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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:

Coursework
Statistics Core
BIOS 806BIOSTATISTICS3
BIOS 808BIOSTATISTICS II3
Other Requirements
GRAD 800RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT IN RESEARCH TRAINING0
BDHS 802RESEARCH APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE AND HEALTH SECURITY 3
EPI 805HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE IN PUBLIC HEALTH3
Students may take EPI 805 -Or- choose another class in Human Health & Disease in consultation with their Supervisory Committee
PAMM 890MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF VIRUSES3
Students must choose one additional PAMM class from those listed below
PAMM 898BACTERIAL GENETICS3
-OR-
PAMM 910BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS3
MSIA 970SEMINAR (to be taken for four semesters)4
MSIA 999DOCTORAL DISSERTATION1-9
Electives (minimum 2 courses)
Students will work with their Supervisory Committee to select appropriate electives.
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
Global Health Security Track
EPI 825THEORY AND METHODS OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES EPIDEMIOLOGY3
Biosurveillance & Biodefense Track
BDHS 801AEROBIOLOGY: THEORY AND PRACTICE3