Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences Program

Upon matriculation, students in the biomedical sciences graduate program must take the First Year Core Curriculum that lays the foundation for subsequent coursework and research training in a specific Ph.D. program. The components of the 3-semester curriculum are described below. The College of Graduate Studies requires all students to demonstrate proficiency in statistical methods, either by enrolling in Applied Biostatistics and Experimental Design (BMTRY 723) or via a previous graduate level course in biostatistics. After the First Year Core Curriculum (FYCC), T-COHR trainees are required to take advanced courses in oral health sciences. T-COHR trainees are required to submit individual NRSA F31 applications as soon as they are ready, generally during their third year of study.

Oral Health Sciences

Areas of Research Interest

• Mineralized Tissue Biology
• Osteoimmunology
• Craniofacial Development and Anomalies
• Tissue Engineering and Regeneration
• Biomaterial Sciences
• Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer
• Oral Infectious Diseases and Immunity

The Oral Health Sciences track within the Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology Program is a diverse and interdisciplinary program created to foster the development of graduate students interested in oral-related sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will obtain a thorough understanding of the expanding research needs in oral health sciences. The program offers an interactive research experience with the necessary foundation for advancing basic, clinical, and translational research.

The Oral Health Sciences track is composed of basic science and clinical faculty with research interests and expertise in dental, oral and craniofacial health, and disease. Research opportunities are numerous and include studies examining bone and tooth development; microbial pathogenesis and oral immunology; stem cell biology; inflammatory based-oral diseases; oral complications of systemic diseases; temporomandibular joint disorders; cancer biology; and novel biomaterial development. Students who select the Oral health Sciences track as their major emphasis will have access to advanced courses in Oral Health Sciences, a track-specific journal club, and an Oral Health Sciences Seminar Series. Successful candidates are expected to complete publishable research under the direction of a Faculty mentor and are strongly encouraged to use the resources and expertise of both clinical and basic science faculty.