phd in biological education

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Doctorate of Biological Education

• College of Natural and Health Sciences
• Graduate Programs

Contact: Dr. Lauryn Benedict, 970-351-3364 (telephone), [email protected] (e-mail).

University catalogs:   http://unco.smartcatalogiq.com/

Make new discoveries and participate in the creation of novel information with leading educators and scientists at the School of Biological Sciences at UNC!  This unique program leads to a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Biological Education.  Become a multifaceted scholar and educator with a solid background in biology and teaching of biology by working closely with our faculty to develop and advance your skills in teaching and research.  This degree program is offered at the main UNC campus in Greeley, Colorado.

How does this degree program work?

The degree program specializes in training biologists to be experts in their disciplines and outstanding college biology teachers. This is accomplished through the completion of course work, a dissertation research project, and a supervised teaching experience. Before beginning this program, you should identify a potential faculty research mentor (or mentors) from among the doctora research faculty in the School of Biological Sciences.  Together with your research mentor, you will develop a program of research that focuses on your interests and complements the expertise of the faculty, culminating in the production of the PhD dissertation. All dissertations represent rigorous research in biology or biology education.

In the Ph.D. degree program, you will develop expertise in the concepts, reasoning, and skills of doing science and you will develop expertise in the principles and methods of teaching biology (e.g., pedagogy).  Your training will give you a well-rounded skill-set and the expertise to seek a career as an independent scientist, a college biology teacher, or both!  For this reason, our Ph.D. degree is awarded in the area of Biological Education.  The graduates of our doctoral program have found employment in teaching and research positions.  Many of our students have multiple job offers even before they graduate, and we can do the same for you!

Who is this degree program for?

This degree is appropriate for inquisitive and motivated students who already possess a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in the sciences and who want the requisite training appropriate for a professional career in teaching, basic and applied research, advocacy, government, biotechnology or other advanced scientific positions. After completing their Ph.D.s, many of our graduates have accepted postdoctoral positions in related fields, academic positions in higher education, and advanced positions in government and private industries. 

Degree requirements

This degree requires completion of 64 credits of study, including both scheduled classes and one-on-one courses tailored to individual needs and programs.  The UNC catalogs contain the official descriptions and requirements of all programs at the University of Northern Colorado. In addition, Ph.D. students are required to develop and teach a full semester course under the supervision of our faculty. The degree culminates with the presentation of the student’s research in a public defense of the dissertation. Chapter(s) from the student’s dissertation are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Applying to the program

Deadlines, program requirements, and application instructions

In addition to information about yourself and your academic history, applicants are asked to provide letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, and a letter of intent. The following sections offer advice on how to maximize the impact of those documents.

Reference letters

Letters of recommendation (also called letters of reference) are extremely important to your application. Choose the people that you ask to write these letters thoughtfully. Letter writers should be able to comment on your potential for successful graduate work from a position of experience. Typically, they will be academic faculty or work supervisors that have knowledge of your academic or scholarly performance and other attributes relevant to success in graduate school.

• A statement of how the person knows you and for how long
• An indication of the person's professional expertise
• Comments on your intellectual strengths, motivation, creativity, time-management skills, work ethic, collegiality, and ability to handle stress and work independently
• Comments on your writing and verbal communication skills
• An assessment of your potential and abilities relative to others at your level of education and experience
• Ask each potential recommender if they are willing to act as a professional reference on your behalf.  If they decline your request, move on. 
• Be sure to let each potential recommender know the deadline for submission of the recommendation, and allow sufficient lead time for them to write and submit a strong letter.
• Provide your recommender the list of expectations (above) for what should be included in the letter.
• Supply a copy of your curriculum vitae or resume to each recommender to refresh their memory about your past education and achievements. This is particularly important if you haven't been in touch with them for a while.
• Supply a copy of your letter of intent to each recommender. This will help them to understand why you are applying to graduate school and what you want to do with your advanced education.

Your curriculum vitae or resume

You may choose to provide either a curriculum vitae or a resume. This document should summarize your preparation and experience relevant to graduate study in biological sciences. A curriculum vitae is most appropriate for applicants with career goals in academia, while a resume might be more appropriate for currently working professionals. CVs and resumes will be reviewed equivalently and with reference to the career goals that you outline in your letter of intent. Find specific advice about what to include on a CV or resume here .

The letter of intent

At a minimum, your letter of intent should include the following:

• Your academic experience, interests and preparation
• Background qualifications for the program
• Your career goals and how this degree will help you to achieve those goals
• The names of faculty members with whom you are interested in working
• A statement indicating whether or not you are seeking a graduate teaching assistantship (see below)

Funding options to pay for school

There are several options available to you for obtaining living expenses and tuitionwhile pursuing your graduate education. These are:

• Graduate teaching assistantship (TA): A teaching assistantship is the most common mechanism used by UNC biology graduate students for earning an income while working on a degree. Teaching Assistantships pay a stipend and cover tuition costs. See this page for more information.  Teaching responsibilities vary, but students typically teach undergraduate laboratory sections in an area related to their program of study. 
• Graduate research assistantship (GRA): Research assistantships are available through individual faculty members (typically the research mentor) who have obtained external grant funding to pay a student to work on one of their research projects. Contact individual faculty members to inquire if they have GRA funding available.
• Scholarships: These are typically awarded based on merit. To be eligible for most scholarships, you must have completed the financial aid application with the University, even if you don't expect to receive financial aid of any other type.

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Graduate Catalog 2024-2025

Graduate Catalog 2024-2025 > Graduate Programs > Doctoral Degrees > Biological Education Ph.D.

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Biological Education Ph.D.

• Chemical Education Ph.D.
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Program Overview

College of Natural and Health Sciences

General Doctoral Degree Admission Requirements

View  delivery options, start terms and admission requirements .

Director: Mitchell E. McGlaughlin, Ph.D. Location: Ross Hall 2480 Telephone: 970.351.2921 Website: www.unco.edu/nhs/biology/ 

This program is designed for graduate students interested in specializing in either biology education or an area of the biological sciences that matches current faculty interests and expertise. Areas of emphasis in this program prepare students to conduct and supervise biological or pedagogical research and to instruct biology courses at the college or university level. 

Students are strongly encouraged to review the research areas of the Biology faculty on our website and contact faculty in whose research they are interested. The student must meet with a graduate advisor and graduate committee no later than the second semester of the program to determine a course of study.

Degree Requirements — 64 Credits

Pedagogical credits — 10 hours.

BIO 792 : Take 4 hours

Content Elective Credits — 26 hours

BIO 591 : Limit 2 hours

BIO 622 : Limit 6 hours

NOTE: A student can count a maximum of 8 credits from the following list of double numbered courses: BIO 530 , BIO 533 , BIO 534 , BIO 535 , BIO 537 , BIO 538 , BIO 554 , BIO 562 , BIO 566 , BIO 576

NOTE: Students can count no more than 9 credits of non-BIO content elective courses. Courses not on the list above may be used to fulfill this category with advisor approval.

Research Core — 12 hours

BIO 691 : Take 4 hours

Select one of the following courses:

Research Proposal/Dissertation — 16 hours

BIO 797 : Take 4 credits

BIO 799 : Take 12 credits

Program Notes

Students must complete a minimum of 50 semester hours in biological science of combined undergraduate and graduate courses.

SRM 502 and SRM 700 may be waived depending on course background of the student.

Students in this program are exempt from the 94 graduate credit hours to Ph.D. minimum policy.

