Curriculum

Year one requirements

Term Required courses Other requirements
Late summer

New student orientation (homework as advised by orientation week student leaders)

May include

  • Statistics/R
  • Biology Didactic
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
 

Fall term

  • (BMI 206) Introduction to Biostatistics
  • Genetics/Genomics Fundamentals
  • Online Stats Course with TA Sessions
  • (Graduate 202) Race and Racism in Science

Complete First Rotation

QBC Journal Club

Faculty research talks

BBC Seminars

Program Retreats

(BMI 222) Student Research Talks

Winter term

Required:

(BMI 203) Algorithms

And select one of the below keeping in mind that the specific courses change annually:

  • Bioreg (Tetrad course)
  • Systems Pharmacology (PSPG 245B)
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics courses

Students will take the Ethical Conduct of Science course across Winter & Spring of year 1.

Complete Second Rotation

QBC Journal Club

Seminars

(BMI 222) Student Research Talks

Spring term

3 mini courses

Students will take the Ethical Conduct of Science (RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research) course across Winter & Spring of year 1.

Complete third rotation

QBC Journal Club

Seminars

Notes

  1. Orientation Week: Two-week immersion that provides basic competency and breadth before the start of the formal curriculum. Fosters group cohesion while breaking down barriers of scientific communication and provides a level playing field.
  2. Rotations: 3 ten-week rotations starting Fall quarter. It is recommended that students participate in at least 1 experimental and 1 computational rotation but not required. Details: Rotations and Advisor Selection.
  3. Mini courses: Two-week elective courses in Spring that allow for diversification of curriculum. Each student will take 3 mini courses in spring quarter.
  4. Advising: Rotations and coursework must be approved by your assigned academic advisor.

Additional year one requirements

Course Course information Description

Lab rotations

BMI 221

Fall/Winter/Spring

3 units each, 3 rotations

3 ten - week rotations (one per quarter)

Details: Rotations and Advisor Selection.

QBC Journal Club

BMI 223

Fall/winter/spring

1 unit

Journal club presentations by first- and second-year students in Biological and Medical Informatics, Biophysics, CCB, and PSPG graduate programs.

Graduate research opportunities

Faculty-student talks

   

Additional requirements for the duration of your time in the program

Course Course information Description

Research Seminars

BMI 220

Fall/winter/spring

1 unit

Research seminars presented by visiting scientists

Student Research Talks

BMI 222

Fall/winter

All students in years 2+ present research updates
QBC Retreat NA All students are required to attend the Fall QBC Retreat

Year two requirements

Course Course information Description

Oral qualifying examination

Must complete by end of second year

 

Research

(every quarter, year two and forward)

BMI 250

Fall/winter/spring

1-8 units

Research in your thesis lab; sign up every quarter in years two to six

Teaching Assistantship

Fall/winter/or spring

One quarter teaching assistant position in Biological and Medical Informatics or School of Pharmacy

QBC Journal Club

BMI 223

Fall/winter/spring

1 unit

Journal club presentations by first- and second-year students in the Biological and Medical Informatics, Biophysics, CCB, and PSPG programs

Details: QBC Journal Club Requirements

Grant Writing NA Support for fellowship applications
QBC Retreat NA All students are required to attend the Fall QBC Retreat

Year three requirements and beyond

Course Course information Description

Advancement to candidacy

Within 6 months following qualifying examination

 
Semi-Annual thesis meetings, year three forward Typically April and October, annually Thesis meetings are to be held twice per year following completion of oral examination

Those who have not graduated by Winter of 6th year must retake Ethical Conduct of Science

Neuroscience 214

Spring 1 unit

Ethical Conduct of Science must be taken once every 4 years
QBC Retreat NA All students are required to attend the Fall QBC Retreat

Details: Advancement to candidacy and thesis progression.

Students are expected to graduate within six years of starting the program. Details: Six-year policy. In order to graduate you must submit your thesis to the Graduate Division and give a thesis seminar. Extending time in the program beyond six years is subject to the approval of the Biological and Medical Informatics Executive Committee.