2015-2016 University Catalog
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, PhD
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Banner Code: SC-PHD-BCB
This program of study is offered by the School of Systems Biology in the College of Science .
In the field of bioinformatics and computational biology, specialists collect, store, analyze, and present complex biological data. Through this work, critical contributions are made to disease detection, drug design, forensics, agriculture, and environmental sciences through the combination of biological analysis and high-performance computing. The main objective of the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, PhD is to educate the next generation of computational biologists for careers in academia, industry, and government. The program provides students with interdisciplinary academic training that includes fundamental bioscience courses as well as core and advanced courses in bioinformatics. Courses are designed to be completed in approximately two years. Completion of coursework, the comprehensive exam, and a successful dissertation proposal results in advancement to candidacy status. In the final phase, students focus on research that culminates in a dissertation.
The program is structured to be accessible for full and part-time students. Many of the courses are offered in a distance-learning format, allowing students to participate in class without having to travel to campus.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in biology, computer science, or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.25 in the last earned degree. Applicants should have taken courses in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, calculus, physical chemistry, computer programming and data structures, and probability and statistics. Students with deficiencies in one or more of these areas may be admitted provisionally and required to take additional courses, some of which may not be applicable to the 48-credit course total for the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, PhD . Students whose undergraduate record does not include basic biochemistry will be required to take a basic course prior to BINF 701 .
To apply, prospective students should submit the Mason Graduate Application, two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, a current résumé, and an expanded goals statement. Applicants should also include three letters of recommendation and an official report of scores obtained on the GRE general exam. Scores should be in the 45th percentile or above. The GRE requirement for admission to the doctoral program will be waived if the student holds a master’s degree from a U.S. institution. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required of all international applicants.
Reduction of Credit
For students entering the doctoral program with a master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution, the number of required credits may be reduced up to 30 credits, subject to approval of the program director and the college’s associate dean for student affairs. See the Graduate Policies section for more information.
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