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Biology Education

The  Biology Education Area  is a group for people who are interested in teaching and in teaching-related research.  Our common goal is to promote high quality instruction and enhance learning by applying educational research to course and curricular design.  This area transcends sub-disciplinary boundaries by working with other research areas to help answer discipline-specific questions related to teaching and learning methodology.

Faculty and students who affiliate with other research areas may affiliate secondarily with Biology Education (and vice-versa) if their teaching-related work or research may be supported by interactions within the Biology Education Area.  Therefore, members and affiliates of our area include:

research-active faculty who complement their discipline-specific research with educational innovation

faculty whose primary role is now teaching

faculty members who primarily affiliate with the  Purdue International Biology Education Research Group  (PIBERG), and 

non tenure-track instructors.

In the  Biology Education Area , we focus on improving the quality of biology education at Purdue and around the world. Members of our area participate in a range of interdisciplinary activities that attempt to promote student success in biology by improving study and teaching methods.  Scholarship in the Biology Education research area focuses on:

• developing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs)
• innovating classroom and laboratory instruction to improve teaching and learning effectiveness
• promoting retention and graduation of graduate and undergraduate students in Biology
• faculty development
• education of and outreach to High School Biology teachers

Download a letter from our Convener (PDF: 334KB) about opportunities for graduate students. By highlighting what our faculty, graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, and other affiliates have been doing to promote student success in biology, the Biology Education Area is mobilizing the department, the university, and professional societies to educate the next generation to develop the advanced reasoning and problem-solving abilities that are so critical to new discoveries in the life sciences. Note: these projects are externally funded.

Biology Education News

• The road not taken: host infection status influences parasite host-choice
• Pelaez elected Fellow of American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science
• A CURE for learning about experimentation
• Pelaez, Gardner and Anderson Presented Advancing Competencies in Experimentation - Biology (ACE-Bio) at SABER
• A community-building framework for collaborative research coordination across the education and biology research disciplines
• Of mice and worms: are co-infections with unrelated parasite strains more damaging to definitive hosts?
• Research Area Members
• Adler, Jacob
• Bartlett, Edward
• Bernal, Ximena
• Camarillo, Ignacio
• Castro, Beatriz
• Gardner, Stephanie
• Humphrey, Sean
• Karve, Rucha
• Minchella, Dennis
• Sahley, Chris

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Biology (Biology and Society), PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Biology (Biology and Society)

In the biology and society concentration of the PhD program in biology, students examine topics with biological and social dimensions that are best understood together rather than in isolation. The concentration provides plans of study tailored to individual needs and interests. It encompasses a solid foundation in life sciences and related sciences and provides a rigorous analytical and interdisciplinary education. Students may further specialize in one of four tracks:

Bioethics, policy and law --- This track focuses on pressing moral, policy and legal issues raised by biosciences and biomedicine, as well as methods to address them.

History and philosophy of science --- This track focuses on the conceptual foundations of science, especially the epistemological and methodological assumptions that shape science and its progress.

Ecology, economics and ethics of the environment --- This track focuses on the theory and empirical methods for understanding, analyzing and shaping policy that steer society toward a more productive, equitable and sustainable ecological future.

Biology education research --- This track focuses on using education research to identify ways to broadly improve undergraduate biology education.

Program Faculty   PhD Students

Concentrations

Bioethics, policy and law.

This track focuses on pressing moral, policy and legal issues raised by biosciences and biomedicine, and on the methods needed to address them.

Biology education research

This track focuses on using education research to identify ways to broadly improve undergraduate biology education. 

Ecology, economics, and ethics of the environment

This track focuses on the theory and empirical methods used for understanding, analyzing, and shaping policy that steers us toward a more productive, equitable and sustainable ecological future.

History and philosophy of science

This track focuses on the conceptual foundations of science, including the epistemological and methodological assumptions that shape science.

Graduates of this program, in any of the four tracks, frequently begin careers in higher education, research and administration, science communication and other areas related to life sciences.

Application and admission information

How to apply.

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is December 1 . We accept applications for Fall semesters only. We cannot guarantee that applications received after the December 1 deadline will be considered for admission.

All applicants must apply by filling out ASU's Graduate Admissions application. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly. Please do not mail or email any documents to the School of Life Sciences. 

Required materials and information include the following:

• 1-2 page personal statement
• An up to date CV or resume
• Writing sample
• The names of relevant SOLS faculty you have been in touch with who you might be interested in being supervised by
• Unofficial transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
• The names and emails of at least 3 recommenders to write you letters of recommendation

Application review process and timeline

Following the December 1 deadline, faculty will begin reviewing applications. Applicants should monitor their My ASU priority tasks to ensure there are no missing materials in their application.

Faculty will decide which applicants they would like to invite to our Graduate Recruitment Weekends (GRWs), typically held in February. Applicants will hear from the School of Life Sciences in January if they are invited to participate in the GRWs.

Admission decisions will begin after the GRWs, and applicants typically receive final decisions by April 1.

Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission include the following:

• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• There are other ways to demonstrate English proficiency beyond the tests, so please refer to ASU's English proficiency webpage to review how you might satisfy requirements.

Desired qualifications typically seen in competitive candidates:

• Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
• English proficiency scores that meet these teaching assistant language proficiency requirements

Please note that the GRE is not required.

Students offered admission to a PhD program in the School of Life Sciences will typically receive a funding offer as well. While individual funding offers may differ to some degree, they typically include teaching assistant and/or research assistant positions each semester (summer optional) for 5 years. These positions provide financial coverage through the following:

• A standard salary stipend paid biweekly
• Tuition remission covering enrollment in 6-18 credit hours for fall and spring semesters and 1-14 credit hours for summer semesters
• Health insurance coverage

To discover more, check out the ASU Graduate College's funding opportunities !

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours) BIO 514 Statistical Models for Biology (4) or BIO 620 Research Prospectus Writing (3)

Electives (68 or 69 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) BIO 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information An individual student program is developed in consultation with the student's advisor and committee.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of core requirements for an undergraduate major in biology or a related discipline, typically evolution, genetics and other courses appropriate to the student's particular interests. Students without an undergraduate-level competency in the sciences may be considered for conditional admission to the biology and society concentration.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• academic record form
• personal statement
• curriculum vitae or resume
• writing sample
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, learning outcomes.

• Able to contribute to original biology and society research in scholarly writing.
• Able to communicate biology and society research results in presentations.
• Able to articulate an understanding of current literature on scientific developments and their relevance to society in scholarly writing.

Career Opportunities

Those who have earned a doctorate in biology and society are prepared for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. Their skills and knowledge are also valuable for government careers in federal and state agencies responsible for management and conservation, and for careers in industry and nongovernmental organizations. Graduates often choose careers in higher education, research, administration, policy and science communication.

Career examples include:

• food, agriculture and health care scientists in academic, private and industrial labs
• principal investigators and policymakers in government labs and nonprofit organizations
• professors or instructors in universities and colleges
• science teachers in elementary and high schools
• wildlife, animal and conservation scientists

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-1768

Graduate Admissions

Helpful guides for applying to the biology phd program, tips for applying to the cmob track, tips for applying to the eco/evo track.

The PhD program trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program offers informal but intensive instruction in laboratories and seminars, characterized by close contact between students and their faculty advisors. Biology is one of fourteen home programs  in the  Biosciences,  which span the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences.

How to Apply

For the 2023-2024 PhD application season, application processes will be run through existing Biology (School of Humanities & Sciences)  and the Oceans Department(Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability). 

