Molecular Therapeutics Training Program (MTTP)
The Molecular Therapeutics Training Program (MTTP) provides interdisciplinary doctoral
training for promising candidates who intend to pursue research careers in either
the basic or clinical science disciplines in a variety of settings. The ultimate
degree granted through this program is a Ph.D. in Pharmacology. Pharmacology is
a science that embodies the discovery and understanding of agents that modify physiological
processes for the benefit of the host organism. Most of the research in this discipline
has classically involved characterization of existing therapeutic agents with respect
to their chemical structure, therapeutic and toxic effects, and their mechanism(s)
of action and biodisposition. New drugs have been discovered largely by random screening
or by chemical modification of existing agents.
Advances not only in classical pharmacology but also in molecular biology, cell
biology, genetics, immunology and macromolecular chemistry empower the modern pharmacologist
to utilize multiple approaches for the design, delivery and understanding of novel
therapeutic agents. These include, for example, recombinant gene products, receptor-targeted
compounds and genetic agents. The modern pharmacologist has the ability to play
a pioneering role in both the design and understanding of totally new classes of
therapeutic agents. In addition to the basic core facts and principles, a student's
ability to think in global terms and use all of the vast technological armamentarium
now available will be critical to career development. Modern students of pharmacology
are expected to develop a forward-looking vision of pharmacological research as
it will develop and be practiced over the next 20-30 years.
The MTTP curriculum is designed to stimulate students to use multiple, and often
simultaneous, approaches to general biological, and specific pharmacological, problems.
Particular emphasis is placed on molecular and biotechnological approaches. It is
important that Ph.D. students have a sufficient grounding in classical pharmacological
principles and therapeutics to understand the broader clinical application of drugs.
However, the ultimate measure of a pharmacologist is the ability to identify, within
the context of a biological problem, the potential for developing new therapeutic
strategies. Fundamentally, the approach is an active one, i.e., "how
can the data, biological system, or technology be used to design new therapeutic
approaches to pathophysiological problems?"
Students seeking the Ph.D. in Pharmacology usually are admitted through two matriculation
routes:
- Through the collective
Biomedical Sciences Training Program (BSTP) which is a common core program for
first year graduate students in the biomedical sciences, students in the BSTP program
follow a combined first year sequence of course work that involves a Coordinated
Curriculum in Cell and Molecular Biology. In addition, the first semester includes
three research rotations that allow students to sample various areas of research
and to become familiar with faculty members and their laboratories. The first research
rotation begins July 1, permitting the student an intensive two-month laboratory
experience prior to the beginning of course work. Selection of a specific training
program (e.g. Pharmacology and the MTTP) and thesis advisor is made by the end of
the fall semester of the first year. Those students selecting the MTTP then begin
advanced level courses in Pharmacology at the beginning of their second year.
- By direct admission to the Molecular Therapeutic Training
Program (MTTP). These students generally have a predefined interest in Pharmacology
and are admitted directly into the Department of Pharmacology to begin the MTTP
at the beginning of their first year of graduate studies. These students rotate
in 3 of 33 training faculty laboratories affiliated with the MTTP and they choose
a mentor in the middle of the spring semester of their first year. By direct admission
into the program, they can also begin advanced Pharacology courses within their
first year.
A primary goal of the MTTP graduate education is to help students gain a critical
approach to scientific research. Reaching this goal requires the development of
students' ability to recognize excellent scientific investigation and nurture a
critical view in the evaluation of scientific publications. Students will learn
to read and question scientific papers in a critical manner and to ask whether conclusions
are supported by data, and whether the data are appropriately determined. They will
also learn to derive new hypotheses from data and conclusions and to logically design
experiments. To achieve these goals, the MTTP minimizes lectures and maximizes the
student's exposure to the primary scientific literature. This occurs largely through
assignment of individual scientific articles, coupled to oral presentations encompassing
methods, results and interpretations.
MTTP students also complete an innovative oral preliminary examination as well as
the development of NIH-style research proposals. The Ph.D. degree is awarded for
completion of an original dissertation project parts of which are published in premier
scientific journals. The overall program takes four to six years to complete.
A Ph.D. graduate of the Pharmacological Sciences Program will possess a keen sense
of independent scientific investigation as well as a perspective on the physiological
and therapeutic relevance of basic science. This combination makes alumni of the
program well-suited and attractive candidates for career development in academic
science as well as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
All students matriculating in the MTTP receive a full tuition and fees scholarship
along with student health benefits and a monthly stipend for living expenses that
exceeds current NIH guidelines. Selection for admission is based on transcripts
of grades in a baccalaureate degree program, letters of recommendation, results
of the Graduate Record Examinations, and prior research experience.
Further information about the Molecular Therapeutics Training Program can be obtained
from the Admissions Coordinator:
Diane Dowd, PhD
Department of Pharmacology
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-4965
dxd57@case.edu
Phone: 216-368-4617
Fax: 216-368-1300