biomedical sciences student at microscope

Joint Biomedical Sciences Program

Doctor of Medicine/Biomedical Sciences (M.D./Ph.D.)

Combine comprehensive research and your passion for patient care to solve the health care problems of today as a physician-scientist.

The joint M.D./Ph.D. degree is a challenging one. You'll investigate and explore the processes that govern the functioning of molecules, cells and organisms while acquiring the medical knowledge and experience necessary to treat patients.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
6+ years
Credit hours:
90

Why earn a combined doctorate in biomedical sciences?

Application Deadline
Fall:
Jan. 31* | April 1

*Priority application deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The joint M.D./Ph.D. program will allow you to see how the results of research discoveries and insights can be converted into clinically significant outcomes.

The program is offered through the cooperation of the School of Graduate Studies and the School of Medicine & Health Sciences It will take at least six years of full-time academic study to complete the joint program.

If interested, you first need to obtain admission to the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program through the normal application process. Once admitted, you'll be eligible to apply for admission to the Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences program.

The joint M.D./Ph.D. program will help you develop theoretical and experimental approaches to solve problems on hypothesis-driven research. Most physician-scientists go on to practice medicine with a keen eye for legitimate research findings that will benefit their patients.

Biomedical Sciences at UND

  • Contribute to research at one of the nation's premier facilities for the study of drug addiction and neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Use the most advanced technology at our 20,000-square-foot Center for Biomedical Research.

  • Obtain a university stipend for accepting a teaching or research assistantship.

  • Network with your colleagues through the Biomedical Graduate Student Association.

  • Participate in research. UND's Department of Biomedical Sciences ranks #2 in the nation for research funding from the National Institutes of Health.

  • Study at a Carnegie R1 Institution ranked #144 by the NSF. In 2025, just 187 American universities held the R1 status.

 

Biomedical Science Careers

101k

Median annual salary for medical scientists, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

9%

Projected job outlook for medical scientists through 2034 (much faster than the average for all occupations)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A combined doctorate in biomedical sciences prepares you for a rewarding career in a clinical setting or as a researcher. Our program prepares you for self-directed, lifelong learning and careers as independent scientists.

Our graduates have gone on to careers as:

  • Clinical research scientists
  • College professors
  • Clinical directors

Biomedical Sciences Courses

BIMD 510. Basic Biomedical Statistics. 2 Credits.

A series of lectures, demonstrations and exercises to provide students with the basic rationales for the use of statistics in the assessment of biomedical data and a selected set of the most common and useful statistical tests. Prerequisite: BIMD 500 or permission of course director. S.

BIMD 534. Microbial Cell Structure and Function. 1 Credit.

Microbial cells have unique structures that relate their functions. Students completing this course will have an understanding of how prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms differ and how different structures can be used to obtain similar functions. They will understand how microbial structures influence interactions between microbes and between microbes and eukaryotic organisms. Prerequisite: BIMD 502 or consent of instructor. S.

BIMD 539. Readings in Microbiology and Immunology. 1-4 Credits.

A supervised readings course on topics of mutual interest to the student and a faculty member. Prerequisite: BIMD 502 or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 4.00 credits. On demand.

BIMD 591. Advanced Topics in Biomedical Sciences. 1-3 Credits.

A series of lectures, discussions and/or laboratory experiences developed around a specific topic in the biomedical sciences. Repeatable as topics vary. Prerequisite: BIMD 502 or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. On demand.

BIMD 520. Principles of Neuroanatomy. 2 Credits.

In this course students will learn the fundamental principles of neuroscience, particularly gross and cellular anatomy, development and systems physiology of the nervous system. Behavioral, cognitive and clinical manifestations of abnormal neural functions will also be addressed. Prerequisite: BIMD 502 or permission of instructor. F.

BIMD 521. Neurophysiology. 2 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to the electrical properties of neuronal membranes. The course is organized to first provide a brief review of the basic properties of semi-permeable membranes. The electrical and biochemistry principles that apply to neuronal membranes are discussed. Prerequisite: BIMD 502 or consent of instructor. F.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.