLE Part I) requirements for the first two years in their respective clinical program. Students then enter the PhD phase of their education and immediately begin research within the laboratory of their PhD mentor. A Research Committee is organized immediately upon entry into the laboratory. This committee will provide mentorship and guidance through the student’s academic and research activities. The doctoral curriculum for each student within a Combined Degree Program is individually tailored by the Research Committee to meet the student’s educational and professional needs. Core requirements in bioethics, biostatistics, presentation of scientific data, scientific writing and computer applications must also be completed. After completion of all requirements for the PhD, including successful defense of the dissertation, the student enters the third year of their clinical program’s curriculum. Throughout the clinical and PhD phases of the program, the student is provided mentorship by both a clinician-scientist and their research mentor.

Students within the Combined Degree Programs are typically supported by tuition waivers and stipends after admission into the Program. However, the University reserves the right to require tuition waiver and stipend repayment from students who leave the program. The decision to require repayment is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Master Degree Program

The Master's Degree Program is intended for entry-level research and scholarly advancement in the biomedical sciences. Requirements for admission to the Master's Degree Program within the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies are standard for all applicants to the PhD program.

Upon matriculation, students within the Master's Degree Program immediately enter a laboratory, define a research project, and assemble a Research Committee. This committee will provide mentorship and guidance through the student’s academic and research activities.

The curriculum for each student within the Master's Degree Program is individually tailored by the Research Committee to meet the student’s training and professional needs. Core requirements in bioethics, biostatistics, appropriate use of animals in research and procedures for human subjects in research, as well as presentation of scientific data must also be completed.

Stipends are typically not awarded for students within the Master's Degree Program.

Requirements for completion of the Master's Degree Program include successful completion of all prescribed coursework, completion of research as defined by the mentor and Research Committee and successful defense of the thesis, among other requirements.