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Introduction and Mission Statement

A unique environment for graduate training in pathobiology and translational science…

Program Introduction

Pathobiology is the study of disease (pathology), with more emphasis on the biologic rather than the medical aspects of the field. It stands at the interface between medicine (the diagnosis and treatment of disease) and biology, and therefore expands our understanding of disease processes and translates that understanding into better disease diagnosis and treatment. Because of its nature, a research-based graduate program in Pathobiology and Translational Science fits naturally into our Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and compliments the clinical divisions of our department.

Our program offers outstanding graduate level training in the mechanisms of disease and translational research, leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in pathology. Experimental pathologists apply methods of cellular and molecular biology to study interactions of etiologic agents with cellular macromolecules. They are interested in how these interactions lead to the expression of disease at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismic levels, and how this knowledge can be applied to advance patient healthcare. Training in Pathobiology and Translational Science provides the biological background and opportunity for development of basic and translational research in areas at the forefront of medicine. Our program emphasizes the inquiry into human disease processes by using a multilevel approach to research and state-of-the-art techniques. Graduates of this training program fill positions within academia, industry, and government that are concerned with human health, and the cause and prevention of human illness.

Search this site to learn more about the graduate program in Pathobiology and Translational Science, our graduate students, their research, publications, and honors and awards. You can also follow us on the Pathobiology and Translational Science graduate program Twitter page, which includes information on recent graduate student awards, publications, research, and social events.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Graduate Program in Pathobiology and Translational Science is to provide opportunities for students to (1) acquire knowledge and advance their understanding of the origins and pathogenesis of human disease, and the consequences of pathology on human physiology, (2) develop basic methodological skills, state-of-the-art investigative techniques, and advanced experimental approaches to enable them to elucidate mechanisms of human disease, (3) harness their laboratory skills in experimental pathology to generate new scientific knowledge related to mechanisms of disease and human pathology, (4) gain experience in the practical aspects of scientific writing as it relates to dissemination of scientific knowledge and generation of scientific proposals, and (5) prepare for future careers in science, including but not limited to basic scientific research, translational research, industrial research and development, biotechnology, governmental research and regulation, and teaching of undergraduate, graduate, medical, or allied health students.

Our mission statement supports the mission of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the mission of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.

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