General Medical Sciences
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Center for Clinical Investigation
- Center for Global Health and Diseases
- Center for Medical Education
- Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics
- Center for Psychoanalytic Child Development
- The Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics
- Center for Science, Health and Society
- Center for the Study of Kidney Biology and Disease
- National Center for Regenerative Medicine
The Division of General Medical Sciences was established in 1986 to provide an organizational home for units pursuing interdisciplinary research and education objectives. The division is the equivalent of an academic department, and its constituent units are characterized as Centers. The Dean of the School of Medicine serves as the Chair of the division; each Center is led by a director. The unique nature of each of the General Medical Sciences centers is described in the paragraphs below. (Centers are listed in alphabetical order by full title, and associated academic programs including certificate, MS and PhD programs described in top navigation tabs).
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Phone: 216.844.8797
http://cancer.case.edu
Stanton L. Gerson, MD, Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) based at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a partnership organization supporting cancer-related research efforts at CWRU, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and Cleveland Clinic. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Case CCC serves the cancer research and clinical needs of an urban manufacturing and rural agricultural region containing over 4 million people in Northern Ohio.
The Case CCC provides a unique forum and academic network for cancer researchers across our community to accomplish more than they may individually. Through the Case CCC, our medical institutions are linked in a stronger and more unified effort to understand the causes and progression of cancer and to use that understanding to develop treatments and to reduce the likelihood that our population will develop cancer and suffer from its consequences. The Cancer Center advocates for cancer research support across the institutions; provides funding for promising pilot grants, shared resource development, training programs, and recruitments; and catalyzes multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary cancer research across institutions, emphasizing innovative discovery that will have an impact on cancer patients.
The mission of the Case CCC is to:
- Improve the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of cancer through discovery, evaluation and dissemination.
- Stimulate and support innovative, coordinated interdisciplinary clinical research on cancer diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control.
- Develop clinical applications of discovery and make these available to Northern Ohio residents as quickly as possible through the integrated efforts of the major health systems in the region.
- Develop cancer prevention and control activities that build on the expertise of the Center and result in a reduction of cancer morbidity and mortality in Northern Ohio and the nation.
The research efforts of the Case CCC members are organized into seven interdisciplinary scientific programs. The clinical research effort is supported by 12 Clinical Trials Disease Teams that develop and prioritize clinical trials, and a single Protocol Review and Monitoring System, Data Safety and Monitoring Plan integrate cancer research, cancer therapeutics, and prevention services at the partner institutions and throughout the region.
Research programs of the Case CCC are also extending into community medical centers operated by University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic. Outreach programs for clinical practice-based prevention and screening initiatives, educational programs, minority recruitment, and facilitation of patient referrals are also supported by the partner institutions.
In addition to successfully competing for a Cancer Center Support Grant from the National Cancer Institute, the Center must meet specific criteria for:
- Breadth and depth of basic cancer research; clinical cancer research; and prevention, control and population/behavioral sciences research in cancer; and
- Strength of interaction among these three major research areas.
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only 50 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation. Learn more about the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Centers program at cancercenters.cancer.gov.
Center for Clinical Investigation
Phone: 216.368.3286
James Spilsbury, PhD, Academic Development Core Director
The Center for Clinical Investigation (CCI) was founded in 2007 and is part of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine’s Division of General Medical Sciences. The CCI serves as the academic home of Cleveland’s Clinical & Translational Science Collaborative, a partnership of 4 local institutions (Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the MetroHealth System, and University Hospitals) and member of a national consortium of approximately 66 institutions funded by the National Institutes of Health to increase the efficiency and speed of clinical and translational research across the country.
The CCI’s mission is to enhance clinical and translational research efforts across the Cleveland area by: (1) spurring advances in knowledge of risk factors, outcomes and treatment effectiveness in the population; (2) facilitating the transfer of scientific advances to the community; and (3) developing a new generation of clinical researchers equipped with the skills needed to efficiently design, implement and interpret novel studies that address important public health questions. To accomplish its mission, the CCI provides computer systems and applications support for basic science and clinical research activities and works closely with basic science and clinical investigators in the CWRU Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Dental Medicine, as well as the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, and MetroHealth System. The CCI has supported hundreds of clinical research and epidemiology projects, including local and national multicenter, longitudinal studies. The CCI has two cores that provide research support to all investigators: the Academic Development Core and Statistical Sciences Core.
The Academic Development Core manages the newly created PhD Program in Clinical Translational Science, the Master’s Degree Program in Clinical Research (Clinical Research Scholars Program - see "Clinical Research" tab above), and the Graduate Certificate Program in Clinical Research. The Academic Development Core also delivers seminars and short courses in clinical research and works to coordinate educational activities in interdisciplinary clinical research across the CTSC’s institutional members. The programs target investigators and other key members of the research team, including data managers and study coordinators. Training efforts in research design, research data management, statistical sciences, statistical software, and scientific communication are emphasized.
Center for Global Health and Diseases
Phone: 216.368.6321
https://case.edu/medicine/globalhealth/node/1
James W. Kazura, MD, Director
The Center for Global Health and Diseases was formed in 2002 as a result of a merger between the Center for International Health (first established in 1987) and the Division of Geographic Medicine. The new center is located on the fourth floor of the Biomedical Research Building on the Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine campus in Cleveland, Ohio. The center provides a coordinating structure to help link the numerous international health resources of the university, its affiliated institutions, and the Northern Ohio community in a multidisciplinary program of research, training and clinical application related to global health. The center brings together many disciplines at CWRU to make life better in developing countries, and thus facilitates international collaborations throughout the institution.
The mission of the Center for Global Health and Diseases is to promote health in the world and enrich the community around CWRU.
This is accomplished by:
- bringing together experts from the university’s community that specialize in infectious diseases, epidemiology, anthropology, tropical diseases, neglected tropical diseases (dengue, dracunculiasis [guinea-worm disease], lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis [river blindness], rabies, schistosomiasis, and various helminthiases), nursing, pediatrics, etc.
- uniting university faculty in programs of collaborative research and education, student and faculty international exchanges, and community enrichment to promote health in the world and enrich the international community.
The center focuses on three main objectives that have been present throughout its history:
- developing a critical mass of creative investigators with multidisciplinary capabilities and providing them with appropriate resources and environments for basic, clinical and epidemiological research, in order to develop linkages within and beyond the university community.
- establishing an education and training program to ensure the continuing replenishment of the pool of intellectual talent in this country and to enhance the scientific proficiency of scientists from developing countries via an educational program based at the university, reaching a wide audience.
- advancing a collaborative interdisciplinary application program in international health overseas to bring together diverse disciplines, adaptation, and adoption of practices and the application of technology to underserved populations of the world.
A certificate in Global Health is available.
Center for Medical Education
Phone: 216.368.1948
Patricia A. Thomas, MD, FACP, Director
Klara Papp, PhD, Director, CAML
The Center for Medical Education, established in 2010, provides an organizational home for teaching and learning programs in the School of Medicine and a supportive environment for those who want to develop special skills in medical education.
The Center also sponsors faculty appointments, both full- and part-time, for faculty whose roles are predominantly focused on teaching medical students and physician assistant students. These include community clinicians who welcome medical students into their clinics and practices.
The Center for the Advancement of Medical Learning (“CAML”) operates its programs under the auspices of the CMEd. CAML supports and promotes the development of teaching and lifelong-learning skills among students, faculty, staff, residents, and alumni. CAML pursues research into educational innovations to advance our knowledge of medical learning and teaching. The Center offers workshops to faculty locally, regionally, and nationally to enhance faculty teaching, research and evaluation skills.
Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics
Phone: 216.368.0291
http://proteomics.case.edu
Mark R. Chance, PhD, Director
Biomedical Research Building, Ninth Floor
The Case Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics was created, in part, to strengthen Cleveland's presence in modern proteomics and bioinformatics research to make the region a leader in the field. The vision for the Center has been shaped over the past several years by the leadership of the Center's Director, Mark Chance, PhD, with over $120 million in grants awarded to the Center and its collaborators since its inception in February 2006. One of the primary goals of the CPB is to develop an infrastructure of sophisticated equipment that facilitates and maximizes shared equipment usage, as well as to offer a wide array of proteomics, and metabolomic services including protein and small molecule mass spectrometry, protein expression/interactions, systems biology, and biostatistical analyses.
The CPB has expanded its vision to include education of graduate students in systems biology and bioinformatics. The Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics developed a graduate program in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics in collaboration with Schools and Departments across the campus. For more information regarding the SYBB graduate program please see "Systems/Bioinformatics" tab above. You may also visit http://bioinformatics.case.edu/.
In studying proteins and metabolites, bioinformatics analysis enables researchers to take an integrated pan-omics approach for discovering networks involved in human disease. The School of Medicine has established the Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics to perform research to better understand the genetic and environmental bases of disease as well as provide new technologies to diagnose diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Utilizing bioinformatics enables researchers to take an integrated -omics approach for discovering networks involved in human disease.
New technologies in mass spectrometry are also allowing protein expression, localization, structure, post-translational modifications, and interactions to be studied in increasing detail and on a genome-wide scale. The Center is also developing and applying state-of-the-art-structural proteomics technology, metabolomic and small molecule analysis, especially for pharmacokinetic (PK) studies to support clinical, translational, and structural research.
The CPB has three major research areas: Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Metabolomics, and Macromolecular Structure.
Proteomics and Bioinformatics faculty and staff support research in protein expression analysis, protein modifications, and protein interactions in a wide variety of biological contexts as well as develop new bioinformatics tools in Proteomics research. This includes multiple Proteomics Cores to support these activities.
Metabolomics faculty and staff support metabolite small molecule quantification research in the CWRU community. The services provided range from drug PK studies to quantification of endogenous metabolites in clinical and preclinical samples.
Macromolecular Structure faculty and staff support interdisciplinary research in new methods of structure determination, the combination of computational and experimental structural biology approaches and developing and maintaining the infrastructure for macromolecular structure determination.