Previously part of the Biology Department , Hopkins Marine Station is now part of the Oceans Department within the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS).  Several faculty took appointments in Oceans, while others chose to stay in Biology; still others have joint appointments.  Additionally, several faculty members in Ecology/Evolutionary Biology now have joint appointments within Biology and SDSS. Based on these changes, the following information will provide further guidance for the application process. 

• Faculty with 100% appointments in Biology, will only recruit through Biology.  The Biology application will be used.
• Ecology/Evolutionary Biology faculty with 50/50 appointments in both Biology and SDSS will recruit students through either Biology or Earth Systems Science .  If you are interested in working with Ecology/Evolutionary faculty with joint Biology/SDSS appointments, you should reach out to them directly regarding the appropriate application track to choose. 
• 100% Oceans faculty will only be recruiting students through the Earth Systems Science application.
• Oceans faculty appointed 50/50 in Biology and SDSS (Oceans Department), will recruit students through either Biology or Earth Systems Science .  If you are interested in working with Oceans faculty with joint Biology/SDSS appointments, you should reach out to the individual faculty members you hope to work with regarding the appropriate application and track to choose. 

Faculty Affiliated with the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

Oceans Department:

Fio Micheli 100% 

Jeremy Goldbogen 100%

Giulio De Leo 100%

Larry Crowder 100%

Steve Palumbi 50% Oceans/50%Biology

Barbara Block 50% Oceans/50% Biology

*Note Chris Lowe will remain 100% in Biology

Ecology/Evolution

Liz Hadly 50% SDSS/50%Biology

Rodolfo Dirzo 50% SDSS/50%Biology

Tad Fukami 50% SDSS/50%Biology

Kabir Peay 50% SDSS/50%Biology

Chris Field 50% SDSS/50% Biology

Gretchen Daily 50% SDSS/50% Biology

Application and Deadline

Stanford Biology PhD Program applications are made through Graduate Admissions . The application deadline for Autumn Quarter 2024 matriculation is December 5, 2023 at 11:59pm pst.  The application for the Autumn 2024 cohort will be available in September 2023.  Please review the Graduate Admissions website prior to starting your application. Applications are considered for admission in Autumn Quarter only. 

Application Status

To check your application status,  click here to Visit Your Status Page .  

Requirements

• U.S. Bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent
• Stanford Graduate application
• Non-refundable application fee of $125 (or fee waiver found here ) 
• Statement of Purpose
• Three Letters of Recommendation (a maximum of four letters will be accepted)
• Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you've attended for one year or more must be uploaded to the online application.  Graduate Admissions only requires admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that shows their degree conferral. Please do not send or have sent any official transcripts to us at this time.
• TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language (required for non-native English speakers)
• A current Curriculum Vitae/Resume

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of  Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission .

Biology PhD Program General Information

Diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.

The Department of Biology recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision. The Department of Biology welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.Please see the websites below for more resources.

• Diversity and Engagement in Biosciences PhD Programs
• Vice Provost for Graduate Education
• Biology Equity and Belonging
• Research Sites
• Faculty Profiles and Labs
• Inquiries about the PhD in Biology should be directed to  biologyadmissions [at] lists.stanford.edu (biologyadmissions[at]lists[dot]stanford[dot]edu)

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Curricular Requirements

• Course Requirements & Specializations

Course Requirements and Specializations

During the first year, all students in the general program pursue a rigorous academic program consisting of a sequence of graduate core courses and several elective courses.

Most students participate in the general set of curricular requirements, but some students choose more specialized training if they wish. See the sections below for more information on curricular requirements.

Find course descriptions, instructors, and schedules:

• Please refer to the UCSD Schedule of Classes for official schedules.
• The Tentative Course Offerings page provides information about planned course offerings, including quarter and instructor.
• Course descriptions can be found in the UC San Diego General Class Catalog .
• Courses applied to program requirements must be completed for a letter grade, unless S/U is the only grading option.

BioSci PhD Program (General)

Required courses.

• BGGN 205 – Communicating Science to the Public (Spring)
• BGGN 206A – Concepts of Reasoning and Experimentation (CORE) I (Fall)
• BGGN 206B –Concepts of Reasoning and Experimentation (CORE) II (Winter)
• BGGN 207 – Scientific Ethics (Winter or Spring Year 2)
• BGGN 208 – Biological Sciences Grad Launch (Fall)
• BGGN 213 –Foundations of Bioinformatics (Fall or Winter)
• BGGN 216 – Graduate Biostatistics (Spring)
• BGGN 298 or BGGN 299 – Rotation Laboratory Projects or Thesis Research (Varies)
• BGGN 500 –Introduction to College Biology Education (Winter Year 1)
• BGSE 205 – Graduate Research Seminar (Enroll Year 2 and beyond)

Elective Courses (at least two 4-unit elective courses)

• Complete in years 1 or 2; preferably after identifying a thesis lab
• Not all electives are offered each year. Refer to the Tentative Course Offerings page.
• Note that some BGGN courses restrict enrollment to students in MS major codes.
• Other 4-unit, graduate level courses subject to Graduate Committee Chair review

BioSci PhD Program (EBE)

Those admitted as Ecology, Behavior and Evolution students will take two elective courses in their first year; BGGN 204 is recommended as one.

Electives are drawn from the advanced graduate courses and undergraduate elective courses. EBE students should consult their First-Year Advisor and Section Chair to determine the most appropriate courses to take the first year. The following are excluded as electives: BGGN 205, 208, 297, 298, 299, 500, and any BGJC, BGRD, or BGSE course.

• BGGN 208 – Biological Sciences Grad Launch 
• BGGN 298 or BGGN 299 – Laboratory Projects or Thesis Research (Varies)
• BGGN 207 (Year 2)

Elective Courses

• BGGN 203– Topics in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution
• BGGN 204– Topics in Community and Population Ecology
• Other graduate level or undergraduate level courses as recommended by faculty advisor

Specific Requirements for the EBE Academic Program

Specialization in Quantitative Biology (qBio)

Students are admitted through their home program (Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Physics, or BioEngineering) then request admission to the qBio Specialization. Quantitative Biology refers to the use of quantitative approaches, both experimental and theoretical, to discover the organizational principles of living systems. The goal is to establish a quantitative, predictive understanding of the physiological behaviors of biological organisms in terms of the molecular parts.

More information on the Quantitative Biology Specialization

The expected course sequence is:

Year 1– Required Courses

• BGGN 205 – Communicating Science to the Public
• BGGN 206A – Concepts of Reasoning and Experimentation (CORE) I
• BGGN 206B – Concepts of Reasoning and Experimentation (CORE) II
• BGGN 213 – Foundations of Bioinformatics
• BGGN 216 – Graduate Biostatistics
• BGGN 298 – Laboratory Projects in Biology
• BGGN 500 – Introduction to College Biology Education (Winter Year 1)
• PHYS 254 – qBio seminar (F, W, S)
• PHYS 259A – Reading in Methods for Quantitative Biology (S)
• BGGN 214 – Introduction to Quantitative Biology (Can be taken Year 1 or 2)
• PHYS 270A – Experimental Techniques for Quantitative Biology (S)

Year 2 – Required Courses

• BGGN 207 – Scientific Ethics (S)
• BGGN 299 – Thesis Research in Biology (Every quarter)
• BGGN 500 – Introduction to College Biology Education (Spring Year 1)
• BGSE 205 – Graduate Research Seminar (Every quarter)

qBio Elective Courses

Two required electives from below or upon approval:

• BGGN 212 – Introduction to Quantitative Evolutionary Biology
• BENG 235 – Molecular Imaging and Quantitation in Living Cells
• BNFO 284 – Nonlinear Dynamics in Quantitative Biology (alternate years)
• PHYS 239 – Spatiotemporal dynamics in Biological Systems
• PHYS 273 – Information Theory and Pattern Formation in Biological Systems
• PHYS 275 – Fundamentals of Biological Physics
• PHYS 276 – Quantitative Molecular Biology
• PHYS 277 – Physical Biology of the Cell
• MAE 263 – Mechanics Inside the Cell

Specialization in Bioinformatics

Currently unavailable, pending curriculum updates.

