Students in PIBBS and in any of the PIBBS-affiliated Ph.D. programs will have the opportunity to apply for membership in a research training program sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with two main goals: 1) to foster an interdisciplinary approach to biological and biomedical research; 2) to introduce students to methods of computational biology used to analyze complex data sets.

Today, research in biomedical and biological sciences requires an interdisciplinary approach, since major advances require that we understand the mechanism and physiological roles of a specific gene, a protein, or a process at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Because of the broad range of theoretical and technical expertise required for interdisciplinary research, scientists must learn how to consult and collaborate widely with other scientists. Due to the highly interactive and collaborative attitude that exists here, USC provides an unparalleled environment for students to learn how to conduct and collaborate in interdisciplinary research.

In addition, biological and biomedical research today increasingly involves the analysis of complex data sets such as the sequence of the human genome, expression patterns for large sets of genes or proteins, or factors associated with specific diseases. USC provides a unique opportunity for learning such skills, since the USC programs in epidemiology (quantitative assessment of disease patterns and factors associated with disease risk) and in computational genetics (development and use of mathematical algorithms for analyzing the human genome and patterns of gene expression) are among the best in the world.

Students in the Research Training Program will come from a broad variety of disciplines to provide exposure to a broad range of research areas and to acquaint students with peers and faculty in other disciplines who can serve as potential consultants and collaborators. Each student will belong to one of the PIBBS-affiliated Ph.D. programs, participate in all the designated activities of that Ph.D. program, and participate in the following additional activities:

1) a course emphasizing computational biology applied to genetics and/or human disease; these courses will introduce students to methods for analyzing the information in the human genome or for assessing disease risk associated with human behavioral, environmental, or genetic factors.

2) a seminar composed of research presentations by all participating students

3) special advisement and mentoring by faculty and senior students

4) social activities designed to strengthen interpersonal relationships that may lead to interdisciplinary consultation and collaboration