Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

MS in Biomedical Research Curriculum

Research-Integrated Graduate Training for Biomedical Scientists

The Master of Science in Biomedical Research (MBR) curriculum at Tufts University is designed as a two-year, research-integrated graduate training model that combines PhD-level coursework with early laboratory immersion and independent thesis research. Students take graduate-level courses alongside PhD candidates while developing and completing an original master’s thesis.

Year One Curriculum: Foundational Science and Early Research Immersion

Graduate-Level Biomedical Science Coursework

In the first year, students complete core graduate courses in fundamental biomedical science, including Graduate Biochemistry and Graduate Cell Biology. Students also take foundational discipline-specific coursework aligned with their chosen field of study, building a strong scientific base for advanced research training and thesis development.

Graduate Research Journal Club and Scientific Communication Training

First-year students enroll in a dedicated master’s-level journal club focused on developing critical research skills. Students learn how to evaluate primary scientific literature, analyze experimental design, and communicate research effectively through poster and oral presentations. This training strengthens scientific literacy, presentation skills, and professional communication in research environments.

Laboratory Rotations and Early Thesis Lab Placement

Students complete two six-week laboratory rotations during the fall semester, providing early exposure to active research environments and faculty mentorship. By the beginning of the spring semester, students select a thesis laboratory and begin sustained research training. Thesis work may build on one of the rotation experiences and is conducted under the supervision of a GSBS faculty mentor aligned with the student’s chosen discipline. This early thesis placement model maximizes research continuity and time at the bench.

Year Two Curriculum: Advanced Training and Thesis Development

Advanced Elective Coursework in Biomedical Science

In the second year, students complete advanced elective coursework tailored to their scientific focus. Course offerings span neuroscience, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, immunology, microbiology, inflammation and chronic disease, host-pathogen interactions, biomedical statistics, computational biology, and systems-level biomedical science. These advanced courses deepen disciplinary expertise and support thesis research development.

A complete list of available courses is published in the GSBS academic catalog.

View GSBS catalog

Master’s Thesis Research and Defense

Thesis research continues throughout the second year, leading to the preparation, completion, and formal defense of a research-based MS thesis. Students conduct original scientific research, develop independent research skills, and demonstrate scientific competence through thesis completion. This process provides advanced training in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and professional research presentation.

Curriculum Outcomes and Training Model

The Tufts MBR curriculum is intentionally designed to integrate coursework and research rather than separate them. Students progress from foundational science training to early laboratory immersion, advanced discipline-specific coursework, and independent thesis research in a structured, research-first model. This approach produces graduates with strong scientific foundations, meaningful research experience, and competitive preparation for doctoral study and careers in biomedical research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical science.

MBR Curriculum FAQs

  • Students begin research in their first semester through two laboratory rotations and enter their thesis lab by the beginning of the second semester of Year 1.

  • First-year coursework includes core graduate classes in fundamental biomedical sciences, discipline-specific foundational courses, a dedicated master’s-level journal club, and integrated laboratory training.

  • The journal club trains students to critically evaluate scientific literature and develop professional research communication skills through oral and poster presentations.

  • Second-year coursework includes advanced electives. Among the courses offered: Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Synapse Neurobiology, Neurobiology of Disease, Gene Expression and Signal Transduction, Introduction to Genetics, Mammalian Genetics, Biomedical Statistics and Computational Biology, Introduction to Immunology, Advanced Cellular Immunology, Inflammation and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Immunochemistry Signaling and Dynamics, Microbial Genetics and Microbiology, Host-Pathogen Interface/Bacterial Host Cell Interactions, and Animal Virology.

  • Research is integrated from the first semester through lab rotations, early thesis lab placement, and continuous thesis research across both years of the program.