Curriculum
At Harvard Medical School, the Master of Medical Sciences in Therapeutic Sciences immerses students in research-intensive, hands-on coursework that prepares them to succeed in a wide range of research careers in biomedical research or to pursue further education. Completion of the residential, in-person MMSc in Therapeutic Sciences program requires 64 credits, with 36 credits dedicated to lab-based mentored research. Based on the desired area of scientific specialization and the thesis project, students select advanced training in either biochemical or cell biology-based methodologies. In their second years, students will primarily focus on their Mentored Research/Thesis work, including generating data, analyzing data, and writing and defending the thesis.
The MMSc in Therapeutic Sciences program curriculum covers the following key topic areas:
- Fundamentals in biochemistry, cell biology, and assay development
- Biophysical and biochemical mechanisms of protein function
- Principles of cell biology
- Scientific communication and data visualization
- Data literacy
- Professional skills development
The program also includes a seminar series and journal clubs that expose students to real-world experiences and case studies that reflect the newest developments, challenges, and trends in the industry.
Year 1
- Fundamentals in Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Assay Development (8 credits)
- Data Literacy (4 credits)
- Seminar Series and Journal Club* (1 credit)
- Thesis Research (2 credits)
*Full-year course
- Scientific Communication, and Data Visualization (4 credits)
- Biophysical and Biochemical Mechanisms of Protein Function* (4 credits)
- Principles of Cell Biology* (4 credits)
- Thesis Research (6 credits)
- Possible elective(s)** (2-4 credits)
*Students will select between one of the courses: either BCMP 250 or CB 201
**Not required
Year 2
- Professional Skills Development (2 credits)
- Thesis Research* (14 credits)
- Possible elective(s)** (2-4 credits)
*Occurs over Summer and Fall Sessions
**Not required
- Thesis Research (14 credits)
- Seminar Series and Journal Club* (1 credit)
- Possible elective(s)** (2-4 credits)
*Full-year course
**Not required