Program Overview

Computational Biology Program Overview

The Center for Computational Molecular Biology (CCMB) offers Ph.D. degrees in Computational Biology to train the next generation of scientists to perform cutting-edge research in the multidisciplinary field of Computational Biology.

Program Description

During the course of their Ph.D. studies, students will develop and apply novel computational, mathematical, and statistical techniques to problems in the life sciences. Students in this program must achieve mastery in three areas - computational science, molecular biology, and probability and statistical inference - through a common core of studies that spans and integrates these areas.

Program Structure

The Ph.D. program in Computational Biology draws on course offerings from the disciplines of the Center’s Core faculty members. These areas are Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, the Division of Biology and Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Informatics, and the School of Public Health. Our faculty and Director of Graduate Studies work with each student to develop the best plan of coursework and research rotations to meet the student’s goals in their research focus and satisfy the University’s requirements for graduation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should state a preference for at least one of these areas in their personal statement or elsewhere in their application. In addition, students interested in the intersection of Applied Mathematics and Computational Biology are encouraged to apply directly to the Applied Mathematics Ph.D. program, and also to contact relevant CCMB faculty members.

Prerequisites

Our Ph.D. program assumes the following prerequisites:

• mathematics through intermediate calculus,
• linear algebra and discrete mathematics,
• demonstrated programming skill,
• and at least one undergraduate course in chemistry and in molecular biology. Exceptional strengths in one area may compensate for limited background in other areas, but some proficiency across the disciplines must be evident for admission.

Application Information

Application Requirements

• GRE Subject: Not required
• GRE General: Not required
• Personal Statement: Applicants will be asked a series of short form questions regarding their interest in computational biology, their research experiences, and their goals for the future.
  1. Describe the life experiences that inspired you to pursue a career in science.
  2. Describe at least one research experience you have had that prepared you intellectually/scientifically for a career in computational biology.
  3. Explain at least one challenge you have overcome in life or research to pursue a scientific career and what you have learned from this experience.
  4. Why would you like to pursue your PhD in the Brown CCMB program? (Include at least two faculty members who you would like to work with at Brown and why.)

Dates/Deadlines

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

Completion Requirements

• Six graduate–level courses
• Two eight–week laboratory rotations
• Preliminary research presentation
• Dissertation
• Oral defense
• A one-semester teaching assistantship

Leadership

• Center Director: Emilia Huerta-Sanchez
• Director of Graduate Studies: Ritambhara Singh
• Director of Graduate Studies: Jeffrey Bailey

Resources

• Program Faculty
• Program Handbook
• Graduate School Handbook

Program Details

The CCMB computing resources include a set of multiprocessor computer clusters and data storage servers with 392 processors. The CCMB Cluster is the largest dedicated computing system on campus for computational biology and bioinformatics applications.