| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-11-29 | - |
Program Overview
The Bioinformatics & Systems Biology Graduate Program at UC San Diego is a full-time PhD program that prepares students for careers in academia or industry. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research across biology, medicine, computational sciences, and engineering. Applicants should have a strong background in quantitative or computational disciplines and a passion for solving challenging research questions.
Program Outline
Careers:
The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in academia or industry.
Other:
The Bioinformatics & Systems Biology Graduate Program at UC San Diego is a full-time PhD program. Students are admitted as full-time PhD students. The program does not admit "Masters-only" students. Admission is in accordance with the general requirements of the graduate division. Candidates should have a quantitative or computational track record and a passion for working on challenging research questions in interdisciplinary areas across biology, medicine, computational sciences and engineering. The most competitive applicants have an undergraduate degree majoring in any of the disciplines in the biological sciences, the physical sciences, computer science, or mathematics, and a strong background in the complementary disciplines. Applicants must apply online at https://gradapply.ucsd.edu and must submit a completed UC San Diego Application for Graduate Admission (use major code BF76). Applicants indicate their priority interest in the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Track or the Biomedical Informatics Track; please see this page for further information on each track. Fall 2024 Application Deadline: Wednesday November 29, 2023. Applications with fee waiver requests are due a week earlier. Applicants are encouraged to use GRE scores to the best effect for their applications. For the program, GRE General Test scores are considered as evidence of quantitative and analytical reasoning abilities. The application form for Fall 2024 admissions includes an optional COVID-19 Personal Statement section to address any impacts due to COVID-19. For applicants who are required to take the TOEFL iBT or IELTS, we have added additional options for applications for Fall 2024 admissions: the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition; and the IELTS Indicator.
University of California
Overview:
The University of California (UC) is a public university system with 10 campuses across California. It is known for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and commitment to research. UC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its campuses are located in various settings, from bustling cities to coastal towns.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UC campuses offer a vibrant and diverse student life experience. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, including sports, arts, and cultural events. Each campus has its own unique character and atmosphere, with some campuses known for their urban setting and others for their more rural or coastal locations.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
UC is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world, with renowned faculty and cutting-edge research.Financial Aid:
UC offers generous financial aid packages, with tuition fully covered for many California students.Diverse Student Body:
UC campuses are known for their diverse student populations, representing a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.Research Opportunities:
UC campuses are leaders in research, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking projects.Campus Locations:
UC campuses are located in various settings across California, offering students a choice of urban, suburban, or rural environments.Academic Programs:
UC offers a wide range of academic programs across its 10 campuses, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Literature, history, philosophy, music, art, theaterSocial Sciences:
Psychology, sociology, economics, political science, anthropologySciences:
Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer scienceEngineering:
Mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, biomedicalBusiness:
Management, marketing, finance, accountingHealth Sciences:
Medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacyLaw:
Juris Doctor (JD)Other:
UC is committed to providing a high-quality education to students from all backgrounds. The university system has a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed.
Entry Requirements:
- Quantitative or Computational Track Record: Applicants should have a strong background in quantitative or computational fields, demonstrating an aptitude for working with data and algorithms.
- Passion for Interdisciplinary Research: Applicants should be passionate about pursuing research questions that span multiple disciplines, such as biology, medicine, computational sciences, and engineering.
- Undergraduate Degree: Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Biological Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Strong Background in Complementary Disciplines: Applicants should have a solid understanding of concepts and methods related to disciplines other than their primary field of study.
- Previous Research Experience (Optional): Applicants with previous research experience are favored, but not mandatory.
- Publications (Optional): Applicants with publications in relevant fields are viewed favorably.
- Qualities for Success: Strong applications will showcase evidence of qualities necessary for graduate studies, such as:
- Critical thinking
- Quantitative reasoning
- Computational and/or research experience
- Community engagement
- Motivation
- Initiative
- Perseverance
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- TOEFL Scores: Required ONLY for international applicants whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate education was conducted in a language other than English.
Note:
The specific TOEFL test score requirements are not mentioned in the provided context.
