Doctoral Degree in Integrated Biomedical Sciences

Who is this program for?

This program offers students a starting point into 7 different PhD programs within the College of Medicine. This is an ideal starting point to explore the biomedical sciences and solidify an educational path.

Program Overview

The Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) is an undifferentiated first-year core curriculum that serves as the entry point for 7 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.

Offered by the College of Medicine

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What You'll Learn


Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!

Program Specific Funding Opportunities

Students accepted into the Biomedical Sciences PhD program are typically awarded full-tuition assistance, student health insurance, and a yearly stipend as part of the Research Assistant position.

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Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.

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Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
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The University of Kentucky defines international applicants as those with citizenship other than the United States of America. Exception: Permanent Residents of the United States should complete a domestic application.

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