Master of Translational Research
Translational Therapeutics Track
The translational therapeutics track focuses on discovery of new treatments in an academic
setting and transfer of this technology to industry for implementation in clinical practice. There
are three main components to this curriculum: a core didactic class in Therapeutics
Development (MTR 620); an internship in industry; and a thesis project with a focus in
translational therapeutics. This program is directed by Steven Siegel, M.D., Ph.D., who joined
the MTR administration with the express mission of enhancing training in commercialization of
academic technology.
The Translational Therapeutics Course (MTR 620) directed by Dr. Siegel combines three
modules that span 1) Therapeutic Discovery in an academic setting, 2) Technology Transfer
and 3) the Commercialization process. This course will be taken in lieu of one elective course
within the MTR program requirements.
Internships in Industry provides an opportunity for students to train in industry for 10 weeks
under the shared guidance of a Penn faculty mentor (Steven Siegel) and a designated
supervisor at the collaborating site. Internships are available in a range of activities within the
pharmaceutical industry, including basic science discovery, clinical trials design, regulatory
affairs and marketing. Students gain hands on experience for translating technology while
companies foster greater interactions with academia as well as being able to teach MTR
students the roles they can play in the pharmaceutical industry as a potential career path. This
will be considered equivalent to a laboratory rotation for the MTR degree program.
Degree Requirements
The MTR degree is composed of 12 credit units
MTR Standard Courses:
1. MTR 600 Introductory Biostatistics
2. MTR 601 Review Writing
3. MTR 602 Proposal Development
4. MTR 603 Disease Measurement
5. MTR 604 Scientific and Ethical Conduct
6. MTR 605 Manuscript Writing
7. MTR 999 Lab
8. Elective
Track specific courses:
9. MTR 620 Translational Therapeutics
10. MTR 999 Industry Internship
Thesis focused in translational therapeutics:
11. MTR 607 Thesis
12. MTR 608 Thesis
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