International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm
Encyclopedia
The International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm of Ulm University has been established in 2006 and is supported by the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments
since 2007. It promotes and supports graduate education and training in the field of biomedical research. There are two structured training programs on offer: The International PhD Programme in Molecular Medicine Ulm for doctoral candidates in the natural sciences and the program Experimental Medicine for doctoral candidates in medicine.
is a research focus of Ulm University, documented by various externally funded research networks in a national and international context. The Graduate School
is responsible for the training of doctoral students within these networks and beyond. It is the objective of the Graduate School to strengthen the scientific performance of Ulm University in the field of Molecular Medicine. Main areas of research cover the topics Development, Regeneration and Degeneration, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Aging, the Hematopoietic System and Oncology and Cardiometabolic Disorders.
A doctoral training program entitled International PhD Programme in Molecular Medicine was launched in October 2005. This English language postgraduate
course offers a three-year structured doctorate. The training of researchers is the key task of the International PhD Programme in Molecular Medicine. The major aims in this respect are:
Each doctoral student is supervised by a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) consisting of three members. The TAC supervises PhD students in their daily laboratory work, monitors the progress of their work and evaluates oral examinations as well as the written dissertation. This multiple supervision approach supports the independence of the PhD students as young researchers.
The International PhD Programme in Molecular Medicine is taught entirely in English. During the three-year period of studies, students must take part in a number of compulsory activities. Central teaching activities include the lecture Improve your Textbook Knowledge as well as a Journal Club and the biweekly seminar Progress Report. The lecture Improve your Textbook Knowledge allows graduates from different disciplines to refresh the basic knowledge needed to perform research in molecular medicine independently of their scientific background. In the seminar Progress Report, students are trained to communicate and present their own research data to their fellow students and to place it in a broader international context. Furthermore, graduates must attend a series of lectures presented by external speakers. Another compulsory course is the seminar Good Scientific Practice which takes place at the beginning of practical work.
In addition to curricular seminars and lectures, PhD students are offered a variety of optional activities, like organized excursions to pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Summer schools and other scientific events in cooperation with international partner universities and partners from industry motivate students to deepen their knowledge in basic science and practical applications
. Furthermore, scientific retreats focusing on particular research topics are offered. In addition, there are competence seminars organized in order to improve the employability of the graduates.
At present, up to 66% of the doctoral candidates of the Graduate School are female. Therefore, special initiatives have been adopted for female students and doctoral students with children. The gender program provides among others financial support for child day care, practical help with finding the right day care
and supports the participation in a Mentoring-Program (MuT) for junior female academics. Furthermore, the Graduate School finances technical assistants who conduct experiments for pregnant students. This enables female students to continue their PhD work during pregnancy. Re-entry fellowships are provided for doctoral students who had to interrupt their work due to maternity leave
.
Within the first two years of doctoral training, students are also expected to attend three practical training sessions in different laboratories or in industry. This allows them to learn new and innovative techniques that go beyond their own research field and to establish contact to possible employers.
A particular element of the training concept are the two intermediate examinations that students must pass on completion of their first and second years of study. Both exams take place during international meetings held in April and October of each year and consist of a poster presentation and/or a public talk. Through their public frame the exams help to actively integrate the graduates into the international scientific community and to ensure proper progress in the scientific project. PhD Students have the chance to seek advice from professional international scientists.
At the end of PhD studies, students can obtain the German degree Doctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat.) or the international degree Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The opportunity for graduates to choose their degrees is a unique feature of the Medical Faculty and the Graduate School at Ulm University.
The admission regulations stipulate clear criteria for selection: above average degree (M.Sc., state exam
); proof of proficiency in English; a scientific presentation before members of the faculty; and individual interviews with supervisors and members of the examination board.
