The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine offers a comprehensive doctoral program in Experimental Pathology for graduate students interested in research involving human diseases and who are anticipating careers in research and teaching. Candidates for admission to the program should have a solid undergraduate background in the biological, chemical and physical sciences.
Curriculum
Each student's program is designed individually in consultation with a faculty advisor. The core curriculum consists of introductory courses in biochemistry, microanatomy, pathology and immunology. Advanced courses in areas germane to the student's research interests are offered as elective topics, both within the department as well as on an interdepartmental basis. A complete list of courses available for graduate students can be found at the Graduate School Programs page. Course work is supplemented by seminars, journal clubs and laboratory rotations designed to help students keep abreast of the current literature and recent advances in Experimental Pathology.
Research
Following satisfactory completion of their coursework, students begin their thesis research during the second year. A low student/faculty ratio is maintained to ensure close supervision and collaboration in research activities. Research opportunities are provided in many areas of Experimental Pathology, particularly in Molecular and Cellular Pathology and in Immunopathology. Among the currently ongoing research projects are the development of HIV vaccines using viral peptides and liposome-based delivery systems, the repair of potentially oncogenic DNA lesions, the role of cyclins and cdks in the regulation of differentiation, cytokine regulation of B and T cell development, DNA replication initiation, and tumor cell-endothelial cell interactions during metastasis. Students acquire practical experience in various experimental systems by rotating through several laboratories before selecting a faculty advisor to direct their thesis research.
Admission
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences operates on the semester system and students normally enter the program at the beginning of the fall semester. Admission is determined on the strength of past academic achievement, GRE scores and letters of recommendation. Demonstrated competence in undergraduate or graduate research is another highly desirable attribute of potential applicants. More detailed information about admission requirements can be found at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences .
Financial Support
A limited number of merit scholarships are awarded to incoming full time students providing tuition coverage and twelve month stipendiary support. The Graduate School also provides funds to assist in defraying the cost of doctoral students's thesis research and for presentation of thesis research accomplishments at national scientific meetings.
The University
The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey is a state institution, under the administration of a Board of Trustees appointed by the governor. The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is located on the Newark campus of the University, along with the New Jersey Medical and Dental Schools and the School of Allied Health Professions. The campus is centrally located from Newark International Airport and numerous attractive suburban communities. Many cultural and sports activities are offered within the metropolitan area. In addition, the New Jersey seashore and the mountainous country of western New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and New York state are easily accessible and provide year round recreational opportunities.
For inquiries or further information, write to:
Dr. Muriel Lambert, Director
or
Dr. Frederick Coffman, Assistant Director
Graduate Program in Experimental Pathology
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School
185 South Orange Avenue
Newark, New Jersey 07103-2757
Email: mlambert@umdnj.edu
coffmafd@umdnj.edu