Biomedical Science
Biomedical Science
Biomedical science combines the fields of biology and medicine to focus on the health of both animals and humans, delving into fields such as cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, and toxicology, with classroom and hands-on experience through laboratory work and research.
PH.D. IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
The Ph.D. in Biomedical Science is offered through the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering (GSBSE), which is a multidisciplinary research consortium connecting four external research organizations with the University of Maine as the degree-granting institution. The GSBSE contributes to learning and discovery on the emerging frontier of the biological, physical, clinical, and behavioral sciences, preparing new faculty, training scientists and engineers, and furthering Maine’s biotechnology and biomedical infrastructure.
WHY GET YOUR PH.D. IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE?
The Biomedical Science program at UMaine connects affiliated faculty from over a dozen departments across the University and challenges students to make transdisciplinary connections. GSBSE-affiliated faculty at UMaine receive research funding from a variety of external sources, including the NIH, NSF, FDA, and private industry.
research & publication opportunities
Student research findings are disseminated through national and international conferences, publications in high-profile scientific journals, and patent literature. Numerous research opportunities and a generous stipend combine to create a highly competitive Ph.D. program.
t32 training grant
The University of Maine Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering is home to a T32 training grant entitled “Transdisciplinary predoctoral training in Biomedical Science and Engineering” from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The purpose of this grant is to support promising predoctoral students who have an interest in transdisciplinary research and team science and provide additional pre-doctoral training opportunities.
diverse options for dissertation mentors
Students admitted to the GSBSE can choose a dissertation mentor from over 150 faculty located at world-class research and educational institutions. Student access to courses, as well as faculty, is achieved through a high-end video conferencing system.
To graduate, GSBSE Ph.D. students must complete at minimum 30 credits of courses divided into three categories:
There are four mandatory courses that all GSBSE Ph.D. students are required to complete. The first course is Foundations of Biomedical Science and Engineering (BMS 625) and is comprised of a series of four modules that provide a framework for an introduction to research in the field of Biomedical Science and Engineering: Genetics, Biostatistics/Computational Biology, Biochemistry, and Animal Physiology. The second course must pertain to biocomputing or biostatistics (e.g. BMB 502 Introduction to Bioinformatics). The third course must pertain to bioethics and scientific conduct (e.g. BMS 605: Responsible Conduct of Research). The fourth course is the Grant Writing course (BMS 650) usually taken in the Fall of the second year.
Additionally, all GSBSE Ph.D. students are required to complete at minimum 5 credits of courses unique for each GSBSE student that will be tailored depending on their degree (Ph.D. in Biomedical Science, or Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering) and project. Their dissertation mentor and committee will determine coursework.
Finally, a minimum of 10 credits of research credits (BMS 699) are required.
Choosing a Dissertation Mentor
During the summer of the first year, the student is expected to identify a mentor from the three or four completed rotations, exceptions may be made with the Director’s approval. The student will begin in the chosen laboratory in the Summer of the first year or Fall semester of the second year. During the first half year in the mentor’s laboratory, a specific and focused dissertation topic should be identified and a thesis committee established.
FAQs
FUNDING YOUR PH.D. IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
GSBSE Ph.D. students will be supported with a $30,000 stipend, tuition, fees, and half of the cost of health insurance for the first year of the program (during the rotations). At the beginning of the student’s second academic year (usually September), the mentor will then be responsible for providing the student’s complete stipend, tuition, fees, and half of the cost of health insurance. The level of stipend funding after the initial 2 years will be at the discretion of the institution/program. It should be noted that the student will only have to register for one thesis credit per semester after completing the comprehensive examination.
Any additional expenses relating to education and cost of living shall be the responsibility of the student. This includes, but is not limited to, rent payments for housing either on or off campus, meal plans, course textbooks and required supplies, computer equipment, etc. Please note, that identifying housing and the associated expense are the responsibility of the student. Site administrators may be a resource to aid in identifying housing.
The primary funding mechanism for GSBSE students is the Graduate Assistantship system as administered by the UMaine Graduate School in association with the UMaine Bursar’s Office and the UMaine System Human Resources. Alternate funding mechanisms can be used to support students but should be confirmed to properly support the student by the GSBSE administration.
Don’t let worries about funding your Ph.D. in Biomedical Science hold you back. Review the wide selection of degree funding sources using our comprehensive funding page designed with prospective students in mind.
Degrees offered: PhD
Program Format: Blended
Application deadline: December 1
Test Required: None
Contact: Gregory Cox
Contact Email: gregory.cox@maine.edu
Program Website: Biomedical Science