- Graduate Study -
Reproductive Sciences
The
Division of Clinical and Reproductive Sciences is now accepting
applications from students wishing to pursue a
Ph.D. in Reproductive
Sciences.
The
doctoral program, which is the first Ph.D. in the discipline at the
University of Kentucky and within the Commonwealth, is a
multidisciplinary program that utilizes basic science and math
courses already available in other departments and is delivered by
core faculty in the unit as well as faculty in reproductive
disciplines across campus. During the first year of study,
students will complete courses from UK’s undifferentiated Integrated
Biomedical Sciences (IBS) core to gain a foundation in cellular and
molecular biology and gain an appreciation for interdisciplinary
approaches to research.
Deadline for admission in Fall 2009: July 15, 2009
A limited number of full scholarships will be offered to qualified
applicants.
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Curriculum
The program
will utilize a variety of graduate courses including
courses from the Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS)
curriculum, current courses in reproductive laboratory
science, and newly developed courses in mammalian
reproductive physiology, reproductive immunology, and
reproductive cancers. In
addition to required seminars and research, the program
of academic study must include (if not completed with a
grade of B or better prior to program entry)
the following 39 didactic credit hours:
IBS 601
Biomolecules and Metabolism
3
IBS 602
Biomolecules and Molecular Biology
3
IBS 603
Cell Biology
3
IBS 604
Cell Signaling
3
STA 570
Statistics
4
CSC 600
Pathophysiology
4
RSC 700
Mammalian Reproduction
3
RSC 701
Advanced Reproductive Immunology
3
RSC 702
Molecular Reproduction
3
RSC 703 Biology & Therapy
of Reproductive Cancers 3
CSC 673
Flow Cytometry
3
CSC 604
Research Methods
4
CSC 602
Seminar
1/semester
CSC 789
Research Apprenticeship
1-4
CSC 790
Research-Prequalifying
1-5
CSC 767
Research-Post qualifying
2
(min)
Electives
are not required, however the scientific advisor and/or
committee may request that the student complete
additional elective courses.
The Ph.D. is designed for scholars planning careers in
academics and research. Clinical courses currently
offered in the Reproductive Laboratory Sciences track in
the Clinical Sciences Master’s degree will serve as
electives for students wishing to combine a research and
clinical background in reproduction.
RLS Option
In
addition to all program requirements, students electing
the course of study for the concurrent Graduate
Certificate in RLS must complete 16 credit hours of
additional clinical coursework and practica.
CSC 528
Laboratory Techniques*
2
CSC 615
Reproductive Lab Science*
1
CSC 616
Andrology*
1
CSC 617
Reproductive Microbiology and Immunology
1
CSC 618
Labs in Andrology, Reproductive Micro and
Immunology 1
CSC 621
Embryology and ART
3
CSC 624
Cryopreservation of Reproductive Tissues
2
CSC 625
Mgt, Policy, Ethical, and Legal Issues in ART
2
CSC 626
Clinical Practicum in Andrology**
1
CSC 627
Clinical Practicum in ART**
2
* required for students not having acceptable clinical
lab experience
**note:
Clinical sites for Embryology and Andrology practica
include laboratories that
are accredited by the
College of
American Pathologists Reproductive Laboratory
Accreditation Program and
licensed gamete banks.
In addition, all sites must have a current
affiliation agreement with the University of Kentucky.
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New courses
Ø
Mammalian Reproduction (RSC700) – Drs. Bridges and
Baker
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Course Description: This course
will introduce students to the mammalian reproductive
system and its function. The objective is to provide
students with knowledge on the anatomy, endocrine regulation
and physiology of reproduction. Comparison of
reproductive function will be made between species and the
scientific research methods used to investigate these
systems will be introduced. |
Ø
Advanced Reproductive Immunology (RSC701) – Dr.
Oakley
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Course Description:
Many of the immune mechanisms that are involved in the
protection of the host from infectious agents are also in
play during pregnancy. From the ability of the sperm to
avoid immune attack in the reproductive tract, to the
protection of the immuno-incompatible fetus in the uterus.
