Curriculum

Year one requirements

Term Required courses Other requirements
Late summer

New student orientation (homework as advised by boot camp leaders)

May include

  • Math/Matlab
  • 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:

  • BP 205B Dynamical Systems Modeling (required for the CBS emphasis)
  • Bioreg (Tetrad course)
  • Systems Pharmacology (PSPG 245B)
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics courses (specific courses change annually)

Complete Second Rotation

QBC Journal Club

Seminars

(BMI 222) Student Research Talks

Spring term

Students will take the Ethical Conduct of Science course in Spring of year 1.

3 mini courses

Complete third rotation

QBC Journal Club

Seminars

 

Optional: Systems Biology Emphasis (Must be declared at time of qualifying exam. Must take BP 205B.)

 

Notes

  1. Bootcamp: 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. Must include at least 1 experimental and 1 computational. 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), at least 1 experimental, 1 computational

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 Bioinformatics, 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

Senior students present his or her research

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

(If selecting an emphasis in Complex Biological Systems, this must be declared at time of qualifying exam)

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 Bioinformatics 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 Bioinformatics, 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

 

Annual thesis meetings, year three and forward

On or around the anniversary of your qualifying examination

Thesis meetings are to be held at least once 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 Bioinformatics Executive Committee.