Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences

Step 1: Select Your Program

Applicants should review programs of study offered by each of the five basic science departments and select the program that best accommodate their professional objectives. Doctoral students are admitted for the Fall term only. Be sure to select the fall term for start date.

Step 2: Comply with Departmental Admission Requirements

Applicants should note any specific departmental requirements for admission because each department will screen its own applicants. Specific departmental requirements may be found on departmental websites. Contact the Department’s admissions faculty if you have any questions about these requirements.

Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology
Admissions Chair: Chad Samuelsen
Email: asnbapps@louisville.edu

Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Admissions Chair: Ben Lovely
Email: bmggrad@louisville.edu

Microbiology and Immunology
Admissions Chair: Kevin Sokoloski
Email: migrad@louisville.edu

Pharmacology and Toxicology
Admissions Chair: Geoff Clark
Email: phtxapps@louisville.edu

Physiology
Admissions Chair: Claudio Maldonado
Email: claudio.maldonado@louisville.edu

Step 3: Complete the Graduate School Application

Applicants should indicate which degree program they are interested in by including the appropriate major codes on the application form under the educational Plans section.

College/School Code: GM

Major Code (choose 1):

• Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology: ASNB
• Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics: BIOC
• Microbiology and Immunology: MBIO
• Pharmacology and Toxicology: PHTX
• Physiology: PHZB
• Degree Code: PhD
• Institutional Code: 1838 (for reporting TOEFL scores to the University of Louisville)

Step 4: Timeline

Only complete applications are reviewed. Applications to departmental programs received before January 15th each year, will receive full consideration for an Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences Fellowship. After that date, applications will be reviewed and considered for fellowship awards on a rolling basis, depending on availability.

Step 5: Interview Process

The departments will review applications beginning in January. Virtual interviews will be scheduled by each individual department. Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences will invite those approved by the departments to an on-campus visit.

Step 6: Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences Fellowships

Each admissions director will submit potential candidates for Fellowship awards to the Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences (IPIBS) Committee. If selected, the applicant will receive an offer of admission as well as a separate financial offer. Current support packages consist of an annual stipend of $33,000, full waiver of tuition, and health insurance. 

Acceptance of the Fellowship Offer: Applicant will sign the Terms of Agreement to accept the fellowship offer. Students supported by an IPIBS Fellowship may not accept any additional employment during the term of the fellowship unless granted specific written authorization to do so by the IPIBS Executive Committee. Accepting the IPIBS Fellowship requires that you complete the core curriculum integrated through the curricula of the five departments, discipline-based programs of study. To retain the fellowship if switching between departments you should contact the IPIBS Director. 

Students with Advanced Standing: A limited number of fellowships may be offered to students with advanced standing, in which case, taking the IPIBS Core curriculum may be waived and fellowships modified accordingly. All such applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

Financial Support and Continuous Enrollment: These fellowships are renewable for a second year of funding, contingent upon full time enrollment, satisfactory progress toward your degree and a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.0. IPIBS students are guaranteed funding for a minimum of two additional years and historically receive funding for the duration of their tenure in the program. This financial support is typically through a GRA supported by their mentor’s funding. Doctoral students are expected to be full time students and register for a minimum of nine (9) hours each for the Fall and Spring semesters and six (6) hours in the summer. Doctoral candidacy is considered full-time.

Every student admitted to the PhD program can expect to receive continued financial support for the entire period of graduate study, provided they remain in good standing. 

Timeline and General Requirements

Each program sets specific curriculum requirements that follow the timeline below.

All IPIBS Students take:

• Cell Biology (BIOC667)
• RCR (BIOC630)
• Seminar (program-specific)
• Data Analysis/Statistics (ASNB622)

Professional Development:

• Present research annually to department
• Apply for fellowships that are available
• Attend regional and national meetings in your field
• Present posters or talks, compete for travel awards

Career Development:

Self-Assessment (IDP)

Workshops and Seminars:

• Mentoring
• Teaching
• Communication
• Career Exploration
• Careers for Biomedical Researchers

Coursework Requirements

All IPIBS programs require a minimum of 30 credit hours to be completed by the end of Year 2. All IPIBS students are required to take Cell Biology (BIOC667) in Fall of Year 1, and Responsible Conduct of Research (BIOC630) in Spring of Year 1. Other course requirements are program-specific. After completion of all course requirements, students may register for Masters Candidacy (MAST600) or Research hours (ASNB619, BIOC619, MBIO619, PHTX619, PHZB619) for each subsequent term (fall, spring and summer) until the successful completion of the qualifying exam, after which they may apply for a MS degree and must register for Doctoral Candidacy (DOCT600).

Selection of Advisor/Lab

All IPIBS programs require a minimum of two lab rotations with selection of a Research Advisor for their dissertation research to be completed no later than the end of Year 1.

Qualifying Exam

The Qualifying Exam (QE) is expected to be completed by the end of Year 2, and no later than the Spring semester of Year 3. The QE format is program-specific: a written NIH NRSA F31-style research proposal either on own project (BMG, PHZB, PHTX), or within an area of the field (MBIO) followed by an oral examination, or a written cumulative exam (ASNB). ASNB requires within the year following the QE, a dissertation proposal defense that involves a written NIH NRSA F31-style research proposal and oral examination to remain in good standing.

Doctoral Candidacy Requirements

The candidate must complete all requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy within four calendar years after passing the qualifying examination. The average time to degree for IPIBS programs in 5.1 years.   

C.R.A.F.T.

Career Research Advancement Focused Training (CRAFT) Seminar Series meets monthly during the academic year for a morning or lunchtime meeting focusing on career development for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students at the University of Louisville.

Seminar Location
Clinical & Translational Research Building: Room 123
505 South Hancock Street, Louisville

Anyone interested in presenting at a future meeting can contact: Katie Hasper at: katie.hasper@louisville.edu

UPCOMING CRAFT SEMINARS

PAST CRAFT SEMINARS