Molecular Medicine Minor Program
The Molecular Medicine minor program will equip students with knowledge of the basic biochemical processes and metabolic pathways governing the function of human cells, as well as understanding of current diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for a variety of human diseases, from metabolic disorders to the most common diseases of aging. Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills performing research in state-of-the-art laboratories working on metabolic diseases, neurodegeneration, cancer. Our instructional design is based on active learning strategies helping to engage students and develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in a dynamic environment.
On completion of this minor, students will be able to:
- Explain the “big picture” concept of molecular medicine, both in terms of current use and future potential
- Explain how scientists deal with terabytes of genomic information to understand disease
- Apply a knowledge of molecular medicine to the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease
- Analyze molecular mechanisms that are associated with aging and disease processes that are inter-related with human aging
- Demonstrate analytical skills and teamwork during real bench research in active laboratories
The Molecular Medicine minor will lay the foundation to allow students to qualify for graduate programs in the biomedical sciences, professional programs in health sciences or for direct entry into entry level biomedical research jobs. It is expected that many students graduating with this minor would choose careers in biomedical research fields, medicine, academics, industry, or consulting.