The program’s required courses include:

Fundamentals of Biomedical Sciences (6 credits)

The course offers a practical and comprehensive overview of the fundamental topics necessary for modern biomedical scientists. We focus on key concepts, their supporting experimental evidence, and their application in contemporary research and clinical science. Students choose three of the following courses (six credits total): 

• BSR1030 Fundamentals of BMS I (2 credits)
  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Concepts: Genetics, DNA and RNA Regulation, Protein Processing 

• BSR1031 Fundamentals of BMS II (2 credits)
  Pharmacology and Drug Discovery Concepts: Receptor theory, Structure-based Drug Design, Pharmacokinetics 

• BSR1032 Fundamentals of BMS III (2 credits)
  Cell & Developmental Biology Concepts: Cellular Signaling, Cytoskeleton, Developmental Biology 
• BSR1033 Fundamentals of BMS IV (2 credits)
  Neuroscience Concepts: Neurophysiology, Neuroanatomy, Plasticity 

Computer Systems (3.5 credits)

This course introduces computer systems and scientific computing environments to enable effective use of computational and data resources. The course is divided into three units: 

• BDS1005 UNIX and Linux Fundamentals (1 credit) 

• BDS1006 Architectures and Applications in Scientific Computing (1 credit) 

• BDS1007 Introduction to Scientific Programming in Python (1.5 credits) 

BDS2005 Introduction to Algorithms (3 credits)

This computer science intensive course provides a survey of algorithms/computational methods used to solve appropriately defined problems, and their implementation on modern scientific computing hardware. 

BDS3002 Machine Learning for Biomedical Data Science (3 credits)

This course is designed to train students in commonly used methods to organize, mine, and learn from data sets, especially those that are complex and large. These methods include classification, clustering, network inference and analysis, and outlier/anomaly detection. 

Mandatory Training Sessions 

In addition to the required courses, students must take the following two additional mandatory training requisites: 

• BSR1021 Responsible Conduct of Research (Eight hours of training, 0.5 credit) 

• BSR1022 Rigor and Reproducibility (Eight hours of training, 0.5 credit) 

Students must take 2.5 to 5 elective credits in order to do complementary coursework in areas of greatest interest to them. Elective options include: 

• BDS2002 Biomedical Software Engineering (2 credits)
• MPH0812 Applied Linear Models I (3 credits)
• BSR0908 Intro to Artificial Intelligence/Deep Learning in Biomedical Research (1 credit)
• MPH0822 Applied Linear Models II (Prerequisite MPH0812 ALM 1) (3 credits)
• BSR6806 Programming in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
• BSR2931 Commercialization of Biomedical Innovation
• BSR2402 Genetic and Genomic Approaches to Human Variation and Disease
• BSR5911 Seminar in Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies (AIET)

Online program electives are offered in a more limited selection than those available in the on-campus program and are delivered synchronously. The availability of elective courses may vary each semester. Students are encouraged to consult with the MDSAIO faculty program director and program manager when planning their individual course schedules. 

Students in the MSDSAIO program perform original mentored research, culminating in a capstone report. These research projects are performed using a wide range of approaches, with a variety of biomedical applications, as illustrated by the following projects:

• Comprehensive analysis of electronic medical records to improve prediction and classification of autism spectrum disorder
• Self-supervised deep learning for computer-aided detection of breast cancer
• Development of a repository of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia variants with application to diverse populations
• Evaluation of methods to extract features from clinical notes for rare disease identification

Students will utilize two web-based technologies within their online courses: Blackboard and Zoom. Blackboard is used to deliver all online courses at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Students access their courses by logging in to Blackboard with their Icahn School student email and password. Zoom is used to facilitate weekly, live office hours.  

We recommend the following to get the best experience in your MDSAI Online program: 

• A standard PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer (we do not recommend mobile devices, tablet computers, or Google Chromebook)

• A 720p webcam, headset, or earbuds, and microphone

• A stable high-speed internet connection
• At least two web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge 

Online Restrictions for International Students

The Icahn School does not offer student visas for online degree study. Certain countries are subject to comprehensive embargoes under the United States Export Controls, which prohibit virtually all exports, imports, and other transactions without a license or other U.S. government authorization. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is currently unable to enroll individuals located in the following countries to its online program: North Korea, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. By registering for Icahn School online courses, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country.