College of Medicine

Integrated Biomedical Sciences - Graduate

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The Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) is an undifferentiated first-year core curriculum that serves as the entry point for six doctoral programs housed in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Students are admitted to IBS and, at the end of the IBS year, select their doctoral programs in one of these basic science departments:

  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology and Cancer Biology
  • Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics
  • Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences 
  • Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry
  • Physiology
IBS provides exposure to cellular and molecular concepts in the biomedical sciences, development of interdisciplinary approaches necessary for innovative research, and flexibility in choosing a research emphasis among 186 faculty in six departments. As part of IBS, students complete coursework, engage in biomedical research through laboratory rotations that facilitate selection of a dissertation mentor, and participate in research seminars. The IBS curriculum is designed for students beginning graduate studies in the fall semester.

Application Requirements

  1. CV
    • Indicating any academic honors, publications, research experience and relevant work experience (since graduate--for those who have previously graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
  2. Personal Statement
    • ​Indicate your research interest and goals for doctoral study and beyond.
  3. Every applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited institution of higher learning.
  4. TOEFL scores (for international applicants)
    • A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL (maximum 667) and a minimum score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL (maximum 300) or a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (maximum 120); all applicants must demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written English.
  5. Three letters of recommendation
    • ​​You will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three faculty members who are familiar with your undergraduate and graduate coursework, research, etc.

No GRE or GMAT is required for admission to this program.

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

 

​Application Deadlines
  • ​The Integrated Biomedical Sciences program follows a rolling admissions process; therefore, the earlier your application is complete the more likely you will be selected for an interview leading to admission. Below is the admissions timeline:
    • January 1 - All applications are due. The IBS admissions committee will begin reviewing materials by December, and earlier applications will be given priority. 
      • Applications received after this date may still be considered on a case by case basis depending on availability of positions.
    • February to March - On-campus interviews for selected candidates.​
    • April 15 - Deadline for candidates to accept offers to the graduate programs.
  • Students may apply for entry into the IBS program in only the Fall semester. We do not offer admission to IBS in the Spring semester.

Contact

Hollie Swanson, Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies in Integrated Biomedical Sciences

Professor

College of Medicine

UK Medical Center MN 150

Lexington KY, USA 40536-0298

866-239-0004