The CPB also offers a wide range of seminars, workshops, and possibilities for individual training. These activities are posted on the CPB Web site. For a list of services and to explore opportunities to collaborate, please visit the Web site: https://case.edu/medicine/nutrition/case-center-proteomics-and-bioinformatics
Center for Psychoanalytic Child Development
Phone: 216.991.4472
Kimberly Bell, PhD; John A. Hadden Jr. Assistant Professor of Psychoanalytic Child Development
The Center for Psychoanalytic Child Development was established in 2001 as a memorial to John A. Hadden Jr., past President of the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Center for Research in Child Development and of the Hanna Perkins School. The mission of the center is to advance the science of psychoanalytic child development at the School of Medicine.
The Center offers medical students and residents who are interested in working with children the opportunity for observational learning in the Hanna Perkins school. In addition, didactic courses, case conferences and supervision are available to deepen students’ understanding of the relationship between physical and psychological development in the first 5 years of life.
The Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics
Phone: 216.368.0299
https://www.rnacenter.org/
Jeffery M. Coller, PhD, Director
The Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics is a free standing academic unit in the basic sciences within the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. The RNA Center was established in the mid-nineties as a core entity in recognition of the strong cadre of research laboratories devoted to studying post-transcriptional mechanisms of gene expression focusing on various aspects of RNA Biology. The current mission of the RNA Center is to parlay the strengths of RNA Center scientists towards the development of unique therapeutic initiatives. The RNA Center is combining the usage of nanoparticle technology with RNA science to develop new classes of drugs, leading towards the amelioration of a variety of diseases. Current efforts are focused on metabolic disorders, cancer immunotherapies, immunity, and protein replacement. In addition, we are developing new technologies that promise to improve diagnostics, allowing for earlier detection of a variety of human diseases, especially cancer.
The RNA Center contains one of the largest concentrations of RNA scientists in the nation. The faculty of the RNA Center cover nearly every aspect of RNA research. Current research in the Center focuses on several problems ranging from extremely basic questions such as the mechanism of RNA catalysis and how proteins interact with RNA to the roles of RNA processing in disease. Specific research interests include splicing and its regulation, RNA editing, tRNA maturation, mechanisms of translation regulation, RNA degradation, RNA trafficking, RNA interference and regulation of gene expression by microRNAs and non-coding RNAs.
Collectively, the RNA Center provides a valuable resource for collaborative efforts within the University and its affiliated institutions: the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, MetroHealth Medical Center, the Cleveland VA Medical Center, and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. In addition, the official journal of the RNA Society “RNA” was founded and continues to be housed in the RNA Center. The members of the RNA Center have an excellent funding record and the research performed is regularly published in highly visible journals such as Science, Nature, Molecular Cell, NSMB, Molecular Cell, etc.
Center for Science, Health and Society
Phone: 216.368.2059
http://casemed.case.edu/cshs/
Nathan A. Berger, MD, Director
Recognizing that the successful futures of Case Western Reserve University, the City of Cleveland, and Cuyahoga County are integrally related, the Center for Science, Health and Society (CSHS) was created in 2002 to focus the efforts of the University and the community in a significant new collaboration to impact the areas of health and healthcare delivery systems through community outreach, education, and health policy. The Center, based in the School of Medicine, with university wide associations, is engaging the many strengths of the University and the community to improve the health of the community.
The Center has engaged the community at the level of the individual and the neighborhood, in public and private schools, at civic and faith-based organizations, and at the level of governmental agencies and community leadership to identify community problems, perceptions, assets and resources; advise the community of faculty skills, assets and expertise; and, catalyze that community service based scholarship that benefits community interests and promotes mutual enhancement. The Center coordinates the Scientific Enrichment Opportunity outreach program that brings Cleveland high school students on to the medical school campus in the summer to work along with our distinguished faculty in their research labs, to introduce and stimulate the students and help prepare them to enter careers in the health career professions and biomedical workforce. The Center also coordinates the Mini Medical School Program presented every Spring and Fall to educate the community on the latest developments in healthcare, particularly those developed at CWRU. The overall goal of these programs is to educate and empower the community to become better consumers of healthcare and more informed and stronger advocates for healthcare policy and legislation in their own interests.
Center for the Study of Kidney Biology and Disease
Phone: 216.444.8415
John R. Sedor, MD, Director
Thomas H. Hostetter, MD, Co-director
Jeffrey Garvin, MD, PhD, Co-director
Jeffrey Schelling, MD, Co-director
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem in the United States. More than seventeen percent of US adults—more than 30 million Americans—have CKD. CKD generally progresses over time and can cause cardiovascular disease, anemia, bone disease, fluid overload, and eventually end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Patients with ESKD need renal replacement therapy, either from dialysis or a kidney transplant, to live. The risk of death for patients receiving dialysis is nearly eight times higher than the non-ESRD population, leading to a 20% annual probability of death. Kidney disease disproportionately affects minorities and vulnerable populations. Kidney disease treatment is expensive and uniquely tied to federal expenditures through the Medicare entitlement program. The cost of care for ~ 550,000 ESKD patients is nearly $34 billion annually, exceeding the total NIH budget. Treating all health conditions of CKD and ESRD patients consumes nearly 25% of Medicare’s budget.
The Center’s mission is to accelerate discovery and its translation for treatment and cure of kidney diseases in an interdisciplinary environment within the rich, research environment of the CWRU School of Medicine. The faculty is an accomplished and highly interactive group of investigators, based in the adult or pediatric Divisions of Nephrology in CWRU-affiliated hospitals as well as other clinical and basic science departments. Research interests of the faculty include digital pathology image analysis, glomerular diseases, diabetic and other chronic kidney diseases, epithelial cell biology and ion transport, tubular physiology, genetic epidemiology, health services research, renal transplantation, health disparities research and clinical trials. Center faculty are members of the NIDDK-funded Kidney Precision Medicine Project. Research projects use cellular, molecular biological, computational, genetic, genomic and epidemiological methods to study in vitro and animal models and/or patients. Many projects by Center investigators use health data, culled from electronic health records, and biological samples from patients with kidney diseases in order to generate novel hypotheses, which can then tested with animal models and cell lines. Training opportunities are available for undergraduate, pre- and post-doctoral students.
National Center for Regenerative Medicine
Phone: 216.368.0846
http://www.ncrm.us/
Stanton L. Gerson, MD, Director
The National Center for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) is a platform to facilitate translational research, clinical application, and commercialization of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and stem cell therapeutics across a consortium of institutions. NCRM is driven by four nationally ranked, medical research powerhouses, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Ohio State University. Through this network of researchers and clinicians, research discoveries are actively being translated into cell-based therapies for patient care.
NCRM is leading the way in Northeast Ohio in the following areas:
- Regenerative medicine and stem cell research
- Cellular manufacturing
- Clinical trials for cellular therapeutics
Global partnerships have been established with academic institutions and biotechnology companies to further expand research and discovery efforts.
NCRM Goals:
- Translational Research: To support stem cell and regenerative medicine research across various disciplines, institutions and commercial entities.
- Education and Training: To develop cutting-edge education programs for researchers, clinicians, trainees and the general public. For more information regarding the RGME graduate program please visit https://case.edu/medicine/ncrm/training-education.
- Strategic Partnership: To build networks across academic, clinical, commercial and public sectors.
- Commercialization: To translate innovative technologies and cell-therapies into business opportunities.
Case Western Reserve University offers three areas of study in Clinical Research/Clinical Translational Science:
-
Master's in Clinical Research
-
PhD in Clinical Translational Science
Each of the aforementioned programs was designed to fit an ever growing need for well-trained clinical investigators. The curriculum for each program was designed to make the student a more effective, ethical, and efficient researcher.
The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research
This 11 credit hour program provides the foundational training in clinical research methods to those individuals who are seeking an alternative to the Master of Science in Clinical Research. It is geared towards clinicians and other health-science professions who are interested in conducting clinical research and/or collaborating with other clinician-scientists who are conducting clinical research. This program is also beneficial to health-science students, basic-science researchers, and other health science professionals who would like to enhance their skills in patient-oriented research.
Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP)
The Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP) is designed for individuals committed to a career in clinical investigation in an academic or related field. CRSP offers a Master's Degree in Clinical Research through two pathways (Thesis Pathway or Capstone Pathway).
Training in both clinical research and career development provides CRSP Scholars with an educational experience that prepares them to identify a research question and critically evaluate relevant literature; transform the question into a feasible and valid study design; develop and execute the study protocol; and analyze and effectively communicate the findings.
The PhD in Clinical Translational Science Program
The goal of this program is to train and graduate clinical-translational scientists to meet the need for a transformed clinical and translational enterprise. Students in the program will be rigorously educated in the theory and practice of clinical translational science in order to make significant clinical discoveries and to move these discoveries across the translational continuum. The curriculum is based on a set of nationally-developed core competencies to guide the nationwide training of clinical and translational scientists and will provide students with the required knowledge, skills, and experience to become productive and innovative researchers in the field of Clinical Translational Science.
Faculty
The program resides in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences (PQHS) in the School of Medicine. The academic units involved include the School of Medicine, Nursing, Management, and Dentistry. The faculty is selected for their expertise and commitment to teaching and mentorship in clinical investigation. They are primarily drawn from the Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and PQHS from the School of Medicine.
For Questions and Information Please Contact:
Clinical Research Scholars Program
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Ave., W-G74A
Cleveland, OH 44106-4945
clinical-research@case.edu
216.368.2601
Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP)
The Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP) is designed for individuals committed to a career in clinical investigation in an academic or related field.
CRSP offers a Master's Degree in Clinical Research through two pathways:
- Curriculum was developed for those with an existing degree in medicine, dentistry, nursing, or an allied science such as pharmacy or biomedical engineering.
- This pathway is to prepare a new generation of clinical investigators for leadership roles in academia, government, and industry.
- Curriculum was created for individuals who may not be playing a principal investigator or clinical research study, but who:
- desire strong preparation in clinical research methods and associated statistical approaches
- envision themselves playing a critical role on the clinical research team as a research assistant, study coordinator, or data manager
- This pathway is to provide the student with fundamental knowledge and/or experience in important tasks related to the clinical research endeavor.
Training in both clinical research and career development provides CRSP Scholars with an educational experience that prepares them to identify a research question and critically evaluate relevant literature; transform the question into a feasible and valid study design; develop and execute the study protocol; and analyze and effectively communicate the findings.
