Why Biomolecular Imaging?

Imaging plays a central role in advancing modern biomedical and biophysical research. Imaging reveals the three-dimensional structure of individual proteins, allowing their function to be understood at the molecular level. New methods of microscopy reveal the dynamic nature of cells and previously invisible aspects of organ physiology and pathophysiology. It is increasingly the case that major advances in cell and molecular biology, physiology and the understanding of human disease are driven by the development and application of new imaging methods. The training provided by this unique program in both biomedical science and the physical basis of a wide range of imaging methods will allow you to take a lead in new avenues of biomedical research that are opened up by the application and development of imaging methods.

The Program

The interdisciplinary program in Biomolecular Imaging offers graduate research training that leads to the Ph.D. in Medical Biophysics and is designed to train talented students in the use of imaging techniques to study biological processes from the molecular to the cellular level. Exceptional students also accepted by the IU School of Medicine may enroll in a combined M.D./Ph.D. program. Core courses in the fundamentals of biomedical science are complemented by courses teaching specialized knowledge in the physical basis of cell and molecular imaging. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows you to choose from faculty in a variety of departments who have a wide range of expertise in biomedical and physical science. A Ph.D. Minor in Biomolecular Imaging is available to students majoring in other disciplines.

The ten School of Medicine biomedical science Ph.D. programs participate in The Indiana University School of Medicine BioMedical Gateway (IBMG) Program. The IBMG Program provides a shared first year experience for all School of Medicine biomedical science predoctoral (Ph.D. program) students. The first semester of study in the IBMG Program is built around core courses in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and systems biology, and a laboratory research rotation. In the second semester students have a choice of modular electives that match their interest, interactive study of research methods, professional skills, and scientific understanding, and two additional laboratory research rotations. Throughout the program support and mentoring is strongly emphasized. Ultimately, this year of research exploration and laboratory rotations culminates in the student's decision to join one of ten biomedical science Ph.D. degree programs.

The program requires a baccalaureate degree in science or mathematics with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher.

The Student Body

There are more than 11,00 students enrolled in the health sciences on the Indiana University Medical Center campus. They include 289 graduate students in nine basic science programs. There are more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students, both full and part-time, on the IUPUI campus.

Indianapolis

Indianapolis is a rapidly developing metropolitan area of over one million people. It has gained national recognition as an attractive place to live and work. The city provides the advantages of a large city in cultural activity and entertainment, but is still small enough to permit community identification. The city has initiated a biomedical and life sciences strategy that includes industry, government and the university. A number of large pharmaceutical and biomedical businesses make Indianapolis their home including Eli Lilly, Dow Agrosciences, Guidant, and Roche Diagnostics. There are many public recreational and sports facilities on the IUPUI campus, including the National Institute of Fitness and Sport and a world-class natatorium and track facility on the IUPUI campus.

Indianapolis hosts many cultural programs such as the Eiteljorg Museum of Indian and Western Art, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Indianapolis is the home of several professional sports teams, including the NFL Colts and the NBA Pacers, as well as the world-renowned Indianapolis 500-mile and Brickyard 400 automobile races.