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    Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Georgia Health Sciences University Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Georgia Health Sciences University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Vascular Biology


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Description

The Vascular Biology program is based in an interdisciplinary research center, the Vascular Biology Center, that includes core and associate faculty members from many clinical and basic science departments on campus. Research projects encompass studies ranging from the molecular and genetic level, to the regulation of cellular processes, to multi-cellular and organ system regulation, as well as to human studies. Research interests include topics related the permeability function of the retinal microvasculature, responses of endothelial and smooth muscle cells to injury, growth and proliferation of vascular cells, endothelial dysfunction in hypertension and cardiomyopathy, roles of vasoactive mediators in mammalian cell function, and signal transduction in vascular endothelial cells.

Admissions Information

First-year Ph.D. students are admitted via a common admissions process to the biomedical sciences Ph.D. program, not to a specific major. After completing first-year core course work and laboratory rotations, the student chooses a dissertation research mentor and enters one of nine Ph.D. majors based on that faculty member’s program affiliation. In each program, students complete a Ph.D. dissertation based on original research. Each student’s program of study is unique and the time to completion varies. On average, completion of the Ph.D. program requires approximately 5 years of full-time, year-round study.

For information regarding admission to the Biomedical Sciences program in the College of Graduate studies please select the Admissions Information link.

Biomedical Sciences Admission 

Financial Support

Students accepted as full time students into the program may be eligible for a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA), which provides a competitive stipend ($23,000 for the 2012/2013 academic year) as well as a reduced tuition fee of only $25 per semester. Graduate Research Assistants also receive, at no cost to them, single-person health insurance under the GHSU student group policy. A limited number of GRA packages will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants with exemplary qualifications. Continuation of an assistantship is contingent on the availability of funds and on satisfactory academic progress. Students are responsible for paying standard required student fees each semester.

Second Year and Beyond: Vascular Biology Advanced Curriculum


The Doctor of Philosophy curriculum is not lock-step; students do NOT graduate as a class at the end of a specific semester. The average time to degree is approximately 5 years of full-time, year-round study; acceptable duration of the program may be between 3 and 7 years. The PhD curriculum is individualized for each student based on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations. The number and type of advanced (2nd year and beyond) or elective courses vary, and may include courses within the Vascular Biology program, listed below, as well as courses in other disciplines.

Elective Course Options (Minimum of one course)


  • Advanced course in another discipline or biomedical science major (selections require approval from mentor and program director)  

Additional Requirements


In addition to specific course requirements, students must complete additional PhD degree requirements, including satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination, development of an approved research proposal, writing and obtaining approval of the doctoral dissertation, and satisfactory performance on the Final Oral Examination (dissertation defense). See PhD Student Guide for additional requirements and details.