The CRSP program consists of three parts:
- Formal didactic modular and semester-long coursework
- A seminar series that focuses on communication skills required for career development
- An intensive mentored experience centered on a specific clinical research problem (Thesis Pathway) or a Capstone project (Capstone Pathway)
It is expected that individuals so trained can master fully the challenges in clinical investigation of the next decade, particularly the new translational opportunities being developed. As such, they should be attractive candidates for positions in clinical science departments, research institutes, or industry.
CURRICULUM FOR THE THESIS PATHWAY MASTER'S DEGREE IN CLINICAL RESEARCH
30 credit hours are required (of which 15 are core coursework; 9 of thesis research; and 6 of elective coursework) for completion of this Master of Science in Clinical Research degree.
Core Courses and Thesis Requirement
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
| CRSP 412 | Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing | 1 |
| CRSP 413 | Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media | 1 |
| CRSP 603 | Research Ethics and Regulation 1 credit hour is required; students may take the 2 credit-hour option | 1 |
| CRSP 651 | Clinical Research Scholars Thesis | 9 |
| CRSP 431 | Statistical Methods I Or equivalent (e.g. NURS 630: Advanced Statistics – Linear Models) | 3 |
| CRSP 432 | Statistical Methods II Or equivalent (e.g. NURS 631: Advanced Statistics – Multivariate Analysis) | 3 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
CURRICULUM FOR THE CAPSTONE PATHWAY MASTER'S DEGREE IN CLINICAL RESEARCH
30 credit hours are required (of which 12 are core coursework; 3 Capstone; and 15 are elective coursework) for completion of this Master of Science in Clinical Research degree.
Core Courses and Capstone
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
| CRSP 413 | Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media | 1 |
| CRSP 603 | Research Ethics and Regulation 2 credit hours are required for the CRSP program | 2 |
| CRSP 650 | Capstone Experience | 3 |
| CRSP 431 | Statistical Methods I Or equivalent (e.g. NURS 630: Advanced Statistics – Linear Models) | 3 |
| Total Units | 15 | |
Each scholar is encouraged to develop his/her own area of concentration based on personal interests and needs. Typical areas of concentration include Clinical Research Trials, Health Services Research and Outcomes, and Multidisciplinary/Translational Clinical Research. Please consult with CRSP faculty and your Research Mentor on which electives will best suit your needs.
MS Clinical Research Thesis Pathway, Plan of Study
| First Year | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
| Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series (CRSP 401) | 3 | ||
| Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods (PQHS 490) | 3 | ||
| Research Ethics and Regulation (CRSP 603) | 2 | ||
| Statistical Methods I (CRSP 431) | 3 | ||
| Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media (CRSP 413) | 1 | ||
| Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing (CRSP 412) | 1 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Statistical Methods II (CRSP 432) | 3 | ||
| Year Total: | 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Second Year | Units | ||
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
| Clinical Research Scholars Thesis (CRSP 651) | 3 | ||
| Clinical Research Scholars Thesis (CRSP 651) | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Clinical Research Scholars Thesis (CRSP 651) | 3 | ||
| Year Total: | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 31 | ||
MS Clinical Research Capstone Pathway, Potential Plan of Study
| First Year | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
| Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series (CRSP 401) | 3 | ||
| Introduction to R Programming (CRSP 406) | 3 | ||
| Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods (PQHS 490) | 3 | ||
| Statistical Methods I (CRSP 431) | 3 | ||
| Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media (CRSP 413) | 1 | ||
| Research Ethics and Regulation (CRSP 603) | 2 | ||
| Electives | 3 | ||
| Electives | 9-12 | ||
| Year Total: | 6 | 12 | 9-12 |
| Second Year | Units | ||
| Fall | |||
| Capstone Experience (CRSP 650) | 3 | ||
| Elective | 2-6 | ||
| Year Total: | 5-9 | ||
| Total Units in Sequence: | 32-39 | ||
MD/MS Biomedical Investigation-Clinical Research Track
For information about Program Admission and MD requirements, please see MD Dual Degrees section. The Clinical Research track includes formal instruction in methods common to all fields of clinical investigation along with mentored research. In addition to medical school credits, students must complete the track-specific courses and electives listed below.
All students in this track must complete the CRSP Core Curriculum or equivalents:
| IBIS 434 | Integrated Biological Sciences in Medicine (**or IBIS 401 and 402) | 6 |
| CMED 401 | Intro to Clinical Research and Scientific Writing | 3 |
| or CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | |
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
| CMED 403 | Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology | 3 |
| CMED 404 | Clinical Research Seminars (*) | 1 |
| or CRSP 412 | Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing | |
| CMED 405 | Clinical Research Seminars (*) | 1 |
| or CRSP 413 | Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media | |
| CMED 450 | Clinical Trials | 3 |
| CMED 458 | Statistical Modeling with Applications in Clinical Research | 3 |
| CMED 500 | Scientific Integrity in Biomedical Research | 0-1 |
| or IBMS 500 | On Being a Professional Scientist: The Responsible Conduct of Research | |
| CMED 601 | Clinical Research Project | 18 |
| IBIS 600 | Exam in Biomedical Investigation | 0 |
Program Advisors: Dr. Chris Moravec (College students) and Dr. William Merrick (University students).
PhD in Clinical Translational Science
The goal of the PhD in Clinical Translational Science program is to train and graduate clinical-translational scientists to meet the need for a transformed clinical and translational enterprise. Students in the program will be rigorously educated in the theory and practice of clinical translational science in order to make significant clinical discoveries and to move these discoveries across the translational continuum.
The program's curriculum is based on a set of nationally-developed core competencies to guide the nationwide training of clinical and translational scientists and is purposefully designed to furnish our students with the required knowledge, skills and experience to become productive and innovative researchers in the field of clinical translational science.
Program graduates will be able to:
- Independently lead, design, execute, manage and interpret multidisciplinary clinical-translational research in a conceptually, methodologically, ethically and regulatory sound manner
- Assume leadership roles in both academic and industry settings
- Establish national reputations as leaders in a given area of expertise.
Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals with an advanced clinical degree (e.g., MD, DMD, DRNP)
- Individuals enrolled in dual clinical-research degree programs, such as CWRU’s MD-PhD and DMD-PhD programs
- Individuals with an existing Master’s degree in a health-related field (e.g., MS, MSN, MPH)
- Individuals with other scientific or clinical backgrounds to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Curriculum Requirements:
Curriculum requirements are based on student's previous education and training:
- Student with No Existing Advanced Research Degree -
- Students will complete a minimum of 54 credit hours
- 36 credit hours is coursework, of which a minimum of 24 must be graded.
- 19 credit hours will be required coursework
- 17 credit hours are elective coursework
- 18 credit hours of Dissertation
Students with an Advanced Research Degree (e.g. MS, MPH, MNS) -
Students with a relevant advanced degree must petition the PhD Steering Committee to obtain a waiver for required coursework. For the waiver, the student must submit transcripts showing the course and grade, as well as the syllabus for the course.
Per the School of Graduate Studies, curriculum for individual with relevant advanced degree:
- Minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework, of which 12 must be graded. The courses used to achieve the 18 credit hours will depend on individual needs and require the academic advisor’s (mentor’s) approval.
- 18 credit hour of Dissertation
Curricula of the two-degree programs are integrated.
Curriculum for Dual-Degree students:
- 39 credit hours of coursework, as follows:
- 16 credit hours of required courses (CRSP 401, “Introduction to Clinical Research”, is waived as course material is covered in medical school’s curriculum)
- 2 credit hours of core electives
- 6 credit hours of research rotations
- Up to 18 credit hours of CRSP 601, “Research Practicum”, or electives
The PhD in Clinical Translational Science Curriculum:
- REQUIRED COURSES:
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series Waived for MD/PhD students in the CTSTP program or by petition with sufficient background from previous coursework. | 3 |
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
| CRSP 412 | Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing | 1 |
| CRSP 413 | Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media | 1 |
| CRSP 431 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| CRSP 432 | Statistical Methods II | 3 |
| CRSP 440 | Translational & Patient-Oriented Research Theory | 3 |
| CRSP 450 | Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research | 0 |
| CRSP 501 | Team Science - Working in Interdisciplinary Research Teams | 1 |
| CRSP 550 | Meta-Analysis & Evidence Synthesis | 2 - 3 |
| CRSP 603 | Research Ethics and Regulation | 2 |
| Total Units | 22-23 | |
- CORE ELECTIVES:
Student must take a minimum of 2 credit hours of courses from the list below, depending on their specific needs and mentor approval.
| CRSP 500 | Design and Analysis of Observational Studies | 3 |
| CRSP 502 | Leadership Skills for Clinical Research Teams | 2 |
| SYBB 421 | Fundamentals of Clinical Information Systems | 3 |
| PQHS 416 | Computing in Biomedical Health Informatics | 3 |
| PQHS 450 | Clinical Trials and Intervention Studies | 3 |
| PQHS 467 | Comparative and Cost Effectiveness Research | 2 |
| Total Units | 9 | |
- ELECTIVES:
Students will take electives, which may include CRSP 601 Research Practicum, to satisfy the graded and pass/fail course requirements and to advance to candidacy. These courses are selected based on students' needs and mentor approval. Any CWRU credit-bearing course may qualify. The courses could be "field specific" or include other core elective courses not taken as part of the requirement above.
