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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Biomedical Engineering | Biotechnology | Nanotechnology
Area of study
Engineering | Natural Science
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Doctor of Philosophy in Nanobioscience

Overview

The PhD in Nanobioscience program at UAlbany integrates the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, mathematics, and engineering with the cross-cutting fields of nanosciences, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology. This interdisciplinary program prepares students for careers at the convergence of medicine, life science, and nanoscale science and engineering.


Program of Study

The nanobioscience PhD program integrates the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, mathematics, and engineering with the cross-cutting fields of nanosciences, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology.


  • Through coursework and research, students develop fundamental knowledge in the design and manipulation of nanomaterials and nanofabricated systems towards biological applications, including metals, semiconductors, polymers, and chemical and biological materials.
  • This includes the integration, processing, testing, and qualification of these materials in integrated micro- and nanosystems, sensors, and integrated optics.

Degree Requirements

  • Students complete either 36 or 60 credits to earn their PhD in Nanobioscience at UAlbany, depending on whether they already hold an appropriate master's or bachelor's degree upon acceptance to the program.
  • All students enroll in a sequence of four foundational courses that provide the core competencies necessary for success in nanoscale engineering and science fields.
  • Students earn the rest of their credits through relevant coursework, seminars, and PhD dissertation research.
  • After the first year in the program, students embark on a preliminary program of study with their advisor to choose an area of concentration and coursework to satisfy it.

Additional Requirements

  • Preliminary Written Exam: This exam tests students' ability to conceive and execute a research project in nanobioscience. Students have two attempts to pass to maintain academic standing in the program.
  • Preliminary Oral Examination: Typically, within two semesters of passing the written exam, students must submit a written research proposal for their intended dissertation research followed by a formal preliminary oral exam relevant to the proposed work.
  • Dissertation: Submission and defense of a proposal that represents original research that contributes to knowledge in nanobioscience.
  • Publication: Students must be the first author on at least two scientific publications that have already been accepted to peer-reviewed technical journals related to their area of concentration.

Research and Facilities

  • As a student in the nanobioscience PhD program at UAlbany, students enjoy access to the Albany NanoTech Complex, the most advanced nanotech center in North America.
  • Gain hands-on experience inside an unmatched 1.65M square foot facility that houses a powerful ecosystem for education, development, tech acceleration, business incubation, and prototyping.
  • Available internship and research opportunities, many of which happen in cooperation with Albany NanoTech's numerous onsite corporate partners, including IBM, GlobalFoundries, Samsung, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, and Lam Research, can lead to transformative career opportunities.

Career Outcomes

  • By earning a PhD in Nanobioscience, students will be equipped for a wide range of careers at the convergence of medicine, life science, and nanoscale science and engineering in areas such as industrial research and development, academic scholarship and research, or government research agencies.
  • Potential job titles for a nanobioscience PhD degree include:
    • University Professor
    • Research Scientist for drug delivery and nanotechnology
    • Bioengineer
    • Pharmaceutical Engineer
    • Gene Therapist
    • Scientific Writer
    • Process Engineer
    • Chief Scientific Officer
    • Program Manager

Admissions Requirements

  • Deadlines:
    • Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall: January 15, Spring: October 1
    • No Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall: February 1, Spring: October 1
  • Required Application Materials:
    • Transcripts from all schools attended
    • Three academic or professional letters of recommendation
    • Personal Statement
    • Resume
    • GRE General Test score is strongly recommended but not required. The department evaluates all aspects of the application, therefore a minimum score is not identified.

International Students

  • This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program.
  • Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Student Learning Objectives

  • Depending on the chosen track, students will have:
    • The intellectual fluency and technical ability to analyze and investigate the fundamental properties of a given nanoscale biological process or phenomenon and apply that learning to hypothesis formulation for the conception or construction of a functional nanobiological system or architecture.
    • The ability to approach biological and biomedical challenges from a nanoscale phenomenological perspective.
    • The ability to conduct independent research that contributes new knowledge to their topic of specialization.
    • A command over the academic literature relevant to their topic of specialization.
    • The ability to communicate, both written and orally, to professional audiences.

Program Outline

  • Integrate, process, test, and qualify these materials in integrated micro- and nanosystems, sensors, and integrated optics.
  • Prepare graduates for pioneering interdisciplinary careers in high-tech industries, academia, or government agencies.

Program Description:

The PhD in Nanobioscience integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, providing students with hands-on experience in the field. The program emphasizes research and collaboration, allowing students to work alongside faculty and fellow students on cutting-edge research projects.


Outline:


Structure:

  • The program requires the completion of either 36 or 60 credits, depending on the student's prior degree (Master's or Bachelor's).
  • The curriculum includes a sequence of four foundational courses, followed by relevant coursework, seminars, and dissertation research.

Assessment:

  • Preliminary Written Exam: Assesses the student's ability to conceive and execute a nanobioscience research project.
  • Two attempts are allowed.
  • Preliminary Oral Examination: Requires the submission of a written research proposal followed by a formal oral exam based on the proposed work.
  • Dissertation: Submission and defense of a dissertation representing original research contributing to the field of nanobioscience.
  • Publication: Requires authorship of at least two scientific publications accepted for publication in peer-reviewed technical journals related to the student's area of concentration.

Teaching:

  • The program utilizes a combination of lectures, seminars, and hands-on research experiences.
  • Faculty members are experts in their respective fields and actively engage in research.
  • The program promotes a collaborative learning environment where students can interact with faculty and peers.

Careers:

  • Graduates can pursue careers in various industries, including:
  • Industrial research and development
  • Academic scholarship and research
  • Government research agencies
  • Potential job titles include:
  • University Professor
  • Research Scientist
  • Bioengineer
  • Pharmaceutical Engineer
  • Gene Therapist
  • Scientific Writer
  • Process Engineer
  • Chief Scientific Officer
  • Program Manager

Other:

  • The program provides access to the Albany NanoTech Complex, a state-of-the-art nanotechnology research facility.
  • Students have the opportunity to participate in internships and research projects with industry partners.
  • The program focuses on research areas such as:
  • Human stem cell-derived neurons and neural circuitry therapeutics
  • Bio-hybrid devices
  • Biosensors for disease detection
  • Cellular circuit discovery for drug development
  • Bioprocess optimization
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