Curriculum Overview
The PhD in Biomedical and Translational Sciences (PhD BTS) core curriculum builds a strong foundation in translational research while students complete research rotations to explore laboratories and identify a dissertation mentor.
Students begin their translational education through an immersive course focused on essential skills and the three core phases of translational research: discovery, development and delivery. In Trimester One, a 16-week course introduces students to a disease-focused scenario that frames learning across the translational pipeline. Instruction includes discovery-based research, standardized approaches for developing and evaluating innovations, and regulatory and clinical trial considerations needed to advance discoveries toward patient care. Through interactions with patients and professionals, students gain real-world insight into translational challenges and present their concepts in a team-based, graded practicum.
In Trimesters Two and Three, students build on this foundation by exploring cells, tissues, organ systems and disease through a translational lens. Elective coursework allows students to customize training aligned with their research interests and career goals.
Curriculum Information
Course Catalog
BTS 510 - Biostatistics
Apply statistical methods for experimental studies by analyzing data, building regression models and interpreting results to support biomedical research.
Stefany Coxe, PhD
BTS 511 - Essential Skills and 3 Ds of Translational Research
Develop core research skills and explore discovery, development and delivery through hands-on translational research, patient engagement, and a team-based practicum.
LK Medina-Kauwe, PhD
BTS 512 - The 3 Ds in Cell Intrinsic and Extrinsic Research
Learn cell biology and how cells work through a translational lens.
LK Medina-Kauwe, PhD & A Wolf, PhD
BTS 513 - The 3 Ds in Multicellular / Organ Systems and Disease
Learn how multicellular and organ systems interact in health and disease through a translational lens.
LK Medina-Kauwe, PhD
BTS 514 - Laboratory Rotation, Trimester 1 (September-December)
Learn research skills in a mentor’s lab while conducting a 16-week research project.
LK Medina-Kauwe, PhD
BTS 515 - Laboratory Rotation, Trimester 2 (January-April)
Learn research skills in a mentor’s lab while conducting a 16-week research project.
LK Medina-Kauwe, PhD
BTS 516 - Laboratory Rotation, Trimester 3 (May-August)
Learn research skills in a mentor’s lab while conducting a 16-week research project.
LK Medina-Kauwe, PhD
Course Sequence
Year 1
- Core Curriculum
- Rotations
Year 2
- Qualifying Exam
- Doctoral Committee meeting
Year 3+
- Research Progress
- Doctoral Committee meeting
Defense
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to commonly asked questions to help you navigate the program.
The PhD BTS core curriculum includes the following required courses:
- BTS 510 - Biostatistics
- BTS 511 - Essential Skills and 3 Ds of Translational Research
- BTS 512 - The 3 Ds in Cell Intrinsic and Extrinsic Research
- BTS 513 - The 3 Ds in Multicellular / Organ Systems and Disease
- BTS 514 - Laboratory Rotation, Trimester 1 (September-December)
- BTS 515 - Laboratory Rotation, Trimester 2 (January-April)
- BTS 516 - Laboratory Rotation, Trimester 3 (May-August)
Yes. In Year 1, students complete a 16-week research project during each laboratory rotation and present their findings at the end of each rotation. In Year 2, students select a dissertation lab, form a doctoral committee, and commit to a research project that culminates in a written dissertation and formal defense, pending committee approval.
Yes, you can customize electives based on your research interests.
The average time to degree is 5.5 years, though the timeline varies by research project scope and a student’s pace of progress. Factors that influence completion include dissertation research complexity, readiness for publication and committee approval.
Yes, the PhD in Biomedical and Translational Sciences is inherently interdisciplinary. We encourage students to augment and customize their training by participating in special focus seminars, journal clubs, workshops, and classes offered outside of the core curriculum.
- Medical Library: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/education/library.html
- Core Services and Shared Resources: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/health-sciences-university/research/cores.html
Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
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PhD in Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Cedars-Sinai Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
8687 Melrose Ave.
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West Hollywood, CA 90069