| CRSP 410 | Independent Study in Clinical Research | 1 - 3 |
| CRSP 503 | Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 1 |
| CRSP 510 | Health Disparities | 3 |
| NURS 518 | Qualitative Nursing Research | 3 |
| PQHS 411 | Introduction to Health Behavior | 3 |
| PQHS 416 | Computing in Biomedical Health Informatics | 3 |
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
| SASS 614 | Models of Qualitative Research | 3 |
| Total Units | 20-22 | |
- RESEARCH COMPONENT:
| CRSP 601 | Research Practicum Can count as elective credits | Variable |
| CRSP 701 | Dissertation Ph.D. | 18 |
| Total Units | 18 | |
=================================================
SAMPLE TRACK OF STUDY (STUDENT WITH NO EXISTING ADVANCED RESEARCH DEGREE):
| First Year | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
| Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series (CRSP 401) | 3 | ||
| Translational & Patient-Oriented Research Theory (CRSP 440) | 3 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Statistical Methods I (PQHS 431) | 3 | ||
| Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods (PQHS 490) | 3 | ||
| Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing (CRSP 412) | 1 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Meta-Analysis & Evidence Synthesis (CRSP 550) | 2 - 3 | ||
| Research Practicum (CRSP 601) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Statistical Methods II (PQHS 432) | 3 | ||
| Year Total: | 3 | 9 | 10-19 |
| Second Year | Units | ||
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
| Clinical Research Scholars Thesis (CRSP 651) | 3 | ||
| Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media (CRSP 413) | 1 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Team Science - Working in Interdisciplinary Research Teams (CRSP 501) | 1 | ||
| Research Practicum (CRSP 601) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Research Ethics and Regulation (CRSP 603) | 1 - 2 | ||
| Fundamentals of Clinical Information Systems (SYBB 421) | 3 | ||
| Research Practicum (CRSP 601) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Year Total: | 3 | 7-16 | 1-9 |
| Third Year | Units | ||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Dissertation Ph.D. (CRSP 701) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Dissertation Ph.D. (CRSP 701) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Year Total: | 1-9 | 1-9 | |
| Fourth Year | Units | ||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Dissertation Ph.D. (CRSP 701) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Dissertation Ph.D. (CRSP 701) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Year Total: | 1-9 | 1-9 | |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 37-95 | ||
=================================================
SAMPLE TRACK OF STUDY (STUDENT WITH ADVANCED RESEARCH DEGREE):
| First Year | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
| Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series (CRSP 401) | 3 | ||
| Translational & Patient-Oriented Research Theory (CRSP 440) | 3 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Research Practicum (CRSP 601) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Meta-Analysis & Evidence Synthesis (CRSP 550) | 2 - 3 | ||
| Research Practicum (CRSP 601) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Year Total: | 3 | 4-12 | 3-12 |
| Second Year | Units | ||
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
| Research Rotation in Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP 400) | 0 - 9 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Dissertation Ph.D. (CRSP 701) (EXAMINATION AND ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Dissertation Ph.D. (CRSP 701) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Year Total: | 1-9 | 1-9 | |
| Third Year | Units | ||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Dissertation Ph.D. (PQHS 701) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Dissertation Ph.D. (CRSP 701) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Year Total: | 1-9 | 1-9 | |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 14-72 | ||
=================================================
SAMPLE TRACK OF STUDY (STUDENT SEEKING DUAL DEGREE MD/PHD):
| First Year | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
| Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series (CRSP 401) | 3 | ||
| Integrated Biological Sciences I (IBIS 401) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Clinical Science II (IBIS 412) | 2 | ||
| Research Rotation in Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP 400) | 0 - 9 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Integrated Biological Sciences II (IBIS 402) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Clinical Science II (IBIS 412) | 2 | ||
| Research Rotation in Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP 400) | 0 - 9 | ||
| Year Total: | 3 | 3-20 | 6-23 |
| Second Year | Units | ||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| Integrated Biological Sciences III (IBIS 403) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Clinical Science III (IBIS 413) | 2 | ||
| Translational & Patient-Oriented Research Theory (CRSP 440) | 3 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Meta-Analysis & Evidence Synthesis (CRSP 550) | 2 - 3 | ||
| Research Practicum (CRSP 601) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Year Total: | 6-14 | 3-12 | |
| Third Year | Units | ||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Team Science - Working in Interdisciplinary Research Teams (CRSP 501) | 1 | ||
| Research Ethics and Regulation (CRSP 603) | 1 - 2 | ||
| Statistical Methods I (PQHS 431) | 3 | ||
| Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods (PQHS 490) | 3 | ||
| Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing (CRSP 412) | 1 | ||
| Seminar in Multidisciplinary Clinical & Translational Research (CRSP 450) | 0 | ||
| Research Practicum (CRSP 601) | 1 - 9 | ||
| Statistical Methods II (PQHS 432) | 3 | ||
| Year Total: | 8-9 | 5-13 | |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 34-94 | ||
Systems Biology and Bioinformatics MS and PhD Programs
BRB 9th Floor, School of Medicine
http://bioinformatics.case.edu/
Phone: 216.368.6971
David T. Lodowski, PhD, Co-Director
Mark Chance, PhD, Co-Director
Program email: sybb@case.edu
Do you want to convert big data into understandable models that just might change the world? With a graduate degree in systems biology and bioinformatics, you can combine your love of math, statistics, computers and biology to develop computational models with which to provide new insight and understanding of big data, leading to big discoveries in both laboratory and clinical settings.
Data science is the convergence of data engineering, math, statistics, advanced computing, the scientific method and subject-matter expertise. It involves the collection, management and transformation of "big data" into actionable information that can answer some of the world's most pressing problems. Yet there is a distinct need for data science experts who can efficiently interpret data into information that is useful for strategic decision-making. It is the goal of the Systems Biology and Bioinformatics program to produce the scientists that are needed to assist in extracting meaning from the burgeoning biological 'omics field.
The SYBB program offers a multidisciplinary training program personally customized to the student leading to an MS or PhD. The program draws training faculty (currently 38 trainers) from more than 12 departments and 6 schools across the CWRU campus, ensuring students in the program acquire the core competencies needed to succeed in the bioinformatics analysis of biological big data.
The Systems Biology and Bioinformatics PhD program at CWRU offers trainees the opportunity to combine both experimental and computational or mathematical disciplines to understand complex biological systems. The SYBB program will train scientists who are able to generate and analyze experimental data for biomedical research and to develop physical or computational models of the molecular components that drive the behavior of a biological system. The goal of the program is to produce scientists who are familiar with multiple disciplines and equipped to conduct interdisciplinary research.
The Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) graduate program in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (SYBB) has two tracks:
Translational Bioinformatics
The SYBB track in Translational Bioinformatics poises students to work at the interface of applied ‘omics research and clinical medicine. From integrating genomic and functional genomic data into electronic medical records, to developing meta-analysis tools for communicating genomic risk to patients to utilizing this data in personalized medicine. Students trained in the Translational Bioinformatics track work to integrate bioinformatics tools and technologies into clinical workflows. Graduates of this training track will find ample opportunities within industry and, as genomics enters the clinical arena, within hospitals, as well.
Molecular and Computational Biology
The SYBB track in Molecular and Computational Biology embraces the pursuit of basic science research, employing the application and development of computational approaches to address difficult questions derived from today’s “Big data” derived from ‘omics approaches. This track equips students in the acquisition of experimental data utilizing approaches including proteomics, metabolomics, genomics and structural biology and extends this work with interpretation provided by computational analysis. Graduates of this training track will find ample opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organizations as well as more traditional academic career paths.
Students can choose either track for both the MS and PhD programs.
The SYBB participating departments and centers include:
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
- Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics
- Center for Systems Immunology
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Mathematics
- Nutrition
- Physiology and Biophysics
- Pharmacology
Program Competencies
The specific academic requirements of the SYBB Program are intended to provide students with a required core curriculum in Systems Biology and a set of electives designed both to assure minimum competencies in Fundamental Core Competencies and equip them for their particular thesis research discipline. Each trainee will be guided in their customized course of study by a mentoring committee to ensure the completion of training in the program competencies as well as maintenance of a focus on molecular systems theory. These competencies include:
- Evaluation of the scientific discovery process and of the role of bioinformatics in it in detail, including data generation steps and understanding biology
- Application of computational and statistical methods appropriate to solve a given scientific problem
- Construction of software systems of varying complexity based on design and development principles
- Effective teamwork to accomplish a common scientific goal
- Building knowledge in local and global impact of bioinformatics and systems biology on individuals, organizations, and society
- Effective communication of bioinformatics and systems biology problems to a range of audiences, including, but not limited to, other bioinformatics professionals.
Systems Biology and Bioinformatics MS
Masters Degree Plan A Summary
The minimum requirements for the master’s degree under Plan A are 21 semester hours of course work plus a thesis equivalent to at least 9 semester hours of registration for 30 hours total. These must include SYBB 501 Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club, and a minimum of 9 hours of SYBB 651 Thesis MS. Additional required courses for the Translational Bioinformatics and Molecular and Computational Biology tracks are SYBB 459 Bioinformatics for Systems Biology and SYBB 555 Current Proteomics. The curriculum plan must be approved by the program steering committee and include appropriate coverage of the core competencies in genes and proteins, bioinformatics, and quantitative modeling and analysis. At least 18 semester hours of course work, in addition to thesis hours, must be at the 400-level or higher.
Each student must prepare an individual thesis that must conform to regulations concerning format, quality, and time of submission as established by the dean of graduate studies as well as conforming to the SYBB program guidelines. For completion of master’s degrees under Plan A, an oral examination (defense) of the master’s thesis is required, where the examination is conducted by a committee of at least three members of the university faculty.
Masters Degree Plan B Summary
The minimum requirements for the master’s degree under Plan B are 30 semester hours of course work (with at least 18 semester hours of course work at the 400 level or higher) and a written comprehensive examination or major project with report to be administered and evaluated by the program steering committee. The coursework must include SYBB 501 Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club. Additional required courses for the Translational Bioinformatics and Molecular and Computational Biology tracks are SYBB 459 Bioinformatics for Systems Biology and SYBB 555 Current Proteomics. The curriculum plan must be approved by the program steering committee and include appropriate coverage of the core competencies in genes and proteins, bioinformatics, and quantitative modeling and analysis.