Specialization in Multi-Scale Biology

Students who select the interdisciplinary Specialization in Multi-Scale Biology track must satisfy the requirements for both the Division of Biological Sciences and the UCSD Interfaces Graduate Training Programs.

Interested Biological Sciences Ph.D. students must first complete the program's General, EBE or Microbiology curricular requirements, then complete the Multi-Scale Biology course requirements.

Learn more information about the UC San Diego Interfaces Multi-Scale Biology Program Requirements

Specialization in Anthropogeny

A transdisciplinary graduate specialization in Anthropogeny is available for Ph.D. students in the Biological Sciences and other disciplines. Information on requirements for this specialization is available through the Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA). The specialization provides students an opportunity to specialize in research and education on the origins of humans. Top areas include:

• Human and Primate Genetics and Evolution
• Paleoanthropology and Hominid Origins
• Mammalian and Primate Neurosciences
• Primate Biology and Medicine
• Language and Cognition
• Nature-Nurture Interactions in Explaining Language and Cognition
• Human and Primate Society and Culture
• Comparative Developmental Biology of Primates
• General Theories for Explaining Humans

Interested Biological Sciences Ph.D. students must first complete the program's General or EBE requirements, then complete the Specialization in Anthropogeny's course requirements.

Learn more information on UC San Diego Specialization in Anthropogeny

Specialization in Interdisciplinary Environmental Research (PIER)

A graduate specialization in Interdisciplinary Environmental Research (PIER) is available for select doctoral students in biology. Students in the Program for Interdisciplinary Environmental Research seek solutions to today's environmental challenges.

The PhD specialization is designed to allow students to obtain standard training in their chosen field and an opportunity to interact with peers in different disciplines throughout the duration of their doctoral projects. Such communication across disciplines is key to fostering a capacity for interdisciplinary "language" skills and conceptual flexibility.

Specialization Requirements

• Complete all course work, dissertation, and other requirements of the biological science doctorate
• 16-unit interdisciplinary boot camp (summer, SIO 295S–295LS)
• 8 units from a secondary field (outside the home department)
• 6 units (3 quarters) Interdisciplinary Environmental Research Forum (SIO 296)
• At least one chapter of the dissertation will be broadly related to environmental research and will be interdisciplinary in nature.

Students are advised to begin PIER in their second year upon completion of core biology course requirements.

Interested students should contact the program via [email protected] .

Specialization in Immunology

As part of the Program in Immunology , the graduate specialization in Immunology promotes an immersive educational experience in immunology that includes participation in immunology coursework, seminars given by renowned speakers, biweekly research presentations by peers, a weekly journal club, and a yearly area-wide immunology conference. Biological Sciences student may apply to enroll in the Specialization in Immunology after entering the program or at the conclusion of the first year with rotations complete.  Interested students should contact [email protected] to request an application.

• Complete all course work and other requirements for the biological science doctorate, including participation in the Immunology section of BGSE 205
• BGGN 225 (Graduate Immunology)
• BIOM 253 ( Pathogens and Host Defense )
• BGGN 232 (Innate Immunity)
• BGGN 239 (Bioinformatics for Immunologists)
• Enroll in BGJC 204 - Journal club in Immunology (Students should plan to participate in a minimum of 3 quarters of BGJC 204)
• Thesis research must be completed in an approved immunology laboratory
• Program Timeline
• Additional Academic Requirements

Quick Links

• Salk Institute
• Graduate Student Handbook

PhD in Biology

The PhD program in Biology is a research-intensive program that also has a strong focus on teaching, designed to produce top scientists and educators with a broad base of knowledge to tackle the most important biological problems of today. This is accomplished through research training, graduate-level courses, seminars, and teaching experience. Entering students are assigned an advisory committee of three faculty members who work with the student to plan a suitable program based on the student's experience and interests.

PhD students in Biology receive full tuition support for six years, a competitive stipend, health coverage, and receive extensive training in pedagogy, outreach, and communication that prepares them for careers in academia, biotechnology, education, and policy. Students are required to serve as teaching assistants for at least two semesters. Most students complete the requirement for teaching experience in the first year by assisting in the introductory undergraduate biology courses for two semesters.

During the first year, students become familiar with research opportunities in the department by doing short research rotations with various faculty members. This experience in expected to lead to the selection of a research focus for the PhD thesis, and it also sets the stage for cross-disciplinary approaches to the thesis topic that is pursued.

First- and second-year students usually take some graduate courses that are selected in consultation with the advisory committee, in addition to one required course: either Biology 243: Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology; Biology 244: Topics in Evolutionary Ecology; or Biology 246: Topics in Physiology and Animal Behavior.

The department faculty are educators as well as researchers, and the graduate students benefit from this expertise. Graduate students serving as teaching assistants have the opportunity to take a course on teaching and pedagogy to improve their skills, or to become involved with upper level courses in their area of expertise. In addition, we offer a one-month summer program for PhD students interested in contributing to course design and honing their teaching skills via GIFT, the Graduate Institute For Teaching .

Research Concentrations

Browse the six concentration areas below for recommended programs of study and relevant courses:

• Biology Education Research
• Ecology, Behavior and Evolution
• Global Change Biology
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Physiology, Neurobiology and Animal Behavior

Graduate credit for a course requires a grade of B- (B minus) or better. A list of biology department undergraduate and graduate courses can be found by selecting the Courses button from the top bar.

Throughout the year, graduate students benefit from a variety of seminars on current research that are presented by faculty, fellow graduate students, and invited speakers.

• Department of Biological Sciences >
• Graduate >
• Programs >

PhD in Biological Sciences

Faculty profile pages.

• 8/9/24 Victor A. Albert
• 5/3/21 Marcella Baiz
• 10/18/18 James Berry
• 8/9/24 Robin A. Costello
• 7/3/23 Sam Crickenberger
• 3/19/18 Paul Cullen
• 1/3/22 Derek Daniels
• 8/30/23 Meredith Ezak
• 3/3/23 Denise Ferkey
• 9/22/21 Stephen J. Free
• 5/1/23 Omer Gokcumen
• 1/16/20 Shermali Gunawardena
• 3/4/21 David A. Hoekstra, II
• 3/19/18 Lara D. Hutson
• 8/3/23 Andrea M. Keeler
• 3/4/21 Gerald Koudelka
• 9/21/22 Corey A. Krabbenhoft
• 3/19/18 Trevor J. Krabbenhoft
• 3/19/18 James LaFountain
• 5/31/19 Jae W. Lee
• 5/2/22 Soo-Kyung Lee
• 8/31/23 Charlotte Lindqvist
• 12/29/20 Vincent J. Lynch
• 5/2/24 Alfredo Oliveros
• 1/5/24 Shaunna Phipps
• 3/19/18 Jessica Poulin
• 3/19/18 Laura Rusche
• 8/24/20 Nitasha Sehgal
• 3/19/18 Randall Shortridge
• 8/24/20 Eric J. Strobel
• 3/19/18 Derek Taylor
• 3/19/18 Sarah E. Walker
• 6/28/23 Silu Wang
• 11/30/21 Zhen Q. Wang
• 3/15/21 Heather Williams
• 6/5/23 Ryan D. Wynne
• 5/3/21 Matthew Xu-Friedman
• 10/26/21 Pradeep K. Yerramsetty
• 3/19/18 Michael C. Yu

