The Comparative and Experimental Medicine (CEM) graduate program is focused on the comparative approach to the study of biomedical and veterinary sciences. CEM provides a unique opportunity to study disease processes common in animals and humans from a multi-disciplinary perspective. The program is beneficial to students seeking biomedical training. The goal of the CEM graduate program is to prepare students for research and/or academic careers in the health sciences.
We offer a Thesis and Non-Thesis Master of Science (MS) degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, a Dual DVM/Masters degree, and a Dual DVM/PhD degree. Although we do not have an undergraduate program, we offer a One Health Minor to all undergraduate and graduate students at UTK.
MS Thesis: 30 hours total
- 14 credit hours in Core Coursework*
- *CEM 504 Descriptive and Applied Epidemiology (3 credit hours)
- *CEM 541 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease (3 credit hours)
- *CEM 616 Comparative & Experimental Medicine Seminar (1 credit hour)
- *Journal Clubs 500- or 600-level (4 credit hours)
- *Statistics 500- or 600-level (3 credit hours)
- 10 credit hours in Graduate Coursework (level 500 or above)
- 8 of those credit hours in Research Emphasis Area.
- The research emphasis area may include epidemiology, imaging, immunology, infectious diseases, medicine, molecular and cellular biology, nutrition and metabolism, oncology, parasitology, pathology, pharmacology, regenerative medicine and tissue regeneration, surgery, or toxicology. Exceptions to accommodate students with interests not listed above must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies after application, in writing. The purpose of the research emphasis area is to focus the student’s final examination.
- 2 of those credit hours in Electives
- 8 of those credit hours in Research Emphasis Area.
- 6 credit hours in CEM 500 Thesis
MS Non-Thesis: 30 hours total
- 14 credit hours in Core Coursework*
- *CEM 504 Descriptive and Applied Epidemiology (3 credit hours)
- *CEM 541 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease (3 credit hours)
- *CEM 616 Comparative & Experimental Medicine Seminar (1 credit hour)
- *Journal Clubs 500- or 600-level (4 credit hours)
- *Statistics 500- or 600-level (3 credit hours)
- 10 credit hours in Graduate Coursework (level 500 or above)
- 8 of those credit hours in Research Emphasis Area.
- The research emphasis area may include epidemiology, imaging, immunology, infectious diseases, medicine, molecular and cellular biology, nutrition and metabolism, oncology, parasitology, pathology, pharmacology, regenerative medicine and tissue regeneration, surgery, or toxicology. Exceptions to accommodate students with interests not listed above must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies after application, in writing. The purpose of the research emphasis area is to focus the student’s final examination.
- 2 of those credit hours in Electives
- 8 of those credit hours in Research Emphasis Area.
- 6 credit hours in CEM 501, 510, or 515, in which the student prepares an analytical research paper that thoroughly identifies and explores a scientific, technical, or social science issue associated with the field. This paper will be presented as a public seminar, followed by an oral comprehensive examination (defense) by the student’s committee.
Additional Requirements for MS Students
- Present at one UTCVM Research Day, held each fall semester.
- Complete Responsible Conduct of Research Training either through CITI online modules or taking CEM 525 Research Ethics for 1 credit.
- Submit an annual progress report each summer.
- Form your MS Committee by the end of your second semester.
- For MS Thesis Students:
- As your final exam, pass an oral defense of your written thesis.
- A written thesis based on the culmination of an original research project; the thesis must be approved by the student’s graduate committee and The University of Tennessee Graduate School.
- For MS Non-Thesis Students:
- As your final exam, pass an oral defense of your written research paper.
- A written research paper based on the culmination of an original research project.
Students entering with a master’s or professional degree: 72 hours total
- 16 credit hours in Core Coursework*
- *CEM 504 Descriptive and Applied Epidemiology (3 credit hours)
- *CEM 541 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease (3 credit hours)
- *CEM 616 Comparative & Experimental Medicine Seminar (1 credit hour)
- *Journal Clubs 500- or 600-level (6 credit hours)
- *Statistics 500- or 600-level (3 credit hours)
- 32 credit hours in Graduate Coursework as described below
- 8 of the 32 credit hours must be in your Research Emphasis Area
- The research emphasis area may include epidemiology, imaging, immunology, infectious diseases, medicine, molecular and cellular biology, nutrition and metabolism, oncology, parasitology, pathology, pharmacology, regenerative medicine and tissue regeneration, surgery, or toxicology. Exceptions to accommodate students with interests not listed above must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies after application, in writing. The purpose of the research emphasis area is to focus the student’s final examination.
- 24 of the 32 credit hours are graduate coursework electives.
- 8 of the 32 credit hours must be in your Research Emphasis Area
- 24 credit hours of course CEM 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation.
Students without a master’s or professional degree: 96 credit hours total
- 16 credit hours in Core Coursework*
- *CEM 504 Descriptive and Applied Epidemiology (3 credit hours)
- *CEM 541 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease (3 credit hours)
- *CEM 616 Comparative & Experimental Medicine Seminar (1 credit hour)
- *Journal Clubs 500- or 600-level (6 credit hours)
- *Statistics 500- or 600-level (3 credit hours)
- 56 credit hours in Graduate Coursework as described below
- 8 of the 32 credit hours must be in your Research Emphasis Area
- The research emphasis area may include epidemiology, imaging, immunology, infectious diseases, medicine, molecular and cellular biology, nutrition and metabolism, oncology, parasitology, pathology, pharmacology, regenerative medicine and tissue regeneration, surgery, or toxicology. Exceptions to accommodate students with interests not listed above must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies after application, in writing. The purpose of the research emphasis area is to focus the student’s final examination.
- 48 of the 56 credit hours are graduate coursework electives.
- 8 of the 32 credit hours must be in your Research Emphasis Area
- 24 credit hours of course CEM 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation.
- Students without a master’s or professional degree: 96 credit hours total
Additional Requirements for ALL PhD Students
- Present at TWO UTCVM Research Days, held each fall semester.
- Complete Responsible Conduct of Research Training either through CITI online modules or taking CEM 525 Research Ethics for 1 credit.
- Submit an annual progress report each summer.
- Form your PhD Committee by the end of your first year.
- Pass your Comprehensive Examination by the end of your third year, or two semesters before graduation, whichever occurs first.
- As your final exam, pass an oral defense of your written dissertation.
- A written dissertation based on the culmination of an original research project; the dissertation must be approved by the student’s graduate committee and The University of Tennessee Graduate School.