In 2005, in order to combat deficiencies in the supervision and quality of medical theses, the Medical Faculty implemented the structured training program Experimental Medicine, which was subsequently adopted by the Graduate School in 2009. The requirement for entry is an above-average intermediate examination (part one of the national medical licensing exam). Doctoral candidates must interrupt their studies in medicine for nine months in order to concentrate fully on their experimental work. The Medical Faculty supports this program with 25 stipends
yearly including the study fee. Doctoral candidates submit reports on their research work in the program’s seminars in addition to giving presentations of up-to-date scientific literature in a Journal Club.
The German Research Foundation set up the Research Training Group of Molecular Diabetology and Endocrinology in Medicine at Ulm University in July 2004. The aim of the multi-faculty research training program is to convey theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of molecular diabetology
and endocrinology
both for students of human medicine and qualified natural scientists. The research training program provides a platform for advanced training in clinical-experimental medicine with the main emphasis on endocrinology, diabetology and metabolic diseases. This includes a research project carried out under the guidance of a senior scientist.
German Universities Excellence Initiative
The Excellence Initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German Research Foundation aims to promote cutting-edge research and to create outstanding conditions for young scientists at universities, to deepen cooperation between disciplines and institutions, to...
since 2007. It promotes and supports graduate education and training in the field of biomedical research. There are two structured training programs on offer: The International PhD Programme in Molecular Medicine Ulm for doctoral candidates in the natural sciences and the program Experimental Medicine for doctoral candidates in medicine.
Scientific profile
Molecular medicineMolecular medicine
Molecular medicine is a broad field, where physical, chemical, biological and medical techniques are used to describe molecular structures and mechanisms, identify fundamental molecular and genetic errors of disease, and to develop molecular interventions to correct them...
is a research focus of Ulm University, documented by various externally funded research networks in a national and international context. The Graduate School
Graduate school
A graduate school is a school that awards advanced academic degrees with the general requirement that students must have earned a previous undergraduate degree...
is responsible for the training of doctoral students within these networks and beyond. It is the objective of the Graduate School to strengthen the scientific performance of Ulm University in the field of Molecular Medicine. Main areas of research cover the topics Development, Regeneration and Degeneration, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Aging, the Hematopoietic System and Oncology and Cardiometabolic Disorders.
International PhD Programme in Molecular Medicine
- Speaker: Prof. Dr. Michael Kühl, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
A doctoral training program entitled International PhD Programme in Molecular Medicine was launched in October 2005. This English language postgraduate
Postgraduate education
Postgraduate education involves learning and studying for degrees or other qualifications for which a first or Bachelor's degree generally is required, and is normally considered to be part of higher education...
course offers a three-year structured doctorate. The training of researchers is the key task of the International PhD Programme in Molecular Medicine. The major aims in this respect are:
- to improve graduate training by creating an active, motivating, excellent and international research environment
- to foster critical thinking and acting, creativity and personal responsibility
- to encourage graduates to develop their own ideas, discuss them in an open forum and to convert them into meaningful action
- to generate an international environment within which students can work with tolerance and respect for people from different cultural backgrounds
- to encourage graduates to carry out independent scientific research by adopting a multilevel supervision and mentoring approach
- to guide graduate education by establishing a definitive and transparent program structure
- to advance graduate career opportunities in the academic world and in industry.
Each doctoral student is supervised by a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) consisting of three members. The TAC supervises PhD students in their daily laboratory work, monitors the progress of their work and evaluates oral examinations as well as the written dissertation. This multiple supervision approach supports the independence of the PhD students as young researchers.
