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2011-2012 University Catalog
Biosciences, PhD
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Banner Code: SC-PHD-BIOS
This program is a research-oriented field of study that prepares students for significant contributions in academic or industrial settings. The area of emphasis in functional genomics and biotechnology includes microarray analysis of gene expression, sequencing and analysis of genes, gene family evolution, mechanisms of toxicology and mutagenesis, and biotechnological applications. The concentration in microbiology and infectious disease stresses molecular mechanisms of infectious disease, genomic and proteomic analysis of pathogens, and the physiology and metabolism of pathogens. The academic component is a three-tiered structure. The first tier provides a set of four core courses designed to advance research skills across all disciplines. The second tier comprises four or five core courses and elective courses. The first two tiers are designed to be completed in approximately two years, including the comprehensive qualifying exam. Only on completion of these requirements, the qualifying exam, and a successful dissertation proposal can the students advance to candidacy status. The third tier focuses on research and culminates in a dissertation.
This program of study is offered by the School of Systems Biology in the College of Science .
Admission Requirements
In addition to materials required of all applicants for graduate study, the following is also required:
- Minimum 3.25 GPA in previous course work with significant training in the biological sciences. A TOEFL score of 575 on the paper-based exam or 230 on the computer-based exam is required of international students.
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s academic or professional capabilities.
- Statement of purpose consistent with the research interests of at least one faculty member in the program.
- Scores on GRE general exam (required) and biology or biochemistry subject exam (recommended) taken within the past five years prior to date of application submission.
An interview may also be required. Applications should be submitted by February 1 for fall admission. Under unusual circumstances, applications may be considered for spring admission if they are received by October 1. Applications will be considered until positions are filled. Students are encouraged to meet application deadlines to be considered for scholarships and stipends. Strong candidates who lack several prerequisites may be admitted to provisional status. Removal from provisional status and continuation in the program is contingent on earning a GPA of 3.25 in the program’s fundamental courses, plus completion of missing prerequisites.
Students who have not taken a course in basic biochemistry will be required to complete one prior to BIOS 701. |
Degree Requirements
Students must satisfy all requirements for doctoral degrees expressed in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.
Candidates for the PhD in biosciences must complete a minimum of 72 graduate credits. For students entering the doctoral program with a master’s of science degree, the number of credits required may be reduced by a maximum of 30 with approval of the advisor and the program director. Graduate credits taken previously and not used toward another degree may be transferred, subject to the approval of the advisor, the program director, and the dean.
Students in the doctoral program are required to present two research papers at a meeting or conference any time before graduation. Bioscience Core (12 credits):
Concentration or Emphasis (15 credits):
▲ Concentration in Microbiology and Infectious Disease (MID)
Students in this concentration will be prepared for employment in academia, government, or industry. By stressing mechanisms of pathogenicity, physiology, metabolism, and genomics of pathogens, students will have a firm foundation for future research in infectious disease. Students will also be introduced to advanced laboratory practices, such as animal research methodologies and biocontainment laboratory work. All students must take the following 15 graduate credits: Emphasis in Functional Genomics and Biotechnology
This emphasis prepares students for significant contributions in an academic or industrial research career. Covers microarray analysis of gene expression, proteome analysis, sequencing and analysis of gene polymorphisms, gene and genome evolution, molecular studies of disease mechanisms, mechanisms of toxicology and mutagenesis, and biotechnological applications. All students must take the following 15 graduate credits: Elective Courses (21-33 credits):
21-33 credits chosen from the following to complete 72 credits: Dissertation Committee
Upon admission to the program, each student is assigned an advisor from the bioscience faculty. The advisor may be changed by mutual consent of student and advisor, or petition to the program director and dean. With their advisor, students adopt an individual program that focuses on a specific area of research.
By the end of the fourth semester of course work, students assemble a dissertation committee of four graduate faculty members with representation from at least two academic departments. The faculty advisor and the program director approve the program of study. Qualifying Examination
On nearing completion of course requirements, students take a qualifying exam with a written and an oral component. At the discretion of the committee, the written qualifying exam may be retaken once if the student’s performance was deemed below satisfaction. On successful completion of the qualifying exam, the majority of all course work, and an accepted thesis proposal, students will be recommended for advancement to candidacy by the committee and the program director. Advancement to Candidacy
Upon successful completion of the qualifying exam, the majority of all course work, and an accepted thesis proposal, students will be recommended for advancement to candidacy by the committee and the program director.
The semester after advancement to candidacy, students are eligible to enroll in dissertation research (BIOS 999). Students must review their progress on the dissertation with their graduate committee on a regular basis until graduation. Dissertation Research (12–24 credits):
Note: no more than 24 combined credits from BIOS 998 and BIOS 999 may be applied toward satisfying doctoral degree requirements. Students must take at least 3 credits of BIOS 999 to graduate. Doctoral Dissertation
After advancing to doctoral candidacy, students work with their dissertation committee to develop their dissertation proposal into a completed doctoral dissertation. The dissertation research should represent a significant contribution that is publishable in a refereed scientific journal. When the dissertation is complete, students will present their results to their graduate committee and defend their dissertation in a public forum. |
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