Our PhD program is a comprehensive, research-oriented program involving foundational coursework and an original dissertation research project mentored by one of our faculty. By working closely with this research advisor and members of a dissertation committee, students become independent scientists positioned to assume leadership roles in their chosen profession

Program Features

• Nationally recognized program: Our program is ranked in the top 10% of programs by research expenditures by the National Science Foundation and in the top quartile in terms of faculty quality and student experience (according to the National Research Council).
• Interdisciplinary training: Research in the department spans the breadth of biology, from molecules to populations.  In this environment, students are trained to draw connections and examine living systems at all levels of complexity.
• Superior training culture: PhD students work closely with mentors and committee members in a supportive, rigorous research environment.
• Full financial support: All PhD students are supported with a combination of renewable teaching and research assistantships. Support also includes tuition scholarships.
• Training beyond the laboratory: The program teaches grant-writing, public speaking, and classroom instruction, ensuring you are well prepared to succeed after graduation.

Program Requirements

Course Requirements As a foundation for advanced research, PhD candidates complete 22 credit hours of coursework in their first two years in the program. Courses cover advanced topics in the biological sciences and teach critical thinking, analysis of primary scientific literature, and experimental design.

Seminars To develop oral presentation skills, PhD candidates enroll in a seminar course each semester of their first two years.  Each student presents two seminars.  PhD candidates also attend the departmental seminar series, featuring distinguished scientists from inside and outside the university.

Rotations In the first year, PhD candidates perform two or three 10-week research rotations prior to joining a laboratory and embarking on a thesis project. Rotations consist of small research projects that are designed to introduce the student to research opportunities available in that laboratory.

Candidacy Exam At the end of the second year, PhD candidates take a candidacy exam consisting of two parts.  For the written exam, each student prepares an original research proposal on a topic of their choosing. For the oral examination, the dissertation committee questions the student about the research proposal and about foundational knowledge in the sub-discipline the student has chosen for their dissertation research.

Research Experience After successful completion of the candidacy exam, the student focuses on an original research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor.  Regular meetings with the PhD Advisory Committee provide additional guidance and support.

Dissertation Upon the completion of the research project, the student prepares a dissertation, which is read and evaluated by the PhD Advisory Committee.  The student also presents the research results publically in an hour-long seminar.

PhD Program Metrics

Meet our graduate ambassadors.

Ph.D. Program in Biology

Our graduate program provides students of diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to intensely engage in research in the biological sciences and contribute to the broader scientific community.

Average time to degree: 5.3 years

Percentage of graduates in post-doctoral or permanent positions: 94%

Average publications after completion of program: 3.8 per person

Ph.D. Program

The Department of Biology introduces graduate students to diverse fields of biological science, and provides them with expert guidance to excel in research. The department is invested in training students to become excellent scientists, researchers, science communicators, and instructors. We are a diverse and global community, committed to expanding scientific career opportunities to all. Some of our graduates become academics, whereas others find careers in government, private industry, public policy, or elsewhere (see where recent graduates are now). The ability to communicate ideas and research results clearly and convincingly is key to success in any career.

Experience Biology at Georgetown University

Professors and current students share their perspectives on Georgetown’s cutting-edge biology graduate program.

Potential applicants are urged to identify and contact potential research mentors directly before applying. Please refer to the research page and the list of faculty interested in accepting students . Not all laboratories will have open positions available for a new graduate student in a given year.

Financial Assistance for PhD Students

    students who are accepted into the phd program in biology are guaranteed a minimum of five years of full funding. this funding includes:.

Stipend The stipend for PhD students in Biology is set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Georgetown University and the Georgetown Alliance of Graduate Employees ( GAGE ). The current stipend rate is $36,934 for the year. The stipend is paid on a 12-month contract, typically in 26 biweekly paychecks.

Tuition Waiver The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) provides full tuition waivers for all PhD students for the duration of the PhD program.

Health Insurance Health insurance is required. The GSAS provides free student health insurance to all students. The insurance covers doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Students may waive this benefit if they prefer a different plan through parents or a spouse.

Dental Insurance The GSAS provides free dental insurance to all students. The insurance covers routine dental care, such as cleanings and exams.

Yates Athletic Facility All students are eligible to use the Yates athletic facility for free. The facility has a gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes.

Parental Leave Graduate student workers are guaranteed six weeks of paid parental leave. This leave can be used to bond with a new child or to care for a sick child.

Medical Leave Graduate student workers are guaranteed six weeks of paid medical leave. This leave can be used to recover from a medical condition or to care for a sick family member.

To learn more about financial assistance for PhD students, please visit the Graduate Funding page. You can read more about what it means to do a PhD in a union-protected graduate program  here

Student Quotes

“Until you start your journey in grad school you might not know what you are missing out on. Other than the course work, grad school has been instrumental in  inculcating important life values and skills such as confidence, time management, survival, and holding personal and professional relationships in higher esteem. ”

“Studying at Georgetown has enabled me to be a lot more confident in my ability to ask questions and chart my own path in scientific research. My advisor and mentors here at Georgetown have been top quality in terms of both academic and personal support”

“Georgetown is a place with an environment conducive to learning and professional growth for prospective scientists working towards their graduate degrees and beyond. In this program, I found mentorship and training that foster the critical thinking required to answer the questions I am interested in. I found the multidisciplinary nature of the graduate student body to be engaging and supportive from the beginning of my journey.”

“The breadth of research that goes on in the Bio department really facilitates a broad understanding of biology from the life of single cells to the life of much larger organisms. It really is something unique that you don’t get at other more specific departments and has really helped me think outside of the box with my own work.”

Graduate Research Opportunities

Learn about the research programs that the department of Biology offers and find out which programs are recruiting graduate students.

Graduate Teaching Opportunities

Find out about the many opportunities that are offered to graduate students to develop teaching and mentoring skills.

Graduate Funding Opportunities

Learn about stipend funding and the additional funds from the GU Graduate School offered to help support graduate dissertation research or travel to meetings.

Doctoral Programs

Department doctoral programs.

The School of Biological Sciences offers graduate training in a collaborative environment with several schools and graduate programs. This provides excellent research training and professional development for graduate students pursuing the doctorate. Training opportunities include broad areas of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences including Neuroscience, Immunology and Pathogenesis, Cancer Biology, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Systems and Computational Biology, Genomics, Structural Biology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, PhD

Research in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology uses a range of methodologies spanning field studies, experimental approaches, and computational approaches. Students and faculty have easy access to field sites that include marine, desert, and California chaparral communities. The faculty have diverse interests including evolutionary biology, population genetics, genomics, behavioral ecology, physiology, and global change biology. Faculty in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology have extensive collaborations with scientists in neuroscience, molecular biology, genomics and microbiomes, global climate biology, systems biology, mathematics, as well as with faculty at other institutions.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers admission directly to a departmental graduate program with full financial support. Students initiate research with a faculty thesis advisor while they take required coursework and complete other degree requirements. 