| 1st Year | 2nd Year | 3rd Year | CP | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 1 | Term 2 | ||||
| Lecture Series | 3 | |||||||||
| Improve your textbook knowledge | 2 | |||||||||
| Journal Club | 6 | |||||||||
| Progress Report | 3 | |||||||||
| 2 Optional activities | 3 | |||||||||
| 3 Practical courses | 3 | |||||||||
| Doctoral thesis | exam | exam | ||||||||
| Disputation Disputation In the scholastic system of education of the Middle Ages, disputations offered a formalized method of debate designed to uncover and establish truths in theology and in sciences... |
exam | |||||||||
| Sum Credit Points (CP) | 20 | |||||||||
The International PhD Programme in Molecular Medicine is taught entirely in English. During the three-year period of studies, students must take part in a number of compulsory activities. Central teaching activities include the lecture Improve your Textbook Knowledge as well as a Journal Club and the biweekly seminar Progress Report. The lecture Improve your Textbook Knowledge allows graduates from different disciplines to refresh the basic knowledge needed to perform research in molecular medicine independently of their scientific background. In the seminar Progress Report, students are trained to communicate and present their own research data to their fellow students and to place it in a broader international context. Furthermore, graduates must attend a series of lectures presented by external speakers. Another compulsory course is the seminar Good Scientific Practice which takes place at the beginning of practical work.
In addition to curricular seminars and lectures, PhD students are offered a variety of optional activities, like organized excursions to pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Summer schools and other scientific events in cooperation with international partner universities and partners from industry motivate students to deepen their knowledge in basic science and practical applications
Applied science
Applied science is the application of scientific knowledge transferred into a physical environment. Examples include testing a theoretical model through the use of formal science or solving a practical problem through the use of natural science....
. Furthermore, scientific retreats focusing on particular research topics are offered. In addition, there are competence seminars organized in order to improve the employability of the graduates.
At present, up to 66% of the doctoral candidates of the Graduate School are female. Therefore, special initiatives have been adopted for female students and doctoral students with children. The gender program provides among others financial support for child day care, practical help with finding the right day care
Day care
Child care or day care is care of a child during the day by a person other than the child's legal guardians, typically performed by someone outside the child's immediate family...
and supports the participation in a Mentoring-Program (MuT) for junior female academics. Furthermore, the Graduate School finances technical assistants who conduct experiments for pregnant students. This enables female students to continue their PhD work during pregnancy. Re-entry fellowships are provided for doctoral students who had to interrupt their work due to maternity leave
Parental leave
Parental leave is an employee benefit that provides paid or unpaid time off work to care for a child or make arrangements for the child's welfare. Often, the term parental leave includes maternity, paternity, and adoption leave...
.
Within the first two years of doctoral training, students are also expected to attend three practical training sessions in different laboratories or in industry. This allows them to learn new and innovative techniques that go beyond their own research field and to establish contact to possible employers.
A particular element of the training concept are the two intermediate examinations that students must pass on completion of their first and second years of study. Both exams take place during international meetings held in April and October of each year and consist of a poster presentation and/or a public talk. Through their public frame the exams help to actively integrate the graduates into the international scientific community and to ensure proper progress in the scientific project. PhD Students have the chance to seek advice from professional international scientists.
At the end of PhD studies, students can obtain the German degree Doctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat.) or the international degree Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The opportunity for graduates to choose their degrees is a unique feature of the Medical Faculty and the Graduate School at Ulm University.
The admission regulations stipulate clear criteria for selection: above average degree (M.Sc., state exam
Staatsexamen
The ' is a German government licensing examination that future doctors, teachers, pharmacists, food chemists and jurists have to pass to be allowed to work in their profession. The examination is generally organized by government examination agencies which are under the authority of the...
); proof of proficiency in English; a scientific presentation before members of the faculty; and individual interviews with supervisors and members of the examination board.
Program Experimental Medicine
- Speaker: Prof. Dr. Thomas Wirth, Institute of Physiological Chemistry
In 2005, in order to combat deficiencies in the supervision and quality of medical theses, the Medical Faculty implemented the structured training program Experimental Medicine, which was subsequently adopted by the Graduate School in 2009. The requirement for entry is an above-average intermediate examination (part one of the national medical licensing exam). Doctoral candidates must interrupt their studies in medicine for nine months in order to concentrate fully on their experimental work. The Medical Faculty supports this program with 25 stipends
Stipend
A stipend is a form of salary, such as for an internship or apprenticeship. It is often distinct from a wage or a salary because it does not necessarily represent payment for work performed, instead it represents a payment that enables somebody to be exempt partly or wholly from waged or salaried...
yearly including the study fee. Doctoral candidates submit reports on their research work in the program’s seminars in addition to giving presentations of up-to-date scientific literature in a Journal Club.
