Masters of Science Degree in Biomedical and Translational Science (MD/MS-BATS)

The UCI School of Medicine offers five programs that allow our medical students to earn concurrent degrees and tailor their studies to particular career interests and goals. The MS-BATS program is a Masters of Science degree in biomedical science and translational science.

Dual Degree Overview

The dual degree MD/MS-BATS program is intended to integrate clinical research training skills with the medical school curriculum by allowing medical students to be enrolled in both degree programs concurrently. The program provides training in core competencies required to conduct clinical research including:

  • Study design reflecting the breadth and complexity of clinical research applications
  • Critical appraisal of multidisciplinary research literature
  • Conduct and management of clinical research
  • Medical statistics
  • Research ethics
  • Leadership of multidisciplinary research teams 

Students who successfully complete the program receive the MS degree in Biomedical and Translational Science. Medical students receive two separate degrees and diplomas: An MS-BATS degree and an MD degree from the School of Medicine at the completion of School of Medicine work. The MS-BATS can be conferred before completion of the MD, or concurrently with the MD degree.

Mitochondrial research

Program Emphasis

The MS-BATS program offers training in evidence-based medicine and clinical research, not offered elsewhere on the UCI campus. Students who have enrolled in both our MD program and our MS-BATS program leave UCI prepared to build the evidence base now needed to support physicians and patients in making optimal, personalized treatment decisions. The dual degree program allows medical students to complete their research project in time allotted for electives and unassigned time in their final year of medical school. By exception only, medical students and some students entering the program with advanced degrees, clinical research experience, or those who have previously completed the four core courses may be able to complete the program in less than two years.

Curriculum

The MS-BATS 1-year curriculum (accelerated path) involves one year – three academic quarters plus one summer quarter – of coursework and research training. Students develop a study design, conduct research, write, defend and submit a thesis in one year, applying the principles learned throughout the year. UCI medical students interested in the accelerated program are required to enroll in the summer ethics course in the summer before fall quarter entry.

Year 1

Summer

Fall

Winter

Spring

Saturday

Ethics in Clinical
Research (BATS 296)

Introduction to Medical
Statistics (BATS 209A)

Introduction to Clinical
Epidemiology (BATS 210A)

Design and Analysis
of Clinical Trials (BATS 232)

Thursday

Health Politics and Policy (BATS 255)

Introduction to Medical Statistics II (BATS 209B)

Quality Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness (BATS 251)

Thursday

Disparities in Health and Healthcare (BATS 253)

Measurement Science, Outcomes Research & Advanced Applied Methods (BATS 247)

Comparative Effectiveness Research (BATS 245A)

Thursday

BATS (280) Seminar

BATS (280) Seminar

BATS (280) Seminar

Optional Elective

  • Independent Directed Research (BATS 299)
  • MS Thesis Research & Writing (BATS 295)

Optional Elective

  • Independent Directed Research (BATS 299)
  • MS Thesis Research & Writing (BATS 295)

Optional Elective

  • Independent Directed Research (BATS 299)
  • MS Thesis Research & Writing (BATS 295)
Headshot
Not only did I gain the practical skills to publish abstracts and manuscripts, but I also learned the theoretical background to interpret data with a clinical perspective. -Edward Choi, MD/MS Dual Degree Graduate

Faculty evaluate applicants to the program on the basis of grades, previous course work, letters of recommendation, and other relevant qualifications. All graduate students, including those from public health, nursing science, and pharmaceutical science are eligible to apply, but the program has a highly clinical focus and is specifically designed for those with a sufficient background in clinical sciences. Applicants should have successfully completed a BS or equivalent, and may be current medical students, residents, clinical fellows, faculty, or licensed physicians in the community.

Apply Now

The MS-BATS program offers a one-year accelerated program for those with proven clinical research experience. Applicants interested in the accelerated program must receive prior approval from the program director. To initiate a review, send your CV to the MS-BATS chief program officer. 

UCI medical students interested in the accelerated program are required to enroll in the summer ethics course in the summer before fall quarter entry.

MS-BATS Program