Required Core Courses
| SYBB 459 | Bioinformatics for Systems Biology | 3 |
| SYBB 555 | Current Proteomics and Bioinformatics | 3 |
| SYBB 501 | Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club | 0 |
| SYBB 601 | Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Research | up to 9 |
| SYBB 651 | Thesis M.S. (For MS Students only) *9 credits for Plan A, 0 credits for Plan B | * |
| SYBB 701 | Dissertation Ph.D. (For PhD students only) | 18 |
Elective Courses
Genes and Proteins Courses
| PHOL/CHEM/PHRM/BIOC/NEUR 475 | Protein Biophysics | 3 |
| PHOL 456 | Conversations on Protein Structure and Function | 2 |
| PHOL 480 | Physiology of Organ Systems | 4 |
| IBMS 453 | Cell Biology I | 3 |
| IBMS 455 | Molecular Biology I | 3 |
| BIOC 452 | Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism | 3 |
| BIOC 412 | Proteins and Enzymes | 3 |
| BIOC 420 | Current Topics in Cancer | 3 |
| BIOC 454 | Biochemistry and Biology of RNA | 3 |
| SYBB 528 | Contemporary Approaches to Drug Discovery | 3 |
| BETH 412 | Ethical Issues in Genetics/Genomics | 3 |
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Courses
| BIOL/ECSE 419 | Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes for Biology | 3 |
| PQHS 451 | A Data-Driven Introduction to Genomics and Human Health | 3 |
| CSDS 458 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| NEUR 478/BIOL 378/COGS/MATH 378/BIOL 478/EBME 478 | Computational Neuroscience | 3 |
| SYBB 411A | Survey of Bioinformatics: Technologies in Bioinformatics | 1 |
| SYBB 411B | Survey of Bioinformatics: Data Integration in Bioinformatics | 1 |
| SYBB 411C | Survey of Bioinformatics: Translational Bioinformatics | 1 |
| SYBB 412 | Survey of Bioinformatics: Programming for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| SYBB 459 | Bioinformatics for Systems Biology | 3 |
| SYBB 472 | BioDesign | 3 |
Quantitative Analysis and Modeling
| MPHP 405 | Statistical Methods in Public Health | 3 |
| PQHS 431 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| PQHS 432 | Statistical Methods II | 3 |
| CSDS 435 | Data Mining | 3 |
| PQHS 515 | Secondary Analysis of Large Health Care Data Bases | 3 |
| PQHS 480 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| CSDS 440 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| MATH 441 | Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
| EBME 300/MATH 449 | Dynamics of Biological Systems: A Quantitative Introduction to Biology | 3 |
| MIDS 301 | Introduction to Information: A Systems and Design Approach | 3 |
| PQHS 457 | Current Issues in Genetic Epidemiology: Design and Analysis of Sequencing Studies | 3 |
| PQHS 451 | A Data-Driven Introduction to Genomics and Human Health | 3 |
| PQHS 452 | Statistical Methods for Genetic Epidemiology | 3 |
| PQHS 453 | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 |
| PQHS 459 | Longitudinal Data Analysis | 3 |
Sample Plan of Study for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics MS
Molecular and Computational Biology Track
Plan of Study includes required courses as well as electives.
| First Year | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | |
| Survey of Bioinformatics: Technologies in Bioinformatics (SYBB 411A) | 1 | |
| Survey of Bioinformatics: Data Integration in Bioinformatics (SYBB 411B) | 1 | |
| Survey of Bioinformatics: Translational Bioinformatics (SYBB 411C) | 1 | |
| Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club (SYBB 501) | 0 | |
| Statistical Methods I (PQHS 431) | 3 | |
| Topical Elective from Elective Course List | 3 | |
| Survey of Bioinformatics: Programming for Bioinformatics (SYBB 412) | 3 | |
| Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club (SYBB 501) | 0 | |
| Current Proteomics and Bioinformatics (SYBB 555) | 3 | |
| Additional 3 Credit Course TBD | 3 | |
| Year Total: | 9 | 9 |
| Second Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| Machine Learning (CSDS 440) | 3 | |
| Protein Biophysics (BIOC 475) | 3 | |
| Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club (SYBB 501) | 0 | |
| Thesis M.S. (SYBB 651) | 3 | |
| Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club (SYBB 501) | 0 | |
| Thesis M.S. (SYBB 651) | 3 or 6 | |
| Year Total: | 9 | 3-6 |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 30-33 | |
Part-time SYBB MS program
The program in systems biology and bioinformatics offers a flexible curriculum with a minimal number of required classes (SYBB 501 Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club), SYBB 459 Bioinformatics for Systems Biology, SYBB 555 Current Proteomics and Bioinformatics are the only required classes); the majority of classes taken toward the MS are tailored to the student's research interests and thesis project. This flexibility enables students that are interested in pursuing the MS on a part-time basis to maximize employee tuition benefits. A CWRU employee (or spouse) has a total of 15 credit hours/year (6 per semester and 3 per summer session) with which to pursue a degree. Taking only this number will net a part-time student an MS in 5 semesters and 2 summer sessions; not taking a class during the summer sessions will result in taking 6 semesters to get the MS; and if a student were to take a single class a semester, it would take 11 semesters to reach the requisite number of classes needed for the MS.
Systems Biology and Bioinformatics PhD
The Systems Biology and Bioinformatics program differs from current CWRU programs in the comprehensive requirement for an understanding of biological systems, bioinformatics, and quantitative analysis & modeling. The program includes a minimal set of required courses including (SYBB 501 Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club) and a course in the Responsible Conduct of research (IBMS 500 On Being a Professional Scientist: The Responsible Conduct of Research). Additional required courses for the Translational Bioinformatics and Molecular and Computational Biology tracks are SYBB 459 Bioinformatics for Systems Biology and SYBB 555 Current Proteomics. At least six additional courses will be required based upon individualized student interests. Other requirements include a qualifier exam, a PhD Dissertation, and oral defense. The total credits required for the PhD is at least 54 credits: 24 graded credits, 12 pre-dissertation research credits, and at least 18 dissertation research credits. Admissions to this program may be obtained through the integrated Biomedical Sciences Training Program, by direct admission to the department in rare cases or via the Medical Scientist Training Program.
Required Core Courses
| SYBB 459 | Bioinformatics for Systems Biology | 3 |
| SYBB 555 | Current Proteomics and Bioinformatics | 3 |
| SYBB 501 | Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club | 0 |
| SYBB 601 | Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Research | up to 9 |
| SYBB 651 | Thesis M.S. (For MS Students only) *9 credits for Plan A, 0 credits for Plan B | * |
| SYBB 701 | Dissertation Ph.D. (For PhD students only) | 18 |
Elective Courses
Genes and Proteins Courses
| PHOL/CHEM/PHRM/BIOC/NEUR 475 | Protein Biophysics | 3 |
| PHOL 456 | Conversations on Protein Structure and Function | 2 |
| PHOL 480 | Physiology of Organ Systems | 4 |
| IBMS 453 | Cell Biology I | 3 |
| IBMS 455 | Molecular Biology I | 3 |
| BIOC 452 | Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism | 3 |
| BIOC 412 | Proteins and Enzymes | 3 |
| BIOC 420 | Current Topics in Cancer | 3 |
| BIOC 454 | Biochemistry and Biology of RNA | 3 |
| SYBB 528 | Contemporary Approaches to Drug Discovery | 3 |
| BETH 412 | Ethical Issues in Genetics/Genomics | 3 |
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Courses
| BIOL/ECSE 419 | Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes for Biology | 3 |
| PQHS 451 | A Data-Driven Introduction to Genomics and Human Health | 3 |
| CSDS 458 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| NEUR 478/BIOL 378/COGS/MATH 378/BIOL 478/EBME 478 | Computational Neuroscience | 3 |
| SYBB 411A | Survey of Bioinformatics: Technologies in Bioinformatics | 1 |
| SYBB 411B | Survey of Bioinformatics: Data Integration in Bioinformatics | 1 |
| SYBB 411C | Survey of Bioinformatics: Translational Bioinformatics | 1 |
| SYBB 412 | Survey of Bioinformatics: Programming for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| SYBB 459 | Bioinformatics for Systems Biology | 3 |
| SYBB 472 | BioDesign | 3 |
Quantitative Analysis and Modeling
| MPHP 405 | Statistical Methods in Public Health | 3 |
| PQHS 431 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| PQHS 432 | Statistical Methods II | 3 |
| CSDS 435 | Data Mining | 3 |
| PQHS 515 | Secondary Analysis of Large Health Care Data Bases | 3 |
| PQHS 480 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| CSDS 440 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| MATH 441 | Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
| EBME 300/MATH 449 | Dynamics of Biological Systems: A Quantitative Introduction to Biology | 3 |
| MIDS 301 | Introduction to Information: A Systems and Design Approach | 3 |
| PQHS 457 | Current Issues in Genetic Epidemiology: Design and Analysis of Sequencing Studies | 3 |
| PQHS 451 | A Data-Driven Introduction to Genomics and Human Health | 3 |
| PQHS 452 | Statistical Methods for Genetic Epidemiology | 3 |
| PQHS 453 | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 |
| PQHS 459 | Longitudinal Data Analysis | 3 |
Sample Plan of Study for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics PhD
Translational Bioinformatics Track
| First Year | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | |
| Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club (SYBB 501) | 0 | |
| Survey of Bioinformatics: Technologies in Bioinformatics (SYBB 411A) | 1 | |
| Survey of Bioinformatics: Data Integration in Bioinformatics (SYBB 411B) | 1 | |
| Survey of Bioinformatics: Translational Bioinformatics (SYBB 411C) | 1 | |
| Cell Biology I (IBMS 453) | 3 | |
| Molecular Biology I (IBMS 455) | 3 | |
| Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Research (SYBB 601) | 1-9 | |
| Survey of Bioinformatics: Programming for Bioinformatics (SYBB 412) | 3 | |
| Current Proteomics and Bioinformatics (SYBB 555) | 3 | |
| Bioinformatics for Systems Biology (SYBB 459) | 3 | |
| Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Research (SYBB 601/651) | 1-9 | |
| Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club (SYBB 501) | 0 | |
| On Being a Professional Scientist: The Responsible Conduct of Research (IBMS 500) | 1 | |
| Year Total: | 10-18 | 11-19 |
| Second Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| Contemporary Approaches to Drug Discovery (SYBB 528) | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Clinical Information Systems (SYBB 421) | 3 | |
| Statistical Methods I (PQHS 431) | 3 | |
| Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club (SYBB 501) | 0 | |
| BioDesign (SYBB 472) | 3 | |
| Biomedical Informatics and Systems Biology Journal Club (SYBB 501) | 0 | |
| Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Research (SYBB 601) | 3 | |
| Statistical Methods II (PQHS 432) | 3 | |
| Year Total: | 9 | 9 |
| Third Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| Dissertation Ph.D. (SYBB 701) | 1-9 | |
| Dissertation Ph.D. (SYBB 701) | 1-9 | |
| Year Total: | 1-9 | 1-9 |
| Fourth Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| Dissertation Ph.D. (SYBB 701) | 1-9 | |
| Dissertation Ph.D. (SYBB 701) | 1-9 | |
| Year Total: | 1-9 | 1-9 |
| Fifth Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| Dissertation Ph.D. (SYBB 701) | 1-9 | |
| Dissertation Ph.D. (SYBB 701) | 1-9 | |
| Responsible Conduct of Research for Advanced Trainees (IBMS 501) | 0 | |
| Year Total: | 1-9 | 1-9 |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 45-109 | |
Footnotes
| * | MSTP would take MSTP 400 for research rotations |
| * | IBMS 501 Responsible Conduct of Research for Advanced Trainees is offered every spring semester (beginning 2020). The SOM requires that PhD students who are 4 years beyond their initial RCR training in IBMS 500 On Being a Professional Scientist: The Responsible Conduct of Research, register for IBMS 501. |
| § | Please also see Graduate Studies Academic Requirements for Doctoral Degrees |
Plan of study includes required courses as well as electives. Visit http://bioinformatics.case.edu/ for information regarding Plan of Study for all SYBB Tracks.
