Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

The PhD in Biology curriculum at UAlbany is an experimental and theoretical research-focused program that prepares students for a career in academia, biotechnology, health care, or government.

Program Concentration

The doctoral program in biology at UAlbany has a Molecular, Cellular, Developmental and Neural Biology (MCDN) concentration. The MCDN concentration focuses on research concepts like cell-cell signaling, the regulation of bacterial gene expression, RNA folding, cancer drug discovery, and brain function.

Program of Study

• Qualifying Examination Part I – Written
• Qualifying Examination Part II – Oral defense of research proposal
• Full-Time Study in Residence
• Sample core courses:
  • Cell Biology I and Cell Biology II
  • Biochemistry and Biomolecular Structure
  • Advanced Molecular Biology
• Research Tool Requirement: Demonstrated proficiency in one research tool can be fulfilled by the first-year Biochemistry course.
• Teaching Requirement: At least two semesters during your graduate tenure.
• Dissertation: Representing a significant and original contribution to knowledge in your field of specialization.

Research

The main component of your PhD in Biology program studies will be research-based. With access to our collaborative Life Sciences open laboratories as well as to institutions in the region, such as the Wadsworth Center and the New York State Department of Health, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to conduct your research.

Career Outcomes

With a PhD in Biology, you will have the credentials to pursue career opportunities for conducting research and development in private companies, applying your expertise and skills in government agencies or sharing your knowledge through teaching positions or journalism. Possible career titles include:

• Professor
• Life Scientist
• Microbiologist
• Environmental Scientist
• Teacher
• Science Writer
• Biotechnology Research Scientist

Admissions Requirements

• Deadlines:
  • Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
    • Fall: December 15
    • Spring: October 1
    • Summer: Not Available
  • No Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
    • Fall: June 15
    • Spring: December 1
    • Summer: Not Available
• Required Application Materials:
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation from professors in biological sciences, with at least one addressing research aptitude and experience
  • Statement of goals
• The GRE is NOT required.

Student Learning Objectives

• Obtain general knowledge of representative fields in biology such as molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, and neurobiology, with a detailed knowledge of one or more areas of interest.
• Read and understand primary scientific literature to keep abreast of major developments and to synthesize and integrate the literature in their chosen area of expertise.
• Demonstrate the ability to integrate factual knowledge to identify biological problems that need addressing.
• Recognize a significant scientific problem and propose experiments that would make a significant contribution to its solution.
• Designing experimental protocols and conducting self-directed research to contribute to the solution on an important scientific problem.
• Demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate ideas, results, and conclusions regarding biological data using graphical and oral communication methods.
• Demonstrate written communication skills in the field of biology
• Understand scientific ethics as practiced in Western societies, including the topics of human subjects, animal use in research, and plagiarism.

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.

• Supplemental Program: Africana Studies CGS
• Supplemental Program: Biology MS
• Supplemental Program: Community College Leadership CGS
• Supplemental Program: Demography CGS
• Supplemental Program: International Education Management CGS