Combined Degree Curriculum
There are four core courses for CAMB Combined Degree students: Topics in Molecular Medicine (CAMB 5420), Case Studies in Translational Research (BIOM 5100)-MD/PhD only, Regulation of the Genome (BIOM 5550) are required, and Cell Biology and Biochemistry (BIOM 6000) is optional. CAMB 5420 is taught in the fall of the first year, concurrent with the first-year medical curriculum. Combined degree students do two rotations in the spring and summer of their first year. This can be done as a set of two full length rotations, or as four mini-rotations. Mini-rotations can be arranged in an alternating (a-b-a-b) or bookend (a-b-b-a) manner. In the third year, Combined Degree students do a year of full-time coursework, including BIOM 6000 in the fall and BIOM 5550 in the spring, plus additional seminar/lecture courses that are program requirements or electives.
- Four core courses: CAMB 5420, BIOM 5100, BIOM 5550, BIOM 6000 (optional)
- Two or Three* laboratory rotations: CAMB 6990 (~2-3 c.u.)
- Pre-Dissertation Research (CAMB 8990) or any of the above (4-6 c.u.)
*When necessary or desired
Typical Course Timetable | Required Course Descriptions | Independent Study | Lab Rotations
Typical Combined Degree Course Timetable
2025 matriculants and later
| Fall | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CAMB 5420 | Lab Rotation 1 or Mini-Rotation 1 & Mini-Rotation 2 |
Lab Rotation 2 or Mini-Rotation 1 & Mini-Rotation 2 |
| Year 2 | BIOM 5100-MD/PhD only | No CAMB activity | No CAMB activity |
| Year 3 | BIOM 6000 (optional) Program Requirements or Electives Pre-Dissertation Research or Lab Rotation #3 (optional) |
BIOM 5550 Program Requirements or Electives Pre-Dissertation Research Preliminary Examination |
Dissertation research |
| Year 4+ | Dissertation research | Dissertation research | Dissertation research |
2024 matriculants and earlier
| Fall | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CAMB 5420 | Independent Study | Lab Rotation 1 |
| Year 2 | BIOM 5100-MD/PhD only | No CAMB activity | No CAMB activity |
| Year 3 | BIOM 6000 (optional) Program Requirements or Electives Pre-Dissertation Research or Lab Rotation 2 & 3 (if necessary) |
BIOM 5550 Program Requirements or Electives Pre-Dissertation Research Preliminary Examination |
Dissertation research |
| Year 4+ | Dissertation research | Dissertation research | Dissertation research |
Program-specific Requirements and Electives
Each of the six programs makes specific recommendations for appropriate introductory and advanced electives. Requirements and examples of courses for each program are given on the individual Program Academic webpages. See: CB, CPM, DSRB, G&E, GTV, MVP.
These courses are subject to change, and new courses are continually being added. For the specific courses given each term see the current course listings at BGS Courses and Curricula.
Typical Course Timetable | Required Course Descriptions | Independent Study | Lab Rotations
Descriptions of Required Courses
- CAMB 5420: Topics in Molecular Medicine (TIMM)
- TiMM is planned as a once-weekly seminar course whose goal is to introduce students to the ways in which biomedical research can provide new insights into clinical medicine and, conversely, how knowledge of clinical disease impacts scientific discovery. There are two sections for the course: 401 and 402. Section 401 is for first year MD/PhD students only and section 402 is for VMD/PhD and PhD students. Please see the TTIM website for more details/ the syllabus. Offered fall semester.
You can also refer to the CAMB 5420 Course Catalog page.
- TiMM is planned as a once-weekly seminar course whose goal is to introduce students to the ways in which biomedical research can provide new insights into clinical medicine and, conversely, how knowledge of clinical disease impacts scientific discovery. There are two sections for the course: 401 and 402. Section 401 is for first year MD/PhD students only and section 402 is for VMD/PhD and PhD students. Please see the TTIM website for more details/ the syllabus. Offered fall semester.
- BIOM 5100: Case Studies in Translational Research
- BIOM 5100 is a student-led, faculty-supported exploration of the role of physician-scientists in bench to bedside translational medicine. We will examine 5 case studies of translational research using investigators from Penn and industry as preceptors. The course design, which was pilot-tested last year and revised for this year, requires active involvement by all of the students on all of the case studies, working in small teams in which students will rotate as team leader. The course directors and case preceptors have chosen the topics, but the members of each week’s lead team will be responsible for selecting and guiding deliverables. Please see the CSTR website for more details/ the syllabus. Offered fall semester.
You can also refer to the BIOM 5100 Course Catalog page.
- BIOM 5100 is a student-led, faculty-supported exploration of the role of physician-scientists in bench to bedside translational medicine. We will examine 5 case studies of translational research using investigators from Penn and industry as preceptors. The course design, which was pilot-tested last year and revised for this year, requires active involvement by all of the students on all of the case studies, working in small teams in which students will rotate as team leader. The course directors and case preceptors have chosen the topics, but the members of each week’s lead team will be responsible for selecting and guiding deliverables. Please see the CSTR website for more details/ the syllabus. Offered fall semester.
- BIOM 6000: Cell Biology and Biochemistry (optional)
- BIOM 6000 is an intermediate level graduate course designed to introduce students to the molecular components and physiological mechanisms that underlie the structure and function of cells. The course is designed as an in depth survey to cover general concepts central to the field of biochemistry and cell biology and to emphasize these concepts within the context of current scientific research questions and technical approaches. Offered fall semester.
You can also refer to the BIOM 6000 Course Catalog page.
- BIOM 6000 is an intermediate level graduate course designed to introduce students to the molecular components and physiological mechanisms that underlie the structure and function of cells. The course is designed as an in depth survey to cover general concepts central to the field of biochemistry and cell biology and to emphasize these concepts within the context of current scientific research questions and technical approaches. Offered fall semester.
- BIOM 5550: Regulation of the Genome
- Regulation of gene expression including chromatin structure, transcription, DNA modification, RNA processing, translation, control of gene expression via microRNAs and post translational processing. Offered spring semester.
You can also refer to the BIOM 5550 Course Catalog page.
- Regulation of gene expression including chromatin structure, transcription, DNA modification, RNA processing, translation, control of gene expression via microRNAs and post translational processing. Offered spring semester.
Typical Course Timetable | Required Course Descriptions | Independent Study | Lab Rotations
Laboratory Rotations (CAMB 6990)
The purpose of the lab rotations is to get experience in specific laboratories that will eventually lead to the choice of a thesis laboratory. Such experience goes far beyond learning techniques; it is an opportunity for the student to determine whether they are compatible with the lab and the mentor.
Combined degree students are required to do two laboratory rotations, with an optional third rotation. Following the completion of two successful rotations, students will be allowed, with the approval of CAMB and CD advisors, to select and join their thesis lab. The typical schedule of rotations for the 2026-27 academic year is as follows:
- 1st year MD-PhD
- Lab Rotation 1 & 2: First year Spring and Summer arranged as one of the following: Spring 1, Summer 2; Spring Mini-1 & Mini-2, Summer Mini-1 & Mini-2; Spring Mini-1 & Mini-2, Summer Mini-2 & Mini-1.
- 3rd year MD-PhD
- Lab Rotation 2: August 23 - October 16
- Optional Lab Rotation 3: Third year fall term, October 19 - December 18
There is a possibility of completing a rotation the summer before one enters medical school.
If a student selects a thesis lab at the completion of the second rotation, they must register for a 9-week period of pre-dissertation research in the chosen thesis lab starting no later than October 19.
Please refer to the PhD Curriculum Lab Rotations section for more general information, and for the rotation Grading Guidelines.