Master's of Science in Regenerative Medicine & Entrepreneurship (RGME)
Stanton L. Gerson, MD
Professor, Medicine-Hematology/Oncology
Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Director, National Center for Regenerative Medicine
Associate Professor, Pediatrics
slg5@case.edu
Tracey Bonfield, PhD
Associate Professor, Pediatrics
tracey.bonfield@case.edu
Horst von Recum, PhD
Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
horst.vonrecum@case.edu
https://case.edu/medicine/ncrm/training-education/masters-program-rgme
The RGME is the first two-year master's level program in Ohio focused on Regenerative Medicine and Entrepreneurship. Students enrolled in the RGME program will have access to cutting-edge clinical and research facilities along with small biotechnology companies within the network of the National Center for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM).
This unique, interdisciplinary program will provide a rigorous educational pathway targeting individuals seeking the advanced skills and training required to excel in the unique workforce necessary to support the exponential growth and application of the field of regenerative medicine. The Master’s program in RGME will train individuals to work in academic, commercial, and clinical settings to support cellular manufacturing, biotechnology innovation, legal and compliance, financial analyst and venture capital, and business development activities taking advantage of our strengths across the disciplines of regenerative medicine as a whole.
Curriculum
Our full-time students complete the 30-credit hour master's degree in two years while learning from internationally renowned faculty across the University. The core courses provide the foundational elements including stem-cell biology, biomaterial engineering, medical product development, federal regulations, bioethics, and how to take a discovery to market. In addition, students select an independent study in either hands-on laboratory research or an industry internship. Various science and business development electives, paired with seminars and career development opportunities, round out your tailored experience. In lieu of a thesis, students create public presentations and written scientific projects throughout the program.
Required Core Courses
| RGME 535 | Foundations in Regenerative Medicine | 3 |
| RGME 545 | Stem Product Biology, Bench to Bedside Development and Therapeutic Translation | 3 |
| BIOL 491 | Contemporary Biology and Biotechnology for Innovation I | 3 |
| BIOL 492 | Contemporary Biology and Biotechnology for Innovation II | 3 |
| GENE 467 | Commercialization and Intellectual Property Management | 3 |
3 Required Independent Study Credits (Students must complete one of two)
| RGME 560 | Regenerative Medicine Independent Study, Research Project | 3 |
| RGME 565 | Regenerative Medicine Independent Study, Internship | 3 |
Electives
Science Program Electives (Students must complete 6 credit hours)
| CLBY 435 | Seminar in Molecular Biology/Microbiology | 1 |
| CLBY 450 | Cells and Pathogens | 3 |
| CLBY 525 | Neurodegenerative Diseases of the Brain and the Eye: Molecular Basis of the Brain-Eye Connection | 3 |
| CRSP 412 | Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing | 1 |
| EBME 406 | Polymers in Medicine | 3 |
| EBME 451 | Molecular and Cellular Physiology | 3 |
| PATH 416 | Fundamental Immunology | 4 |
| PHRM 409 | Principles of Pharmacology | 3 |
| PHRM 511 | Pharmacology Seminar Series | 0 - 1 |
| PHRM 520 | The Cellular and Molecular Hallmarks of Cancer | 3 |
| PHRM 525 | Topics in Cell and Molecular Pharmacology | 0 - 18 |
Business Development Program Electives (Students must complete 6 credit hours)
| IIME 450A | Technology Entrepreneurship: Market Opportunity Analysis | 3 |
| LAWS 4302 | Patent Law | 2 - 3 |
| LAWS 4312 | Patent Preparation and Prosecution 2 | 2 |
| LAWS 5341 | Commercialization and Intellectual Property Management | 3 |
| LAWS 5366 | Venture Finance & Transactions | 2 |
| * | Please visit website for a full list of the Business Development Program Electives. |
Total Credit Hours Required for Degree: 30
Recommended Program of Study
| First Year | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | |
| Foundations in Regenerative Medicine (RGME 535) | 3 | |
| Contemporary Biology and Biotechnology for Innovation I (BIOL 491) | 3 | |
| Science or Business Development Elective(s) | 1-6 | |
| Seminars | ||
| Stem Product Biology, Bench to Bedside Development and Therapeutic Translation (RGME 545) | 3 | |
| Contemporary Biology and Biotechnology for Innovation II (BIOL 492) | 3 | |
| Science or Business Development Elective(s) | 1-6 | |
| Year Total: | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Second Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| Regenerative Medicine Independent Study, Research Project (RGME 560) or Regenerative Medicine Independent Study, Internship (RGME 565) | 3 | |
| Commercialization and Intellectual Property Management (GENE 467) | 3 | |
| Science or Business Development Elective(s) | 1-6 | |
| Seminars | ||
| Science or Business Development Elective(s) | 1-6 | |
| Year Total: | 7-12 | 1-6 |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 22-42 | |
Questions? Contact Melanie Prestage (mxp449@case.edu) for more information.
- School of Medicine Certificates
- Certificate in Cancer Biology
- Certificate in Experimental Biotechnology
- Certificate in Global Health
- Requirements for Certificate in Global Health
- Certificate in Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Required Courses
- Electives
- Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research
- Health Informatics Certificate
- Post-baccalaureate Readiness Instruction for BioMedical Education (PRIME) Certificate Program
School of Medicine Certificates
Certificate programs in the School of Medicine offer an alternative way to take a deeper dive into a targeted subject area allowing you to advance your career, enhance your credentials, or prepare for graduate or professional school. These programs allow students to strengthen their academic transcripts and gain the foundational knowledge needed for future success!
Certificate in Cancer Biology
216.368.1994
Stanton Gerson, MD, Director
Damian J. Junk, PhD, Assistant Director Cancer Training and Education, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
http://www.case.edu/cancer/
The Clinical Oncology Research Career Development Program (CORP) provides interdisciplinary training in clinical and translational oncology research for clinical oncology junior faculty physicians who are interested in pursuing academic research careers as physician-scientists. This training addresses the need for clinician investigators to translate fundamental cancer research discoveries into medical care of cancer patients. Eligible candidates are physicians (MD, DO or MD/PhD) with a clinical training background in one of a number of oncology disciplines, including medical, surgical, pediatric, dermatological, gynecological and radiation oncology. Scholars select one of three areas of concentration:
-
Mechanism Based Therapeutics and Clinical Trials
-
Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoietic Malignancy Clinical Trials
-
Prevention, Aging and Cancer Genetics and Clinical Trials
The Scholars' individual training plan consists of a 2-year certificate program which includes a didactic curriculum designed to provide basic background and highly individualized advanced training in both clinical and methodological components of clinical and translational cancer research.
Each Scholar is co-mentored by both a basic or behavioral scientist and a clinical investigator. A mentoring committee comprised of faculty in the Scholar's focus of oncology research provides additional guidance and support. During the period of mentored laboratory training, the Scholars develop original hypothesis-based experiments related to disease mechanisms at a molecular or cellular level. As the Scholars build on their laboratory conclusions to create and implement clinical trials, they are mentored by clinical investigators. Clinical trials are aimed at developing new methods for diagnosis and testing promising ideas for novel therapeutic interventions. These components come together with the Scholar's presentations at a national conference, publications in peer review journals and application for independent funding as a physician-scientist.
This two-year certificate program is administered through the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. The overall goal of the K12 CORP certificate program is to foster interdisciplinary training in clinical and translational oncology therapeutic research for physicians. Upon completion of this 15-19 hour two-year training, scholars will earn the K12 CORP Certificate.
The formal didactic program includes a course in responsible conduct IBMS 500 On Being a Professional Scientist: The Responsible Conduct of Research (0) or CRSP 603 Research Ethics and Regulation (2 hr); CNCR 501 Translational Cancer Research A (Translational Cancer Research Course (1 hr/semester); and one elective (1-3). Additional required activities include Clinical Protocol Tutorials, Intensive Mentored Research Project, Ongoing seminars, Meetings and Presentations; and applications for independent funding.
Formal Didactic Curriculum Coursework *:
| IBMS 500 | On Being a Professional Scientist: The Responsible Conduct of Research | 1-2 |
| or CRSP 603 | Research Ethics and Regulation | |
| CNCR 501 | Translational Cancer Research A (All four modules required, one each semester of the program (501-1, 501-2, 501-3, 501-4)) | 1 |
*Additionally, choose one course from following core courses for credit towards certificate:
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
| CRSP 402 | Study Design and Epidemiologic Methods | 3 |
| CRSP 406 | Introduction to R Programming | 3 |
| CRSP 413 | Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media | 1 |
| CRSP 412 | Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing | 1 |
| CRSP 500 | Design and Analysis of Observational Studies | 3 |
| CRSP 501 | Team Science - Working in Interdisciplinary Research Teams | 1 |
Certificate in Experimental Biotechnology
Dr. Martin Snider, PhD, Director
216.368.1232
biochem_grad_programs@case.edu
The Certificate Program in Experimental Biotechnology program prepares students for employment opportunities in biotechnology as researchers in academia or the biotechnology industry. It provides hands-on experience and marketable skills in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology. The program can be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. Part-time study is ideal for those who wish to pursue the certificate while they are working.
The certificate is offered by the Biochemistry Department. For more information please visit the Certificate in Experimental Biotechnology page on the department's website.
The program has the following components:
- Classroom courses provide a strong academic foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology (BIOC 407 and 408, 8 hours).
