Program Overview
At LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, students may pursue a Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Degree in the School of Graduate Studies. Students have the opportunity to earn a PhD through mentorship by faculty in basic science programs in the School of Medicine, as well as four Centers of Excellence. Students may choose a specialization in Pharmacology or Biochemistry.
The program provides an integrated foundational curriculum, and students have the opportunity to select a mentor and research project from a wide range of research topics. During the first year of study, students are enrolled in a one-year interdisciplinary curriculum and complete a series of four research rotations in different labs. The purpose of the laboratory rotations is to give both the student and potential major professors a chance to evaluate one another. At the completion of the first year, students select a mentor and determine a basic science research focus, which will include advanced coursework and the research project required for their dissertation.
For more information, please visit the School of Graduate Studies Admissions page.
Pharmacology Specialization
In its broadest sense, pharmacology is the study of drug action. It is a science that
pervades all aspects of health care and forms the foundation for the practice of medicine.
The specialization in Pharmacology is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching and research in academic institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, and government agencies. Pharmacology is founded in biological and physical sciences; thus, students should have a working knowledge of biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The training program consists of both didactic and practical course work, seminars, and research experience.
Currently, our graduate students participate in research in areas that include molecular therapeutics, gene therapy, renal and cardiovascular pharmacology, neuropharmacology, behavioral pharmacology, alcohol and drugs of abuse, cancer biology, toxicology, and drug metabolism. Each student in the program has the opportunity to study under excellent, highly experienced mentors in modern, state-of-the-art research laboratories.
As a discipline, Pharmacology has provided an umbrella for intellectual activities that have led to multiple Nobel prizes recognizing discoveries in the basic principles of drug receptor interactions, disease mechanisms and mechanisms of drug action and drug development. Building upon our fine tradition, we are seeking those students who have a love of science and an interest in new discovery. Upon completion of their degrees our recent graduates have gone on to have successful careers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry or government agencies.
Biochemistry Specialization
Biochemistry is dedicated to advancing knowledge in the molecular mechanisms that
govern cellular processes, and contribute to health and disease. In our department,
researchers, educators and students work to analyze the complexities of life at the
molecular and biochemical levels. Through our experimental approaches and interdisciplinary
collaborations, our faculty and students are advancing research in cancer biology,
traumatic brain injury, cardiovascular health and movement disorders. The faculty
have strong, diverse research interests including proteomics, structural biology, cancer biology, and cell signaling.
Graduate Committee Members
Suresh Alahari, PhD
Allyson Bennett, PhD
Shyamal Desai, PhD
For interest in the graduate student programs at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, please refer to the School of Graduate Studies.