Program Overview

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Biology (PhD)

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Biology at New York University is designed to develop independent research scientists. Students undertake independent research under the guidance of faculty mentors at state-of-the-art laboratories, with sophisticated instrumentation, advanced computer facilities, and extensive library and e-journal holdings.

Program Description

NYU Biology offers an integrated environment where students pursue cutting-edge research with a world-class faculty. The department is home to a wealth of scientific expertise, state-of-the-art labs and core facilities, the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, and the Center for Developmental Genetics. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all that NYC has to offer, including interacting with the legal, entertainment, pharma, world-health, and tech industries, as well as unique Global Opportunities for study at NYU's Portal Campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation
• A non-refundable application fee

Program Requirements

The program requires a total of 72 credits, including:

• Major Requirements:
  • BIOL-GA 2003: Bio Core III: Molecules & Cells/Discussion Based (4 credits)
  • BIOL-GA 2004: Bio Core IV: Genes, Systems & Evolution (4 credits)
  • BIOL-GA 2030: Statistics in Biology (4 credits)
  • BIOL-GA 3001: The Art of Scientific Investigation (2 credits)
  • BIOL-GA 3015: Pre-Doctoral Colloquium (2 credits, taken multiple times)
  • BIOL-GA 3034: Predoc Col Srvy Lab Mthd (2 credits)
  • BIOL-GA 3035: Predoc Col Srvy Lab Mthd (4 credits)
• Electives:
  • Biology Electives (by advisement) (8 credits)
  • Other Elective Credits (32 credits)

Additional Program Requirements

Qualifying Examination

The written PhD qualifying examination (preliminary examination) is generally taken at the end of the first year of full-time study. The examination consists of two parts: a written research proposal and an oral presentation of the proposal that is defended before a committee of three faculty members.

Thesis Proposal

By the end of the spring semester of their first year, doctoral students must secure a faculty sponsor and a thesis advisory committee of at least three faculty members from within the department who have formally agreed to supervise the dissertation research. A thesis proposal should be presented to the thesis advisory committee and defended orally before May 31 of the second year.

Dissertation Defense & Submission

When the student has completed at least one year in residence and all course and language requirements, passed the qualifying examinations, proposed an acceptable subject for the dissertation, and been recommended by the program, he or she is formally admitted to candidacy for the doctorate, and an advisory committee is appointed.

Departmental Approval

All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.

Sample Plan of Study

A sample plan of study is provided, outlining the typical coursework and credits required for each semester.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Be well-trained in quantitative and computational methods that can be applied to biological research questions.
2. Be actively trained in various aspects of research integrity.
3. Be able to communicate science more effectively to diverse audiences.
4. Be educated in fields and skills relevant to broad career opportunities in the biomedical research enterprise.
5. Take individualized coursework in the Biology Ph.D. program that accommodates a range of educational experiences.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.