Learning Outcomes by Department

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is the only department that offers direct admission to a PhD Program. The other Dunlop Dunlop School departments offer admission to their PhD programs through a gateway disciplinary program such as CMB or INP. Click below to learn more about learning outcomes by department.

Neurobiology and Behavior, PhD

Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences   PLOs

Neurobiology and Behavior M.S./Ph.D.

PLO1: Core Knowledge

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biological sciences
• Understand the current concepts in molecular biology, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge of cellular and molecular biology sufficient to carry out substantive independent research

PLO2: Research Methods and Analysis

• Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature
• Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field
• Design, conduct, and interpret their independent research projects
• Understand the range of tools appropriate for research in their sub-field
• Understand and follow research ethics

PLO3: Pedagogy:

• Communicate effectively to large and small groups in pedagogical settings including teaching, research seminars, and other formats
• Identify and effectively deploy suitable technologies for use in all aspects of instruction

PLO4: Scholarly Communication:

• Review and discuss relevant literature and their significance
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation
• Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues
• Make clear and cogent oral presentations, including effective use of technology

PLO5: Professionalism

• Write compelling abstracts describing their research for consideration at research conferences
• Prepare oral presentations suitable for presentation at a research conference
• Make effective contributions to research teams and learning seminars
• Make effective contributions to department, university, community, and professional service
• Mentor junior researchers (e.g., undergraduates, beginning graduate students)

PLO6: Independent Research

• Develop their own research projects that meet high standards of theoretical and methodological rigor with lasting impact
• Produce scholarship that is comparable in scope and format to articles that appear in leading peer-reviewed journals in molecular and biomedical sciences
• Supervise junior researchers (e.g., high school students, undergraduates, beginning graduate students) effectively

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, PhD

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry M.S./Ph.D.

• Master current concepts in molecular biology, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences
• Acquire specialized knowledge of cellular and molecular biology sufficient to carry out substantive independent research

PLO2: Research Methods and Analysis 

• Design, conduct, and interpret experiments to complete an original research project
• Understand the range of tools appropriate for research in the specific sub-field
• Appreciate and adhere to research ethics

PLO3: Pedagogy: 

• Communicate effectively to small and large groups in pedagogical settings such as teaching and research seminars

PLO4: Scholarly Communication: 

• Review and discuss relevant literature and its significance
• Complete an individual development plan (IDP) at the time of entering the MBB program (Fall quarter of the 2 nd year) and update it annually
• Submit fellowship proposals to private and governmental agencies to solicit independent funding for graduate research
• Anticipate and meet the needs for professional transitions in a timely fashion (prior to degree completion)
• Write compelling abstracts describing research for consideration at research conferences

PLO6: Independent Research 

• Effectively supervise junior researchers (e.g., high school students, undergraduates, beginning graduate students)

Interdepartmental Doctoral Gateway Programs

Gateway programs offer admission to the doctoral programs affiliated with the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, School of Medicine, School of Physical Sciences, Engineering and Information & Computer Science. Students enroll for the first academic year while they do lab rotations and take required coursework. Then, students select a thesis advisor and transfer to a department and complete remaining degree requirements. Gateway programs offer students excellent opportunities to perform laboratory rotations with any of a large number of faculty participants in that program, and in many areas of biological sciences.

Cellular Molecular Dunlop Schoolences

The PhD program in Cellular & Molecular Biosciences (CMB) at UC Irvine provides ideal training to launch the careers of talented researchers in diverse fields of biological and biomedical sciences. With five different study focuses, the CMB PhD program gears future scientists to be ready for a diverse field.  The program offers a rigorous but flexible curriculum with an extensive choice of laboratories and allows students to tailor their training to individual interests and goals. Outstanding facilities, a collaborative culture, a commitment to diversity, and guaranteed on-campus housing all contribute to a productive graduate experience. 

Interdepartamental Neuroscience Program

The Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (INP) provides a vehicle for meeting the diversity and challenges of graduate training in such a broad discipline. Neuroscience is an inherently broad and multidisciplinary area of scientific pursuit and scholarship. It has intellectual links to fields as diverse as developmental and cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, psychology, computer science, and physics. The substantial breadth of Neuroscience is one of its strengths as a discipline, and one of the features that makes it an attractive and important area for graduate study. Students may train with any participating faculty member and are exposed to a variety of approaches before deciding on a research area for focused dissertation work. After the initial year of academic coursework and laboratory rotations, students join the more specialized graduate program of their chosen thesis advisor.

Mathematical, Computational, and System Biology

The goal of UCI’s program in Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology (MCSB) is to provide students from a variety of academic backgrounds with doctoral training suitable for research careers in the nascent field of Systems Biology. The program emphasizes in-depth classroom study, interdisciplinary research rotations, and individualized advising. The MCSB Program is supported by funding from UCI’s Graduate Division, by a National Institute of General Medical Sciences grant to the UCI Center for Complex Biological Systems, and an NIH Training Grant.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology

The PhD in Biology is a research degree requiring graduate-level coursework, completion of a dissertation, and two semesters of participation in teaching (usually as a teaching fellow in laboratory or discussion sections of lecture courses led by Biology faculty). For most students, obtaining this degree typically involves five or more years of full-time study.

A summary of Biology PhD student expectations by year can be found here . Full details can be found in the Graduate Program Guide .

The Biology Department guarantees support for five years for all PhD students, contingent on satisfactory performance in the program.

How to Apply    Frequently Asked Questions

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate academic mastery in one of three areas of Biology: Ecology, Behavior & Evolution; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.

2. Attain research expertise , including grant writing experience, and complete original research that advances a specific field of study within one of three broad subject areas represented in the department: Ecology, Behavior & Evolution; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.

3. Attain teaching experience and expertise in one of three broad areas of Biology: Ecology, Behavior & Evolution; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.

4. Attain the skills and qualifications needed for employment in an academic, government, or private sector position related to the life sciences.

Coursework Requirements

Students must complete 64 credits with a minimum grade point average of 3.0; at least 32 of these credits must be accrued from lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses. Students with prior graduate work may be able to transfer course credits.  See the  Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) Transfer of Credits policy  for more details. 

• 2 semesters of Progress in Research Seminars (2 credits each):

Cell & Molecular Biology:  BI 583 & BI 584 (CM section)

Ecology, Behavior & Evolution: BI 579 & BI 580

Neurobiology:   BI 583 & BI 584 (NEURO section)

• 1 semester grant-writing course (2 credits):

Cell & Molecular Biology:  BI 581

Ecology, Behavior & Evolution: BI 671

Neurobiology: BI 581

• 1 semester pedagogy course (1 credit): All Biology PhD students take  BI 697
• 1 quantitative course (3–4 credits): from a list of recommended courses .
• Additional courses vary by specific track below:

Cell & Molecular Biology

1. GRS BI 791/GRS BI 792 Graduate Rotation Credits (2 credits each/4 credits total)

2. GRS BI 753 Advanced Molecular Biology  (4 credits)

3. GRS MB 721 Graduate Biochemistry  (4 credits)

4. GRS BI 735 Advanced Cell Biology  (4 credits)

5. Two electives (8 credits, 500-level and above), see the Graduate Program Guide for recommendations

6. Research credits  (remaining credits)

Ecology, Behavior & Evolution

1. Six electives  (24 credits, 500-level and above), see the Graduate Program Guide for recommendations

2. Research credits  (remaining credits)

Ecology, Behavior & Evolution PhD candidate coursework is highly variable. Students, in consultation with advisors, develop a plan of coursework and research. Students are required to take a minimum of 32 credits of coursework. The remainder of the credits should be research.

