Weinshilboum, Richard M., M.D. Tumor Biology Program, Pharmacology, Molecular Neuroscience Molecular pharmacogenetics of drug metabolism, including antineoplastic agents. Younkin, Steven G., M.D., Ph.D. Pharmacology, Molecular Neuroscience Molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease. Proposed Training All entering students will complete the Graduate School Core Curriculum in Biomedical Sciences. This curriculum is taught during the first year and provides all students with fundamental and advanced knowledge in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, structural biology, and physiology. The principles of the didactic neuroscience courses is to teach the unique properties of the nervous system.
Students complete a minimum of three laboratory rotations during the first year.
At the end of this period, the students select their thesis research laboratory. The Preliminary Qualifying Examination must be completed within two years of matriculation. Having acquired this fundamental knowledge, the best way to learn how to become a successful, disease oriented neuroscience researcher is to train in the laboratory of an individual who will be a role model and mentor. The Molecular Neuroscience laboratory faculty are selected on this basis. The unifying theme of the program and faculty is the application of basic science to neurologic disease.