Subplan Advisory Committee
Dr. Joshua Santarpia and Dr. John Lowe (Co-chairs) and Graduate faculty members associated with the Global Center for Health Security
Students enrolled in this sub-plan will engage in and learn processes and methodologies affiliated with the fundamental elements and scientific principles needed to develop successfully in the emerging global security areas related to defense against infectious disease. Many basic scientists do not receive formal training in methods for understanding global public health or national security applications of their work, but it is critical that biodefense and health security students have training grounded in the principles to conduct research aimed at protecting civilian and military populations, and an appreciation for the unique research applications in this area.
PhD Curriculum
Two tracks are available to students: one focused on biosurveillance and biodefense science related to National Security and another focused on basic and clinical science related to global health. Either track will consist of a mix of technical courses designed to develop a deep technical understanding of the student’s focus area, and practical or policy courses designed to guide the student to successful application.
Coursework
The coursework requirements for the MSIA - Biological Defense and Health Security PhD program are listed below:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | ||
| Statistics Core | ||
| BIOS 806 | BIOSTATISTICS | 3 |
| BIOS 808 | BIOSTATISTICS II | 3 |
| Other Requirements | ||
| GRAD 800 | RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT IN RESEARCH TRAINING | 0 |
| BDHS 802 | RESEARCH APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE AND HEALTH SECURITY | 3 |
| EPI 805 | HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE IN PUBLIC HEALTH | 3 |
| Students may take EPI 805 -Or- choose another class in Human Health & Disease in consultation with their Supervisory Committee | ||
| MSIA 970 | SEMINAR (to be taken for four semesters) | 4 |
| MSIA 999 | DOCTORAL DISSERTATION | 1-9 |
| NOTE: All students must complete the majority of their coursework (all didactic/graded courses but one) from their approved program of study before they can take the comprehensive exam | ||
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Global Health Security Track | ||
| EPI 825 | THEORY AND METHODS OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES EPIDEMIOLOGY | 3 |
| HPRO 830 | FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC HEALTH | 3 |
| Students within the Global Health Security Track are required to complete 3 electives in consultation with their supervisory committee | ||
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biosurveillance & Biodefense Track | ||
| BDHS 801 | AEROBIOLOGY: THEORY AND PRACTICE | 3 |
| PMI 890 | MOLECULAR BIOL VIRUSES | 3 |
| Students must choose one additional PMI class from those listed below: | ||
| PMI 898 | BACTERIAL GENETICS | 3 |
| -OR- | ||
| PMI 910 | BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS | 3 |
| Students within the Biosurveillance & Biodefense Track are required to complete 2 electives in consultation with their supervisory committee | ||