Curriculum

The goal of our curriculum is to give you access to first-class coursework in various aspects of biomedical sciences, complemented by training in AI/machine learning, computer systems, medical imaging, next generation medical technologies, virtual/augmented reality simulation technologies, as well as the use of large biological repositories to advance research and patient care and improve human health. This is a typical curriculum for students in AIET; variation is possible, based on students' existing knowledge and research goals.

Year 1 Fall

Year 1 Spring

Year 2 Fall and Spring

Year 3 and Beyond

Elective Options

Any electives offered by AIET, any other MTA, through any relationship with an outside institution such as the Hasso Plattner Institute or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, or even through other institutions, can be appropriate if agreed upon by the student, dissertation advisor, and MTA co-directors.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of this flexibility and choose advanced electives that are most relevant to their dissertation research and training goals.  Some of the most relevant electives are:

Machine Learning for Biomedical Data Science (BDS3002, 3 credits) is strongly recommended

Introduction to AI & Deep Learning in Biomedical Research and the Clinic (BSR0908, 1 credit)

Introduction to Biophysics and Biophysical Instrumentation (BSR6901, 1.5 credits)

Introduction to Nanomedicine (BSR 0907, 3 credits)

Variations on Curriculum

If students enter the program with substantial Python programming experience, another 1 credit programming course may be substituted for BDS1007 (such as BDS1005, BDS1006, or BIO6300).

Advanced electives should be taken in Y2; it is discouraged to undertake advanced electives before completing the core curriculum and identifying a dissertation advisor and lab.

MD-PhD students will have completed their MD-PhD-specific core curriculum in MD Y1, so the curriculum for MD-PhD students will be identical to the above, with the following exceptions:

• ‘Core’ will be dropped
• Journal club and Seminar will be added in PhD Y1
• Register for Independent Research (BSR8000, 10 credits), not BSR1006/7, if you have already declared a lab
• Advanced electives may be taken in Y1 if a dissertation advisor and lab has been identified
• The qualifying exam/thesis proposal must be completed by June 30 of PhD Y1.

Works-in-Progress, Seminars, and other Program Requirements

Students are required at various times throughout the program to participate in weekly works-in-progress seminars, invited speaker seminars, and journal clubs. 

At works-in-progress seminars, all students in the AIET training area gather to present their own research to the group.  This provides valuable opportunities to get additional feedback on their work, and to develop their presentation skills in a familiar setting.

From the beginning of year 2, students will also be required to attend 15 invited speaker seminars each semester.  These are organized in partnership with discipline-related basic science departments, institutes, and centers at Sinai. Below are some of the most popular seminars among our students.

• Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute seminars
• Cellular Modeling Seminar
• Computational Genomics Seminar
• Mount Sinai Clinical Intelligence Center WIP
• Genomic Health Initiative WIP
• Institute for Personalized Medicine Seminar
• Neurogenomics Seminar

From Y1 until the end of the semester in which they pass their thesis proposal, students will also be required to participate in journal club.  In Y1, the journal club requirement is contained within the core curriculum.  Subsequently, students will register for the AIET journal club.

Students will also need to complete 2-3 laboratory rotations, approximately 6-8 weeks each, working an average of 20 hours/week in the laboratory. The aim of these rotations is to give students opportunities to explore their research interests, gain new skills and knowledge, and explore potential host labs for their dissertation.

The timing and specific details of these requirements vary slightly for MD/PhD students (please refer to the student handbook or contact the MTA co-directors for details).

Students are required to pass a thesis proposal exam in their second year. The exam consists of a written proposal in the style of a 6-page NIH F30/31 proposal, an oral presentation, and an oral exam. The exam is administered by the student’s research advisor and 2-3 additional faculty with relevant knowledge on their thesis topic.

Starting their second year, students meet with their thesis committee a minimum of 2 times per year to solicit feedback and advice.

Students are required to give a public presentation of their thesis and must also pass a closed oral defense exam immediately following their thesis presentation. The exam is administrated by the student’s thesis committee, consisting of their advisor and 3-4 additional faculty, including an external examiner.

To complete the program, each student must successfully complete a research project (i.e., publish in peer-reviewed journals and/or file patents) and pass a thesis dissertation exam.