Neurobiology

2. GRS BI 755 Cellular and Systems Neuroscience  (4 credits)

3. GRS BI 741 Neural Systems: Functional Circuit Analysis  (4 credits)

4. Four electives  (16 credits, 500-level and above), see the Graduate Program Guide for recommendations

5. Research credits  (remaining credits)

Teaching Requirement

The department requires a minimum of two semesters of teaching as part of the Doctor of Philosophy program. During the first semester of teaching, students are required to enroll in our first-year seminar course, GRS BI 697 A Bridge to Knowledge . The course provides guidance and training on pedagogy and other aspects of graduate school.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination must be completed no later than six semesters after matriculation. In most graduate curricula in the department, this consists of a research proposal—often in the form of a grant application—which the student submits to their committee and subsequently defends in an oral presentation. In the  Cell & Molecular Biology and Ecology, Behavior & Evolution curricula , this is preceded by a comprehensive written examination testing the student’s general background from coursework.

Dissertation & Final Oral Examination

Candidates shall demonstrate their abilities for independent study in a dissertation representing original research or creative scholarship. A prospectus for the dissertation must be completed and approved by the readers, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Biology Department Chair. Candidates must undergo a final oral examination in which they defend their dissertation as a valuable contribution to knowledge in their field and demonstrate a mastery of their field of specialization in relation to their dissertation. All portions of the dissertation and final oral examination must be completed as outlined in the  GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree . The results of the dissertation must be presented at a department colloquium.

Graduation Timeline

Forms and additional information about PhD graduation can be found on the GRS website .

9 – 12 months before proposed graduation date

• Dissertation Prospectus & approval form due to Graduate Program Specialist for departmental review and submission to GRS

Semester prior to your intended graduation cycle

• Intent to Graduate Form completed online

About 2 months before dissertation defense

• Meet with Graduate Program Specialist, Director of Graduate Studies, and Faculty Advisor to review requirements for defense
• Arrange for Special Service Appointments if committee members are not BU faculty
• Send first draft of dissertation to readers

Once defense date is confirmed with committee

• Reserve room(s) for public seminar and defense

At least three weeks prior to dissertation defense

• Schedule of Final Oral Exam with Abstract Approval due to GRS
• Properly formatted draft of dissertation submitted as PDF to [email protected]

At least two weeks prior to dissertation defense

• Send dissertation to all committee members

At least one week prior to dissertation defense

• Send program information to Graduate Program Specialist

See the Graduate Program Guide for final dates to submit dissertation to ETD

• Submit final dissertation to ETD (online submission)
• Complete electronic signature page and forward confirmation to Graduate Program Specialist along with a copy of your submitted dissertation

MS Degree (En Route to PhD)

Option one: A PhD student who has advanced to candidacy (as demonstrated by passing the PhD qualifying exam), and has completed 32 credits of graduate-level coursework (not including research) may apply to the Graduate School for an MS degree in Biology. This must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies within the Biology Department. The student’s major professor will receive notification of this application process.

Option two: A PhD student who has taken, but has not advanced to candidacy based on the PhD qualifying examination, may still receive an MS degree. This student may receive a Coursework MS degree provided they have completed 32 credits of coursework (not including research credits). Alternatively, this student may receive a Scholarly Paper or Research Thesis MS degree if the written portion of the qualifying examination is adapted to ensure it is of sufficiently high quality for a MS degree, and approved by a majority of the qualifying exam committee and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Interdisciplinary Study Options

Biology PhD students have the option to participate in the Boston University Graduate Program in Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health (BU URBAN), the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program Understanding the Brain: Neurophotonics (NSF NRT UtB: Neurophotonics), and the Biogeoscience Advanced Graduate Certificate Program . These programs require separate applications in addition to the standard Biology PhD application; those interested in BU URBAN are encouraged pre-apply .

Time Limits

Officially, the PhD must be completed within seven years after the first registration for doctoral study. PhD degrees are conferred in either May, August, or January, as specified on the GRS website . In addition, the PhD candidacy expires after the fifth anniversary of passing the Qualifying Examination. Petitions to extend this deadline are possible at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School, and can be obtained from the Office of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

The Biology Department guarantees support for five years for all PhD students, contingent on satisfactory performance in the program. PhD students are encouraged to apply for fellowships and grants at funding agencies. All domestic students should apply for NSF Graduate Research Fellowships in the Fall semester of their first or second year. 

Travel Grants may be available to assist students in their travel to professional scientific meetings; students presenting papers or posters on their research will receive first consideration.

Common Types of Funding:

Dean’s Fellowships: These are non-service fellowships allocated to first-year PhD students that do not have immediate teaching requirements.

Teaching Fellowships: These provide a stipend plus full tuition and fees for up to four full courses per semester plus a 2-credit teaching course. Teaching responsibilities usually require approximately 20 hours per week. Full or partial awards may be given.

Doctoral Research Fellowships: These awards are given to students who assist individual faculty with specific areas of research. These Research Fellowships provide a stipend and full tuition. The supervising faculty member determines the specific duties of the Research Fellow.

In addition to the above funding sources, several competitive Department awards and fellowships are available to graduate students in the Department of Biology.

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Department of Biological Sciences

College of natural and mathematical sciences, phd and ms in biological sciences.

PhD Degree Areas of Specialization

• CDN: Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and Neurobiology
• GBM: Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology
• EEB: Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior
• CBS: Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, and Systems Biology

PhD Degree Requirements

• 30 credits of graduate-level coursework
• At most 12 credits should be for thesis research (BIOL899). At least one research credit should be taken each semester after the student begins thesis research in an advisor’s laboratory
• One 700 level (3-credit) graduate seminar
• Research rotations (three)
• Two semesters as a teaching assistant
• Beginning with the second year, students are required to participate in a research seminar (journal club) every semester and to take one credit of research seminar (journal club) each year
• Original research directed by a research advisor and overseen by a committee knowledgeable in the student’s area of specialization

MS Degree Requirements

• At least 18 credits at the 600 or 700-level; up to six 400-level credits may be applied toward the required 30 credits, for courses approved by the graduate school (for example, BIOL 430 is an approved graduate course). Courses listed at both the 400 and 600 level must be taken at the 600 level. Research credits are not counted toward this 18 credit requirement.
• One 700-level graduate seminar
• Thesis: 6 credits of research and a Master’s thesis written and defended
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Biological Sciences, Ph.D.

College of Arts and Sciences

Gain state-of-the-art expertise in original research and in your field of biological sciences while you prepare for work as a professional scientist.

Join a cutting-edge research program committed to advancing knowledge and discoveries in all aspects of biology, from the cellular and genetic level to the organismal and environmental levels. All Ph.D. students receive financial support. You will graduate prepared to pursue a career in academia, education, government research or industries related to biology.

Program Highlights

Research focus.

Hone valuable research skills in our advanced programs with opportunities to teach, present and publish.

Supportive Environment

Join the Graduate Association of Biological Sciences, which seeks to enrich the student experience with a variety of ongoing activities.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Benefit from the engaged faculty and staff members who work endlessly to foster a collaborative program.

A Notable Faculty

Learn from face-to-face instruction by expert faculty members currently researching in their respective fields.

