The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology (GBCB)
The research paradigm exemplified by the Human Genome Project requires a new academic training paradigm, one that creates team-oriented researchers who may be specialists in one area but who are literate in several other disciplines. For example, researchers with expertise in the mathematical, statistical, or computer sciences also require sufficient knowledge in biology to understand the questions in order to develop appropriate analytical methods and computer tools. Similarly, life scientists need sufficient grounding in mathematics, statistics and computer science to be educated users of these quantitative methods and tools, and to conceptualize new tools. Research and training environments that produce such a combination of skills are not commonly found in academia.
In order to provide such a training environment at Virginia tech, the previously existing Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics has been transformed into the Inderdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Genetics, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology(GBCB).
This exciting, rigourous, and intensive program of study encompasses applications of molecular biology, genomics, mathematics, statistics and computer science to all areas of the life sciences.
Interdisciplinary programs span traditional departmental boundaries and allow students enrolled in such a program to study with faculty from many departments and colleges. Plans of study are tailored individually to students' needs, and it is not uncommon that a student have an advising committee of faculty from several colleges across the university.
The program is intended to last 5 years but some may graduate in less than 5 years depending on transfer credits, pace of research, etc.
The first class of students was accepted into the GBCB program in Fall 2003 with twenty-two students enrolled for fall 2004. We currently have 44 students. GBCB has awarded 17 doctoral degress thus far; some have taken successful postdoc positions and others have proceeded directly into the business, academic, and technology sectors.
Application Deadlines:
International Students: For admission in Fall semesters apply by March 1; Spring semester is September 15.
http://graduateschool.vt.edu/academi.../phd_gbcb.html