Students will learn the importance of the immune system
during pregnancy. Focus will be on the interactions between
the placenta and the maternal immune system. The role of the
immune system on defects during pregnancy will also be
discussed, including the role in pre-term labor,
implantation, and preeclampsia. The ability of the immune
system to eliminate infectious agents is well understood, we
will also discuss the implication of normal immune responses
on a developing fetus.
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Ø
Molecular
Reproduction (RSC702) – Dr. Ko
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Course Description:
The in depth structure and function of mammalian
reproductive system will be studied as it relates to the
understanding of human reproduction at the molecular level.
Both male and female reproductive organs, and associated
hormones and behavior will be studied. Experts in
relevant fields will give lectures and students will be
involved in the discussion with the lecturers. Objectives:
The objective of this course is to provide students with the
general knowledge of the principles of mammalian
reproduction, hormonal secretion and action mechanisms
aging, and research tools. Students should be able to
acquire and use this knowledge for a scientific-based
approach to the study of reproduction.
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Ø
Biology and Therapy of Reproductive Cancer (RSC703)
–
Dr. Damodaran
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Course Description: The course will introduce
students to fundamentals of biology, molecular events
related to disease progression, and current therapeutic
modalities for the treatment of reproductive cancer. The
course is 3 credit hours and includes lectures for each
topic. In addition there will be discussions and
presentation from participating students on the related
topics.
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
Ø
Discuss the biological aspects of reproductive
cancers.
Ø
Describe the pathogenesis and angiogenesis for
the various types of reproductive
cancers.
Ø
Discuss epidemiology of reproductive cancer.
Ø
Describe genetic alterations and molecular
signaling pathways responsible for
reproductive cancers.
Ø
Outline current therapeutic modalities for
reproductive cancers.
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The Ph.D. is designed for scholars planning careers in academics and
research. Clinical courses currently offered in the
Reproductive Laboratory Sciences track in the Clinical Sciences
Master’s degree will serve as electives for students wishing to
combine a research and clinical background in reproduction.
The combined research and clinical education will prepare
successful graduates for certification as high-complexity laboratory
directors and for positions as directors of assisted reproductive
technology (ART) laboratories.
Minimum Criteria for Application for Admission:
*
A genuine desire to complete graduate work and
basic research in reproductive science leading to a professional
career in a research and/or clinically based field in reproduction.
*
Bachelor’s degree in science that includes the
following courses:
- Biology (2 semesters)
- Physiology (1 semester)
- Chemistry (2 semesters)
-
Organic Chemistry (2 semesters)
-
Physics (1 semester)
-
Statistics (1 semester)
*
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for any graduate work completed.
*
GRE
completed within the last 3 years with a combined minimum score of
1000 on the verbal and math
and 3.5 on quantitative portions.
*
International applicants from non-English
speaking areas must complete a TOEFL examination with a score of 550
(paper) or 213 (computerized).
*
Ability to meet the Technical Standards
established by the College of Health Sciences
and the Clinical Sciences Graduate Program.
To Apply:
Applicants must meet all requirements for admission for the Graduate School
at the University of Kentucky and apply for admission to both the Graduate School and the Reproductive Sciences
Ph.D. Program.
Request Program applications from:
CheMyong (Jay) Ko, Ph.D.,
Director of Graduate Studies
Email:
cko2@uky.edu
Tel: 859-218-0846
University of Kentucky
900 S. Limestone Room 126B
Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0200
Applicants to the Reproductive Sciences Ph.D. Program must hold a Bachelor
or higher degree in science.
Admission to the Clinical Sciences Graduate Program is based upon:
Application Deadlines:
U.S.
citizens and residents: July 15
International
applicants: January 15
The University of Kentucky is accredited by the
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone
number 404-679-4501) to award undergraduate, graduate and
professional degrees.
The University of Kentucky is committed to a policy of
providing educational opportunities to all qualified students
regardless of economic or social status, and will not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, beliefs,
age, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental
disability.
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