What You’ll Study

Specialize in stem cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, cancer biology, biology of cellular stress, plant biology, ecology, evolution or marine biology. Address significant, unanswered questions, and share your research findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations and grant proposals. Defend a research-based dissertation.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

Data Analysis

Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

Scientific Writing

Communicating scientific research and findings in a clear, accurate and compelling manner

Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

Analytical Reasoning

Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

Presentation Skills

Preparing and delivering effective and engaging presentations to inform, persuade or inspire

Working collaboratively with others to achieve a shared goal or objective

Using your degree

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The PhD program in Biology provides both a broad background knowledge base and an in-depth study of a specialized area of biology. Students can choose to pursue a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology or Molecular Microbiology.

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The PhD program in Biology emphasizes close interaction between graduate students and faculty in developing the intellectual and experimental skills required for creative independent research. To be considered for admission to the doctoral program, a student must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, preferably in a biological science. Individuals with degrees in other natural sciences may be considered, depending on their interests and background.

A minimum GPA of 3.000 for all graduate work is required for the award of the PhD degree. All regulations of the Graduate School regarding maintenance of academic standing apply.

The Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology Group studies questions related to organismal development, aging, regeneration and repair. Our unifying theme is an interest in discovering how organisms build and rebuild tissues during development, after injury, and during aging. Studies in worm, fish, axolotl, mouse, and human tissue culture are providing insights into the development, function, and aging of multiple organ systems. We use genomic and proteomic analyses, and biological imaging approaches, to understand the roles and regulatory networks underlying tissue development and repair.

Biomechanics, Neurobiology, and Behavior Group pursues distinct interests, with a special emphasis on motor learning and control, biomechanics, circadian rhythms, neurogenesis and neural regeneration. Animal models run the gamut from jellyfish and termites to fish and human subjects. Research threads include the social behavior of insects, the neural architectures underlying rhythms, movement and goal-directed behaviors in humans and model organisms, and adult neurogenesis and neuronal regeneration in teleost fish.

Molecular Microbiology Group is interested in understanding the rise of multidrug resistant pathogens. Hence the focus of this group intersects strongly with that of the University in the areas of health and security. The Molecular Microbiology group investigates the bases of dormant persister cells, uncultured bacteria, composition and function of the human and environmental microbiomes, mechanisms underlying mutagenesis, regulation of the DNA damage response, and bacterial development including biofilm formation. Further strengths include the development of platforms for the discovery of new antimicrobials.

• Concentrations in Cell and Molecular Biology or Molecular Microbiology
• Bachelor’s and Advanced-degree entry are possible
• Boston residence requirement of one year of full-time graduate work on campus

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Agios Pharmaceuticals
• Masschusetts General Hospital

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Unofficial transcripts for all institutions attended (Official transcripts required upon acceptance of admission offer)
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE General test – Not required
• Proof of English Proficiency for all applicants

Our priority deadline is December 1 with rolling admissions until March 15, based on space available.

We only admit degree program students for fall semesters.

• Program Website

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Phd in biology.

Our Doctor of Philosophy in Biology equips students with the ability design and execute research projects, critically evaluate scientific literature, write manuscripts for publication, make professional presentations, become effective teachers and stay abreast of scientific progress in their areas of interest.

The PhD in Biology is conferred on individuals in recognition of their demonstrated ability to master a specific field of knowledge and to conduct significant independent, original research.

Graduate Catalog

Graduate Manual

Program Director

Laura R. Serbus Associate Professor; Graduate Program Director, Biological Sciences   305-348-2201   [email protected]  AHC1 219B

Department of Biological Sciences MMC: 11200 SW 8th Street, OE 167 Miami, FL 33199 Tel: 305-348-2201

BBC: 3000 NE 151st Street, MSB 350 North Miami, FL 33181 Tel: 305-919-5500 [email protected]

University of South Florida

USF Research & Innovation

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From L to R: Albert Kim (Co-PI), Yasin Yilmaz (Co-PI), Ashok Kumar (PI), Srinivas Katkoori (Co-PI) and Norma Alcantar (Co-PI) in Cleanroom Facilities at USF Nanotechnology Research and Education Center (NREC)

USF receives $3 million for interdisciplinary NSF research traineeship award to advance semiconductor research and education

• August 26, 2024

The NSF Research Traineeship Program (NRT) awarded a five-year, $3 million funding grant to the University of South Florida (USF) for the development and implementation of a comprehensive and experiential learning-based education, research, training and skills development program in semiconductor design, manufacturing and packaging for graduate students. The NRT is a prestigious, national program that supports annual cohorts of trainees in developing the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high- priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas through comprehensive traineeship models that are innovative, evidence-based and aligned with changing workforce and research needs.

Principal Investigator, Professor Ashok Kumar (Mechanical Engineering), along with Co-Principal Investigators, Professor Srinivas Katkoori (Computer Science & Engineering), Associate Professor Albert Kim (Medical Engineering), Associate Professor Yasin Yilmaz (Electrical Engineering), and Professor Norma Alcantar (Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering) were awarded the grant for a project entitled “NRT: Science, Technology, Engineering, Program for Upward Partnership (STEP-UP) for Advancing Microelectronics Education and Training.” This grant will provide approximately 23 graduate (15 doctoral and 8 master) student fellowships to advance research in the much-needed field of semiconductor technologies.

“Much-publicized semiconductor chips shortage has impacted several critical industries. A skilled and diverse pipeline of workers is critical to building a sustainable domestic semiconductor industry and to achieving the CHIPS Act economic and national security goals. This NRT grant will provide to better prepare master’s and doctoral students for the interdisciplinary talents required in semiconductor chip development,” said Ashok Kumar, the principal investigator of the NSF NRT project.

“USF’s STEP-UP NRT program is a unique cutting-edge training program that not only trains a graduate student in interdisciplinary technical skills and novel convergent approaches but also emphasizes on all-round trainee development in terms of communication, teamwork, project management, ethics and leadership to create tomorrow’s world leaders in the semiconductor field.” said Srinivas Katkoori, Co-investigator of the NRT project. 

“Semiconductor industries are very reluctant to hire students without having any hands-on experience in semiconductor standard clean room facilities,” said Senior Personnel Robert Tufts and Rich Everly from the Nanotechnology Research and Education Center (NREC). They will be involved in providing the basic semiconductor fundamentals, processing, and design concept in fabrication of functional semiconductor devices in class 1000 clean room facilities at NREC.

Senior personnel Steve Kozlowski (Psychology Department), Grandon Gill (Muma College of Business), Sudeep Sarkar (Computer Science & Engineering Department) and Joanna Burchfield (College of Engineering) will be involved in comprehensive education and training activities for NRT Fellows in leadership, communication, teamwork, ethics, entrepreneurship skills, etc. 

“This NSF-funded NRT program will be a model for a future interdisciplinary graduate program at USF and it brings significant benefit to our institution. It forges a convergent and innovative program to train graduates in Semiconductor Technology,” said Ruth Bahr, Dean of Graduate Studies, USF (Tampa Campus).

“USF’s ability to provide advanced semiconductor training to graduate students in a teaching clean room will strengthen the U.S. technical workforce. USF will increase capacity-building of skilled graduate scholars through strategic public-private collaborations and partnerships with government agencies, national laboratories, and academia.” said Sylvia Thomas, USF Vice President of Research and Innovation.

“The NSF Research Traineeship Award will significantly impact the quality of graduate education at USF and will bring a wide range of benefits to the research scholars we serve,” said Prasant Mohapatra, Provost and Executive Vice President. “At USF, we believe highly integrative graduate research training equips students with the skills and knowledge to tackle complex, real-world challenges. These programs foster critical thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, which are vital for addressing the pressing issues of our time

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