- Classroom courses about experimental design and the practice of biotechnology (BIOC 501 and 511, 4 credit hours), covering experimental design, documentation of experiments, and professional skills
- Laboratory courses (BIOC 500, 502A, 502B, and 502C, 6 credit hours) provide experience at the bench in recombinant protein production, mammalian cell culture, molecular and cell biology, protein detection, immunocytochemistry, and mass spectrometry. During these courses, students receive expert mentoring to help them become expert in these areas.
Sample schedule for full-time students
| First Year | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | |
| Introduction to Biochemistry: From Molecules To Medical Science (BIOC 407) | 4 | |
| Biotechnology Laboratory: Molecular Biology Basics (BIOC 500)** | 1 | |
| Biochemical and Cellular Techniques for Biotechnology (BIOC 501) | 3 | |
| Practice and Professionalism in Biotechnology (BIOC 511) | 1 | |
| Molecular Biology (BIOC 408)* | 4 | |
| Biotechnology Laboratory: Molecular Biology and Biochemical Techniques (BIOC 502A) | 2 | |
| Biotechnology Laboratory: Eukaryotic Molecular and Cellular Biology (BIOC 502B) | 2 | |
| Biotechnology Laboratory: Mass Spectrometry Techniques (BIOC 502C) | 1 | |
| Year Total: | 9 | 9 |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 18 | |
*Students who have taken equivalent courses at other institutions can substitute other Biochemistry courses (BIOC 412, BIOC 434, BIOC 450) or suitable electives offered by other programs.
** Students may be excused from BIOC 500 if they have taken an equivalent course elsewhere or have learned the material covered in this course through hands-on experience.
Sample schedule for part-time students
| First Year | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | |
| Biotechnology Laboratory: Molecular Biology Basics (BIOC 500)** | 1 | |
| Biochemical and Cellular Techniques for Biotechnology (BIOC 501) | 3 | |
| Practice and Professionalism in Biotechnology (BIOC 511) | 1 | |
| Biotechnology Laboratory: Molecular Biology and Biochemical Techniques (BIOC 502A) | 2 | |
| Biotechnology Laboratory: Mass Spectrometry Techniques (BIOC 502C) | 1 | |
| Year Total: | 5 | 3 |
| Second Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| Introduction to Biochemistry: From Molecules To Medical Science (BIOC 407)* | 4 | |
| Biotechnology Laboratory: Eukaryotic Molecular and Cellular Biology (BIOC 502B) | 2 | |
| Molecular Biology (BIOC 408)* | 4 | |
| Year Total: | 4 | 6 |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 18 | |
*Students who have taken equivalent courses at other institutions can substitute other Biochemistry courses (BIOC 412, BIOC 434, BIOC 450)or suitable electives offered by other programs.
** Students may be excused from BIOC 500 if they have taken an equivalent course elsewhere or have learned the material covered in this course through hands-on experience.
Certificate in Global Health
Daniel Tisch, PhD, Director
216.368.0875
The Certificate in Global Health is awarded in recognition of a student’s interest and preparation for continued involvement and a potential career in global health. The certificate will highlight the student’s global health focus and ability to work across disciplines. The requirements for the certificate differ by discipline, but emphasize discipline-specific and interdisciplinary coursework and/or projects that reinforce skills and promote a broad understanding of global health issues. A certificate entails the completion of the course INTH 301/401: Fundamentals of Global Health, a minimum of 2-3 additional courses that relate directly to international or health issues, a project related to global health and successful completion of a major or discipline. Students may also substitute coursework for a project with permission of faculty.
The certificate is the centerpiece of the Framework for Global Health Curricula. This is a group of professors across the Case Western Reserve University campus whose objective is to promote education in global health issues. Nearly every department at CWRU offers multiple educational activities in global health.
Rather than attempt to own all of these activities, the group at CWRU (representing the departments of Anthropology, Bioethics, Biology, Biostatics/Epidemiology, Mathematics, Medicine, Nursing, and Engineering) elected to develop a structure within which each department could develop independently while taking advantage of what the others had to offer. The organizing structure for this became the certificate program rather than a separate degree. This approach enables students to graduate within a recognized discipline and to recognize a student’s focus, time and effort in training. Each student in the certificate program will be grounded in global health by a core course (INTH 301/401) that will allow them to understand concepts and vocabulary across disciplines and that will facilitate meaningful communication with others based in a different discipline. In addition to the certificate, the Framework for Global Health Curricula has identified and is annotating all global health-related courses at CWRU. It has supported the recent revival of Medical Spanish and new courses and electives in global health.
Requirements for Certificate in Global Health:
Anthropology
Undergraduate:
| INTH 301 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| ANTH 215 | Health, Culture, and Disease: An Introduction to Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 359 | Introduction to Global Health | 3 |
| And one elective selected from list of approved electives in the Anthropology Department | ||
Contact: Janet McGrath, 216.368.2287
Graduate:
| INTH 401 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| ANTH 459 | Introduction to Global Health | 3 |
| ANTH 511 | Seminar in Anthropology and Global Health: Topics | 3 |
| And one elective selected from list of approved electives in the Anthropology Department | ||
Contact: Janet McGrath, 216.368.2287
Bioethics
| INTH 401 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| And complete two elective selected from list of approved electives in the Bioethics Department | ||
Contact: Patricia Marshall, 216.368-6196
Population and Quantitative Health Sciences
| INTH 401 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| PQHS 484 | Global Health Epidemiology | 1 - 3 |
| Complete one elective selected from list of approved electives in the PQHS Department | ||
| And complete an epidemiology research project with global perspective (may be substituted with other coursework) | ||
Contact: Daniel Tisch, 216.368.0875
Math/Applied Math specialization:
| INTH 301 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| or INTH 401 | Fundamentals of Global Health | |
| PQHS 431 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| or PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | |
| MATH 449 | Dynamical Models for Biology and Medicine | 3 |
| Complete a heal related modeling project with global perspective (may be substituted with other course work). | ||
Contact: David Gurarie, 216.368.2857
Medicine
| INTH 401 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| Complete two elective courses selected from list of approved electives in the Medicine Department | ||
| Complete a global health related project (may be student's thesis or may be substituted with other course work) | ||
Contact: Peter Zimmerman, 216.368.0508
Nursing
Undergraduate:
| INTH 301 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| NURS 372 | Health in the Global Community | 3 |
| NURS 394 | Global Health Seminar | 3 |
| Complete a global health related project (may be substituted with other course work) | ||
Graduate:
| INTH 401 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| PQHS 484 | Global Health Epidemiology | 1 - 3 |
| NURS 394 | Global Health Seminar | 3 |
| Complete a global health related project (may be substituted with course work) | ||
Contact: Mary Quinn Griffin, 216.368.1920
Biology
| INTH 301 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| or INTH 401 | Fundamentals of Global Health | |
| Additional Biology electives from approved list | ||
Contact: Christopher Cullis, 216.368.5362
Engineering
| INTH 301 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| or INTH 401 | Fundamentals of Global Health | |
| Approved electives Engineering related courses | ||
Contact: N. Sree Sreenath, 216.368.6219
Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
| INTH 401 | Fundamentals of Global Health | 3 |
| Additional SASS elective from approved list | ||
Contact: Sharon Milligan, 216.368.2335
Certificate in Maternal and Child Nutrition
216.368.2440
This transcriptable certificate requires 15 credits of coursework, which can be counted toward an MS degree in nutrition, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. No transfer courses or work experience may be accepted in lieu of credit courses.
Graduates of this program track are employed as:
- WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator;
- Public Health Analyst for Health Resources and Services Administration;
- Community Outreach Dietitian; and
- Nutrition Education Consultant with the Dairy and Nutrition Council.
Students may complete either the Certificate in Maternal and Child Nutrition or the Certificate in Nutrition for Health Care Professionals but not both.
Required Courses:
| NTRN 435 | Nutrition during Pregnancy and Lactation | 3 |
| NTRN 436 | Pediatric Nutrition | 3 |
Electives
Three courses chosen from the following:
| NTRN 401 | Nutrition for Community and Health Care Professionals * | 2 - 3 |
| or NTRN 433 | Advanced Human Nutrition I | |
| NTRN 441 | Human Lactation | 3 |
| NTRN 446 | Advanced Maternal Nutrition: Special Topics | 3 |
| NTRN 456 | Pediatric Obesity | 3 |
| NTRN 532C | Specialized Public Health Nutrition Field Experience | 1 - 3 |
| NTRN 533 | Nutritional Care of Neonate | 3 |
| NTRN 602 | Special Project in Nutrition | 1 - 3 |
*Students may apply either NTRN 401 or NTRN 433 to fulfill the certificate requirements, but not both.
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research
James Spilsbury, PhD, Director
http://case.edu/medicine/crsp/programs/certificate-program/
Center for Clinical Investigation
Contact Education Administrator
216.368.2601
The Clinical Research Certificate program is a four course, 11 credit hour program. Students who successfully complete the required coursework will receive a Certificate in Clinical Research. Coursework includes Introduction to Clinical and Translational Research; Study Design and Epidemiologic Methods; Advanced Statistics: Linear Models; and a course on Research Ethics and Regulation.
Admissions will be administered by the Clinical Research Scholars program in the Populations and Quantitative Health Science Department. Individuals who want to participate in the program will complete an online application form that includes a brief personal statement describing the reason(s) for seeking clinical research training and a recent CV or resume. Per CWRU School of Graduate Studies requirements, individuals who are not already graduate-degree-seeking students at CWRU must submit to the School of Graduate Studies a completed non-degree application form. Individuals who are not faculty, staff, or employees of CWRU must also submit a transcript or copy of their diploma, documenting completion of a baccalaureate degree. Once accepted into the Certificate program, participants will register for the courses through the Student Information System. The program will have rolling admissions, and students will be able to start taking courses in the summer or fall semester. The coursework for the Certificate will be listed on the official CWRU transcript. However, the Certificate in Clinical Research will be issued by the Clinical Research Scholars Program, not the University, and will not appear on the official CWRU transcript.
Performance Standards: A grade of B or higher in each graded course will be required for successful completion of the Certificate program. It is the responsibility of the student to complete and submit a Program Progress Checklist after completion of each course.
Required Courses:
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
| CRSP 603 | Research Ethics and Regulation | 2 |
| NURS 630 | Advanced Statistics: Linear Models | 3 |
| or CRSP 431 | Statistical Methods I | |
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
Additional Requirement: All students are required to be certified (Continuing Research Education Credit, or CREC) in human subjects research before they can complete the program.
