Track IIB – Basic Science Research Training for the MD
Track IIB is designed to develop basic research scientists. Trainees without prior research training will take graduate level courses during the first academic year. If undecided about a mentor and research project, the trainee can do laboratory rotations and expeditiously select a primary mentor(s), formulate a research proposal, and convene a RAC. Trainees with sufficient basic or clinical research experience, can begin the research project immediately.

Track II trainees typically enter the MMPTP in August, following completion of the residency program. The table below provides a representative schedule and timetable. In brief, the track IIB trainee will take two semesters of graduate courses, similar to first year curriculum of most biomedical graduate students, to provide a solid foundation for basic research training. In addition, there are several mini-courses, and a trainee may take four to all six, depending on his or her interests, background, and preparation. Concurrently with coursework, the Track IIB trainee will embark on laboratory research. After the first year, the trainee will follow the plan outlined for Track I trainees. However, the Track IIB trainee will be permitted to do clinical work one-half day per week to maintain proficiency.

Year 1	Fall • Take Responsible Conduct Course (4 days in August) • Select three or more mini-courses: CMB-247 Macromolecular Synthesis CMB-258 Structural Biochemistry I BCH- 259 Structural Biochemistry II CMB-297 Modern Techniques in Molecular Biology CMB-298 Physical Chemistry for Biologists CMB-203 Introduction to Physiology • Select two full-semester courses: UPG-278 Genetics – Solutions to Biological Problems CBI-251 Molecular Cell Biology • One or two research laboratory rotations, if needed • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Clinical service one-half day per week Spring • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Take required courses: MGM-282 Microbial Pathogenesis IMM-291 Comprehensive Immunology • Select two or more of these or other electives with advice from RAC: BIO-220 Mycology GEN-222 Genetic Analysis of Cellular Function GEN-260 Gene Regulatory Mechanisms CBI-417 Cellular Signaling BCH-268 Nucleic Acids BCH-270 Mechanistic Enzymology • Apply for Molecular Pathogenic Mycology Course at Woods Hole • Clinical service one-half day per week Summer • Full-time research in the mentor’s laboratory • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Take the Medical Mycology course at Duke (10 half-day sessions) • Attend Molecular Pathogenic Mycology Course at Woods Hole in August • Clinical service one-half day per week
Year 2	Fall • Full-time research in the mentor’s laboratory • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Clinical service one-half day per week Spring • Full-time research in the mentor’s laboratory • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Attend the UNC-CH Workshop on career issues and mentoring • Select undergraduate research assistant for the summer • Clinical service one-half day per week Summer • Full-time research in laboratory of training faculty • Supervise undergraduate summer research project (May to August) • Attend the Molecular Pathogenic Mycology Course at Woods Hole in August (if not accepted in Year 1) • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Clinical service one-half day per week • Report research at national or international meeting
Year 3	• Full-time research in the mentor’s laboratory • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Apply for individual grant, fellowship or academic position • Complete research projects, submit papers, attend and present at meetings • Clinical service one-half day per week

[Back to Postdoctoral Training Programs]