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Degree Requirements

The BCB PhD program combines didactic training with research and teaching experience to prepare students for a growing number of careers in bioinformatics and computational biology.  The elements described below together ensure a high standard of scholarship and scientific proficiency.  It is expected that all students will complete these requirements within five years.

PhD requirements at a glance:

Year 1

  • 5 BCB Core Modules
  • BCB Colloquium (2 semesters)
  • 3 Laboratory Rotations (arranged through BBSP)
  • A proportion of the 12 required credits of elective courses (eg, a 3 credit course, or 1 credit modules)
  • Written Qualifying Exam (*may be postponed to Year 2 with permission if Core Modules not complete)
  • Select Thesis Advisor(s)

Year 2

  • Any of the Core Modules not completed in Year 1
  • BCB grant writing course
  • BCB Colloquium (2 semesters)
  • A greater proportion of the 12 required credits of Elective Courses (eg, most or all of the remaining credits)
  • Participation in the student seminar series
  • Work with Advisor to create Individual Development Plan (IDP) in the Fall. This should be filed with the Curriculum Office annually.
  • Select Committee (Must be approved by BCB Director.)
  • Initial Committee Meeting

Years 3-5

  • Oral Qualifying Exam (Must be completed before the end of Year 3)
  • Annual Committee Meetings (Minimum every 12 months.)
  • Any additional credits of Elective Courses required to bring the total to 12 elective credits.
  • Review and update Individual Development Plan (IDP) annually with Advisor.  Updates filed with the Curriculum Office.
  • Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) refresher course (Year 4).
  • Present at BCB Student Seminar Series each semester (this is optional when it is the semester of the Oral Defense)
  • Thesis Research
  • 1st Author Publication (s)
  • Dissertation and Oral Defense