Exit Standards: Students who complete all required coursework and CREC certification will submit a checklist to the Clinical Research Scholars Program notifying the Education Administrator/Manager that all coursework has been completed. This administrator will verify with the registrar’s office that all requirements have been met and will then issue a certificate to the enrollee, documenting completion of the program.
Health Informatics Certificate
Questions and Information:
Nickalaus Koziura, EdM
Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Avenue, W-G74
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4945
216.368.5957 - phone
informatics@case.edu
Students who want to explore Biomedical and Health Informatics without – or before – committing to a Master’s, can take a series of four or five courses that provide an overview and grounding in the fundamentals with practical applications in research, clinical care and population health. If you choose to continue to a Master’s program within our department, all courses are transferable.
A 12-credit or 15-credit certificate is available, taking from one year to two-and-a-half years to complete, depending on a student's chosen pace. Certificates are granted from the CWRU School of Medicine, Department of Population and Health Information Sciences. Only the 15-credit certificate will show on an official CWRU transcript. The Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics requires students to complete 6 credits of required courses and 6-9 credits of courses in a concentration.
Required Courses for the Certificate | ||
| PQHS 416 | Computing in Biomedical Health Informatics | 3 |
| MPHP 532 | Health Care Information Systems | 3 |
Electives can be selected to tailor a concentration that resonates with your interests.
Health Informatics Management Concentration | ||
| Two of the following: | ||
| EBME 473 | Fundamentals of Clinical Information Systems | 3 |
| HSMC 412 | Lean Services Operations | 3 |
| HSMC 456 | Health Policy and Management Decisions | 3 |
| HSMC 420 | Health Finance | 3 |
| PQHS 471 | Machine Learning & Data Mining | 3 |
| One of the following (for 15 credit certificate): | ||
| PQHS 431 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
Clinical Informatics Concentration | ||
| Two of the following: | ||
| EBME 473 | Fundamentals of Clinical Information Systems | 3 |
| MPHP 467 | Comparative and Cost Effectiveness Research | 1 |
| MPHP 468 | The Continual Improvement of Healthcare: An Interdisciplinary Course | 3 |
| PQHS 471 | Machine Learning & Data Mining | 3 |
| PQHS 515 | Secondary Analysis of Large Health Care Data Bases | 3 |
| One of the following (for 15 credit certificate): | ||
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
| MPHP 405 | Statistical Methods in Public Health | 3 |
| PQHS 431 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
Bioinformatics Concentration | ||
| Two of the following (all three for 15 credit certificate): | ||
| CSDS 459 | Bioinformatics for Systems Biology | 3 |
| PQHS 451 | A Data-Driven Introduction to Genomics and Human Health | 3 |
| PQHS 471 | Machine Learning & Data Mining | 3 |
Post-baccalaureate Readiness Instruction for BioMedical Education (PRIME) Certificate Program
216.368.5296
https://case.edu/medicine/prime
Anthony Saar, MEd
Director, PRIME Program
PRIME is a post-baccalaureate certificate (non-degree) program for students who need additional preparation to have a competitive application for MD or DO programs.
This program is designed for two types of students:
- Career changers - students who have not yet completed all their pre-med requirements.
- Academic enhancers - students who need to improve their undergraduate GPA and their foundation in key pre-med content.
Key features of this program include:
- A highly flexible and individually tailored program of study providing each student the preparation that they need to be competitive applicants
- A dedicated program director who has experience advising for medical school admissions and who meets regularly with students one-on-one
- Problem-based Clinical Inquiry (IQ) coursework designed to give students exposure to medical terminology and clinical reasoning and develop professional growth via self-reflection
- Specialized Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) preparatory course designed to comprehensively review all MCAT content areas, as well as testing methods.
- Diverse opportunities for shadowing, volunteering, and research in affiliation with 4 world-class health systems (The Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, VA Medical Center, and MetroHealth Medical Center)
- Opportunity to interview with the CWRU School of Medicine for select students
The PRIME program is highly flexible. To earn the certificate, students must complete at least 24 credit hours. A program of study must be approved by the program director. Each student will work closely with the program director to tailor the program to their needs. Based on previous coursework taken, some students may need to take more than 24 credit hours to complete the prerequisite courses for medical school and earn the PRIME certificate. This program can be completed in 1-2 years, depending on a student's individual needs.
Required Program Coursework:
| MGRD 310 | Introduction to Clinical Inquiry (IQ) | 3 |
| MGRD 311 | Introduction to Clinical Inquiry (IQ) II | 3 |
| BIOC 307 | Introduction to Biochemistry: From Molecules To Medical Science | 4 |
| BIOL 214 | Genes, Evolution and Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 214L | Genes, Evolution and Ecology Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 215 | Cells and Proteins | 3 |
| BIOL 215L | Cells and Proteins Laboratory | 1 |
| or BIOL 216 | Development and Physiology | |
| BIOL 216L | Development and Physiology Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 105 | Principles of Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 106 | Principles of Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 113 | Principles of Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 223 | Introductory Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 224 | Introductory Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 233 | Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
| CHEM 234 | Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 2 |
| MATH 125 | Math and Calculus Applications for Life, Managerial, and Social Sci I | 4 |
| MATH 126 | Math and Calculus Applications for Life, Managerial, and Social Sci II | 4 |
| or STAT 201 | Basic Statistics for Social and Life Sciences | |
| PHYS 115 | Introductory Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 116 | Introductory Physics II | 4 |
| PSCL 101 | General Psychology I | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Students may have completed some of these required courses prior to the start of this program and thus the students would be eligible for exemption from taking these courses for the certificate. Depending on course grades, students, with approval of the program director, may waive the required courses. Students may also elect to retake these courses for reference and/or to improve their undergraduate GPA.
Elective Coursework
In consultation with the program director, students will develop the best program of study for their needs. Typically, if a student has already taken the medical school prerequisites, but needs to improve their overall undergraduate GPA, taking upper-level undergraduate courses would show more rigor compared to retaking lower-level courses. With successful grades, a student’s undergraduate GPA will also improve.
Students may take additional elective coursework across the university with program director and instructor approval. Although science and math classes will be the primary focus for most students, some students may also seek to take graduate coursework to demonstrate academic rigor. Further, some students may also elect to take other courses based on interests or a desire to improve technical skills (such as writing or language skills).
Courses
RGME 525. Current Topics in Regenerative Medicine. 2 Units.
Current Topics in Regenerative Medicine, will be an elective course in the newly approved Master's Program in Regenerative Medicine and Entrepreneurship. The objective of this course is for each student to develop a general understanding of concepts and current topics related to Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell research, entrepreneurship and product development.
-To expose students to principles in Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering relevant to the field
-To review the current landscape and spectrum of topics which makes up the field of regenerative medicine
-To explore current and emerging technologies supporting regenerative medicine research
-To discuss federal regulatory and compliance issues related to clinical research and the development of therapeutics
-To explore cellular manufacturing approaches for regenerative medicine products
-Discuss ethical and societal issues related to regenerative medicine research and technologies
RGME 535. Foundations in Regenerative Medicine. 3 Units.
Foundations in Regenerative Medicine is a team-taught course using multiple faculty content experts. The objective of this course is for each student to develop a general understanding of the foundations and concepts related to Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell research.
-To expose students to foundational principles in Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering relevant to the field
-To review the current landscape and spectrum of topics which makes up the field of regenerative medicine
-To explore current and emerging technologies supporting regenerative medicine research
-To discuss federal regulatory and compliance issues related to clinical research and the development of therapeutics
-To explore cellular manufacturing approaches for regenerative medicine products
-Discuss ethical and societal issues related to regenerative medicine research and technologies
RGME 545. Stem Product Biology, Bench to Bedside Development and Therapeutic Translation. 3 Units.
This course is a team - taught course using multiple faculty content experts. The objective of this course is for each student to understand the concept of stem cell biology from procurement to therapeutic development. This course will provide an overview of the regulatory framework, concepts, lab operations, and biologic techniques to support cell and regenerative medicine product manufacturing. To work in this emerging field, students must understand the scientific and regulatory development of biologic therapies as well as operational issues related to manufacturing in the cleanroom space under quality systems. The goals are to:
1) Develop an understanding of the infrastructure and compliance required to manufacture biologics for clinical use of stem cells.
2) Identify and critically analyze key operational issues related to clinical development and use of biologics from expansion to pre-clinical validation and therapeutic use.
3) Perform hands on activities using current techniques.
4) Discuss ethical and societal issues related to regenerative medicine research and technologies.
RGME 547. Gene Therapy and Concepts in Regenerative Medicine. 3 Units.
This course focuses on the principles of gene therapy for disease treatment or drug delivery. Technical aspects associated with the development of the therapeutic approach will be covered along with the concepts related to the legal, ethical, economic, religious, and philosophical consequences of implementing gene-editing technologies for common and rare (often childhood) diseases. The "agora" will define ethical considerations of risk/benefit, informed consent, priority therapy targets, optimal technologies and delivery, costs, FDA regulation, and desired outcomes across disciplines.This course will be available to all students at CWRU, with consent of instructor. Students must have a foundational understanding in cell biology, exposure to regenerative medicine and genetics. Recommended Preperation: RGME 535 or RGME 525.
RGME 560. Regenerative Medicine Independent Study, Research Project. 3 Units.
The RGME 560 Independent Study-Research Project allows students to explore a topic of interest under the close supervision of a RGME program director and mentor. The course may include directed readings, applied work, assisting a faculty member with a research project, carrying out an independent research project, or other activities deemed appropriate. Regardless of the activities, the work must culminate in a formal paper. The specific course requirements are described in the Independent Studies Proposal form to be completed by the student, project mentor and program director prior to enrollment in the course.
Prereq: RGME 535 and RGME 545.
RGME 565. Regenerative Medicine Independent Study, Internship. 3 Units.
The RGME 565 Independent Study-Industry Internship provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience within an industry environment. Course objectives are:
-Acquire knowledge of the industry sector in which the internship is completed.
-Translate knowledge and skills learned in the classroom into a work environment.
-Explore additional career options available with the designated industry sector.
-Identify areas for future knowledge and skill development.
Prereq: RGME 535 and RGME 545.