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. There are six required elements described below that 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
- 1 or 2 Foundational/Elective Courses (3 credits each) *Note that three 1 credit modules may count as 1 elective course.
- BCB Colloquium (2 semesters)
- 3 Laboratory Rotations (arranged through BBSP)
- Written Qualifying Exam (*may be postponed to Year 2 with permission if Core Modules not complete)
Year 2
- 2 or 3 Elective Courses (3 credits each or a combination of modules totaling 3 credit hours for each course credit)
- Any of the Core Modules not completed in Year 1
- BCB Colloquium (2 semesters)
- Select Thesis Advisor and Committee (Must be approved by BCB Director.)
- Initial Committee Meeting
- Work with Advisor to create Individual Development Plan (IDP) by the end of Year 2. This should be filed with the Curriculum Office.
Years 3-5
- Oral Qualifying Exam (Must be completed before the end of Year 3)
- Annual Committee Meetings (Minimum every 12 months.)
- Any additional 3 Credit Elective Courses necessary to bring the total number of electives taken to 4.
- Review Individual Development Plan (IDP) annually with Advisor. Updates filed with the Curriculum Office.
- BCB Colloquium presentation during final year at UNC
- Thesis Research
- 1st Author Publication (s)
- Dissertation and Oral Defense