Program Overview

Introduction to the Biophysical, Chemical, and Computational Biology Pathway

The Biophysical, Chemical, and Computational Biology (BCCB) pathway is a dedicated program for students with quantitative backgrounds, requiring no prior experience in biological sciences. This pathway enables students to apply their quantitative skills at the interface of physical and biological sciences, solving pressing problems in biomedical sciences that demand innovative approaches.

Discover the BCCB PhD Pathway

In the BCCB pathway, students will:

• Develop skills needed to apply quantitative, inter-disciplinary approaches to biomedical research
• Explore diverse research opportunities through first-year rotations
• Receive full funding, including a generous stipend and health insurance

Curriculum

The BCCB curriculum is designed to accelerate students' transition from quantitative sciences into biomedical research, facilitated by individualized academic mentorship. The coursework begins with a dedicated first-year core course focused on the application of quantitative approaches to biomedical science, emphasizing problem-solving and critical thinking. Subsequent electives provide opportunities to delve deeper into areas of interest, preparing students for thesis research involving the application of quantitative methodology to biomedical sciences.

Additionally, students enroll in professional development and qualifying exam prep courses that equip them with practical skills in proposal writing, data management, career exploration, and effective communication in writing, graphics, and oral presentations to the scientific community.

Program Structure

BCCB students are assigned an academic mentor with a similar educational history. The mentor works with the student to identify appropriate electives or tutorials, ensuring the student's educational needs are met. This individualized plan enables students with diverse undergraduate backgrounds to be equipped for successful thesis research. In their first year, students enroll in the 2-semester BCCB core course, which is taken in parallel with research rotations, providing students with the opportunity to explore vast research opportunities. Additional courses are available during the second and third years, introducing advanced topics, responsible conduct in research, and preparation for the qualifying exam. The program culminates in the public oral defense of the dissertation.

Leadership

• Celia Schiffer, PhD: Program Co-Director, Chair and Professor
• James Munro, PhD: Program Co-Director, Associate Professor

Faculty

The BCCB pathway boasts a diverse and accomplished faculty, including but not limited to:

• Dr. Nezar Abdennur
• Dr. Robert Brewster
• Yingleong (Rigel) Chan
• Andres Colubri
• Job Dekker
• Accalia Fu
• Niko Grigorieff
• David Grunwald
• Brian Kelch
• Jason Kim
• Andrei Korostelev
• Michael Lee
• Li Li
• Teng Ting (Elaine) Lim
• Francesca Massi
• Stephen Miller
• Amir Mitchell
• James Munro
• Mary Munson
• Athma Pai
• Oliver Rando
• Nick Rhind
• Sean Ryder
• Manoj Saranathan
• Celia Schiffer
• Elizabeth Shank
• Kuang Shen
• Jie Song
• Jessica Spinelli
• Larry Stern
• Paul Thompson
• Marian Walhout
• Lingfei Wang
• Jonathan Watts
• Zhiping Weng
• Eviatar Yemini
• Qing Yu
• Phillip Zamore
• Jin Zhang

Each faculty member brings unique research interests and expertise, providing students with a wide range of potential research areas and mentors.