Degree Title and Name:  Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Biomedical Sciences

Program Name and Number:  Translational Biomedical Science – PH4910

Department/Unit: Graduate College

Delivery Mode:  Athens Campus

Term(s) of Entry:  Fall, Summer

Program Overview:  Translational biomedicine is a rapidly growing field within biomedical and public health research that seeks to improve the health of individuals and the community by turning discoveries into diagnostic tools, medicines, procedures, policies and education.

As a trans- and inter-disciplinary program, the purpose of the Ph.D. program in TBS is to prepare individuals to lead the implementation of the patient-centered health care of the 21st century. This program goes beyond the model of a traditional disciplinary program, creating a flexible student-learning environment with a curriculum focusing on three main components:

• Translational core competencies
• Specific, individualized, knowledge content
• Research skills

The flexibility in design allows for different combinations of potential course work depending on the student’s prior education and experience. Additionally, the program combines formal educational activities such as case studies, problem-based learning in small groups, presentations, seminars, and laboratory group meetings, with informal gatherings between graduate students, scientists and faculty with experience in interdisciplinary team research, which will provide key networking opportunities.

The coursework and related experiences that this program comprises will provide students from all backgrounds with the opportunity to acquire and refine the skills necessary for teamwork, leadership and competitive success in the field of Translational Biomedical Sciences. Additionally, a deep knowledge within a specific cross-disciplinary study area will result in graduates who are experts in their field, with both depth and breadth of knowledge. Upon successful completion of the TBS program, graduates will be able to take advantage of their unique traits to lead scientific teams, engage the community in the quest for better health, apply innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to the improvement of the health of their community, and to reduce inequality in the access to healthcare.

This is a full-time program. Normative time to completion is five academic years.

Program Learning Outcomes:  Students will understand professional standards of scientific inquiry and responsible conduct that are essential for the pursuit of new knowledge. 

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of basics concepts in translational biomedical sciences and sufficient individualized knowledge to make a meaningful and impactful scientific contribution. 
2. Students will be able to write a competitive research proposal. 
3. Students will know how to design and complete a research study and/or scientific experiments.  
4. Students will be able to process and analyze data to make sound interpretations. 
5. Students will be able to communicate scientific ideas in both written and oral forms to diverse audiences. 

Link to Program:  https://www.ohio.edu/graduate/tbs

Graduation Requirements:   All students will be required to complete a minimum of 90 credits in graduate work beyond their BS/BA degree and meet all established criteria for the award of a PhD from Ohio University.

Required courses (Minimum: 18 credits) include:

• one course in Biostatistics and/or Epidemiology (3 credits)
• one course in Bioethics, TBS 5680 (3 credits) and one in Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
• one course in Technical Writing (3 credits)
• one course in Tools for Translational Research, TBS 5720 (3 credits)
• one capstone course in Translational Competencies, TBS 6500 (3 credits)
• two seminars in Translational Biomedical Sciences Career Development, TBS 6220 (2 credits) (Note: students in the TBS program are expected to attend this seminar every semester until graduation).

As early as the first semester of graduate study, a student in the TBS program must begin to engage in research under the supervision of a TBS graduate faculty, and register for credit hours of TBS 6940: Independent Research.

Culminating Experience:  Doctoral Dissertation

Students will present in public the results for their independent research project, followed by a defense-style exam with three TBS faculty members. The examiners will meet with the candidate in closed session and probe for evidence of research creativity, formal thinking and rigor. The examination committee will determine in advance the scope of the questions, and they will address not only the research presented, but also background and related material, to assess both depth and breadth of knowledge.

Admission Requirements:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Non-native speakers of English must meet Graduate College minimum proficiency requirements.

Prospective students must provide:

1. Transcripts of all previous academic work
2. At least three (3) letters of recommendation. The letters should be from individuals that can speak to your academic and research abilities.
3. A Resume/CV
4. A personal statement that addresses the following areas:
   • Future career goals and how the Translational Biomedical Sciences program would help you meet those goals.
   • Expected research interest while in the program
   • How your goals and research fit within the interdisciplinary nature of translational biomedical sciences
5. An essay detailing previous research experience and describing your current research interests. Indicate potential mentors among the faculty at Ohio University. Note that the interdisciplinary dimension of the TBS doctoral program requires you to identify at least two mentors from two different disciplines.

International Students:  This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.