Research Training Group 1041: Molecular Diabetology and Endocrinology in Medicine
- Speaker: Prof. Dr. Bernhard Böhm, Department of Internal Medicine I
The German Research Foundation set up the Research Training Group of Molecular Diabetology and Endocrinology in Medicine at Ulm University in July 2004. The aim of the multi-faculty research training program is to convey theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of molecular diabetology
Diabetology
Diabetology is the clinical science of diabetes mellitus, its diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. It can be considered a specialised field of endocrinology.The term diabetologist is used in several ways...
and endocrinology
Endocrinology
Endocrinology is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions called hormones, the integration of developmental events such as proliferation, growth, and differentiation and the coordination of...
both for students of human medicine and qualified natural scientists. The research training program provides a platform for advanced training in clinical-experimental medicine with the main emphasis on endocrinology, diabetology and metabolic diseases. This includes a research project carried out under the guidance of a senior scientist.
International partner institutions
Since its foundation in 2006, the Graduate School has established close cooperation with the following international partner institutions:- Barts and Queen Mary’s CollegeQueen Mary, University of LondonQueen Mary, University of London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom and a constituent college of the federal University of London...
in London, UK
- Biocenter OuluUniversity of OuluThe University of Oulu is one of the largest universities in Finland, located in the city of Oulu. It was founded on July 8, 1958. The university has around 16,000 students and 3,000 staff...
, Finland
- Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School is the graduate medical school of Harvard University. It is located in the Longwood Medical Area of the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts....
in Boston, USA
- Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyThe Huazhong University of Science and Technology is a public, coeducational research university located in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. As a national key university, HUST is directly affiliated to the Ministry of Education of China. HUST has been referred as the flagship of China's higher...
/Tongji Medical CollegeTongji Medical CollegeTongji Medical College , formerly Tongji Medical University is a top medical School in China. Now the college has been a significant part of the new Huazhong University of Science and Technology since 2000...
in Wuhan, China
- University of HoustonUniversity of HoustonThe University of Houston is a state research university, and is the flagship institution of the University of Houston System. Founded in 1927, it is Texas's third-largest university with nearly 40,000 students. Its campus spans 667 acres in southeast Houston, and was known as University of...
, USA - University of PaduaUniversity of PaduaThe University of Padua is a premier Italian university located in the city of Padua, Italy. The University of Padua was founded in 1222 as a school of law and was one of the most prominent universities in early modern Europe. It is among the earliest universities of the world and the second...
, Italy
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
, USA - Università ‘Campus Bio-Medico’ di Roma, Italy
- Universitat autònoma de BarcelonaAutonomous University of BarcelonaThe Autonomous University of Barcelona is a public university mostly located in Cerdanyola, near the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain....
, Spain
See also
- City of UlmUlmUlm is a city in the federal German state of Baden-Württemberg, situated on the River Danube. The city, whose population is estimated at 120,000 , forms an urban district of its own and is the administrative seat of the Alb-Donau district. Ulm, founded around 850, is rich in history and...
- Ulm University
- German Research FoundationDeutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftThe Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is an important German research funding organization and the largest such organization in Europe.-Function:...
- German Universities Excellence InitiativeGerman Universities Excellence InitiativeThe Excellence Initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German Research Foundation aims to promote cutting-edge research and to create outstanding conditions for young scientists at universities, to deepen cooperation between disciplines and institutions, to...
- List of Graduate Schools funded by the Excellence Initiative