With the first class admitted in 1982, the Division of Basic Medical Sciences (DBMS) embarked on an innovative approach to interdisciplinary teaching and research. It is home to all preclinical faculty members from the basic sciences disciplines: Anatomy/Embryology, Biochemistry/Nutrition, Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Physiology. All Division faculty members assume major responsibilities in the educational program, but they also participate in research and service activities. Integration of the basic sciences with clinical medicine is a keynote of our educational program. The first two years' curriculum, which is a shared responsibility between basic sciences and clinical faculty, is delivered through a problem-based format to small groups of students who meet regularly for five- or six-week periods throughout the first and second years. Materials from the different basic sciences disciplines and pathology is integrated in a manner relevant to clinical cases under discussion in each phase. All DBMS faculty members take on three roles in this teaching program: a facilitator of group learning, a resource person, and an evaluator. Collectively the roles comprise what we call “tutor.” Many faculty members also hold joint appointments in our clinical departments, where they participate in teaching and research projects. DBMS is moving into a new phase of research growth by recruiting faculty with major interests in research, by increasing collaboration between basic science and clinical faculty, and by fostering a unique graduate program. The program offers the degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and is a two-year, research-based graduate course of study. Students will work closely with research mentors in either the Division of Basic Medical Sciences on the Macon Campus or in the Department of Biomedical Sciences on the Savannah Campus. The goal of this program is to prepare students for further postgraduate studies in the biomedical sciences or for employment in either academic research laboratories or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries. Following successful completion of a research thesis, students will be awarded the degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in one of the disciplines represented by the basic science faculty. | | 
Roy Russ, Ph.D.
Chair
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