>

IGP Pathway Overview

hehe

Welcome to the IGP

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Pathway (IGP) in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences is a leading integrative biomedical graduate training pathway, designed to foster creative and analytical thinkers, geared to tackle the quickly evolving world of research and technology. As a pathway for graduate research in one of the 11 participating programs, the IGP provides a strong foundation for biomedical dissertation work.

Located in beautiful Nashville TN, Vanderbilt University is a premier research facility that ranks among the top institutions in the country with a unique infrastructure that encourages collaboration.

We encourage you to explore our website, and feel free to reach out and contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to getting to know you!

Image

A Message from the IGP Director

Welcome to the home page for the Vanderbilt Interdisciplinary Graduate Pathway in Biomedical Sciences.  The IGP offers opportunities for rigorous, high-level training in multiple areas across the general field of biomedicine and builds on Vanderbilt’s collaborative spirit.  With world-class faculty and facilities, you will have the ability to do cutting-edge, impactful research and also gain insight into the myriad career paths open to Ph.D. graduates.

Enjoy exploring these pages and discover what Vanderbilt IGP has to offer!

-Dr. Madhvi Venkatesh

About the IGP

The IGP is designed to prepare students with the foundational knowledge required in each discipline and to hone the analytical skills necessary for conducting insightful and creative research. In today’s quickly-evolving world of science, researchers pushing forward discovery and innovation must critically evaluate information and connect links between fields. Thus, the main goal of the IGP year is not to absorb vast quantities of facts, but to learn how to be a creative and analytical thinker who can gain information as needed from the scientific literature.

  • Didactic coursework in the fall semester provides competency-based training in core disciplines that serve as a prerequisite for performing life-long cutting-edge research in the molecular and cellular sciences.
  • Small group discussion sections complement didactic training to learn how to critically analyze the primary literature and to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of the major experimental approaches that underlie discovery-based science.
  • Four laboratory rotations in the first year, prior to selecting a final research lab, allows students to experience different research environments and areas. 

This pathway to entry into the Ph.D. programs in the Biomedical Sciences at Vanderbilt is designed to provide a personalized, flexible approach to accommodate a wide range of educational backgrounds and specific interests.

Is the IGP the Right Program for Me?

Applicants with a strong biology background are equipt to handle the coursework in the first semester IGP curriculum. Undergraduate majors/minors and courses in biology, molecular and cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry provide strong preparation.

Applicants with neuroscience training are also prepared, especially if the coursework has a biology focus and includes chemistry and physiology. Applicants with a strong psychology/neuroscience background might find the Neuroscience PhD or Psychological Sciences program a better fit. 

If your background and coursework are in more quantitative areas such as engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science or data science without many/any biology courses then the Quantitative and Chemical Biology Program (QCB) may be a better fit. 

If you are still unsure, please contact our Director of Recruitment to discuss the best option for your PhD training.

What departments and programs are affiliated with the IGP?

The coursework and research components of the first year IGP experience prepare students for research careers in which they are able to bring state-of-the art tools to address cutting-edge biological problems.

There are 11 departments and programs affiliated with the IGP.

There are also faculty in Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics that have an affiliation with the IGP. Please explore our website to learn more about the exciting and comprehensive training provided by the IGP. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Application Deadlines

  • Our online application for Fall 2027 opens August 1.
  • Our Priority deadline is November 15.
  • The Final Submission deadline is December 1.