The five graduate programs currently affiliated with the IGERT program are briefly described below. For more complete information, including application procedures, please consult the graduate program homepage.
Computational and Applied Mathematics
Each student must develop a program of study in Computational and Applied Mathematics that includes a substantial component from each of three Concentration Areas. These areas are Applicable Mathematics (Area A), Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computation (Area B), and Mathematical Modeling and Applications (Area C). Students demonstrate proficiency in each of these areas through oral and written exams. While area A and area B courses are standardized, area C courses are selected according to each student’s interests; biology courses can satisfy area C requirements. Research for dissertations must demonstrate an interdisciplinary theme and draw on knowledge from the disciplines in each of the three Concentration Areas. Normally the student should complete the coursework requirement in two years, and complete the Ph.D. program within five years. Most students begin research in the second year of the program.
Students must have an undergraduate degree in computer science or its equivalent to be admitted into the Ph.D. program. Course requirements for Ph.D. students in Computer Science can be completed in two years, and consist of 6 “breadth” courses (all of which are within computer sciences) and 5 “depth” courses. The 5 depth courses are selected for the research focus of the student, and can include courses from the Biological Sciences. Research is normally begun in the first year of the Ph.D. program, and students are expected to advance to candidacy by the end of the third year.
Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
Ph.D. students in the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program are expected to have a working core of knowledge in general biology and the history of biology; other helpful areas of study include: botany, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, embryology, genetics and evolution, and physiology. Preliminary and parallel training is required in other natural sciences. Supporting areas are commonly chosen in plant biology, chemistry, computer sciences, geological sciences, marine science, mathematics, microbiology, molecular biology, psychology, or physics, as needed to support the area of specialization chosen. With the approval of the supervising committee, relevant courses in these fields may also be included as a part of the course program. Ph.D. students are expected to fulfill all requirements for admission to candidacy by the end of the second year. The first year student will be expected to take the core course in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. Most students complete their degrees in 5-6 years.
All entering students take a two-semester core course that covers the essentials of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and genetics, and also includes sections on developmental biology and neurobiology. Additional elective courses are available in a wide variety of more specialized fields. Coursework is typically completed by the end of the second year, although many Ph.D. students continue to participate in journal clubs or other seminar courses throughout their graduate career to gain practice in the critical analysis of research articles and experience with public speaking. All students are required to gain at least one semester of teaching experience before receiving the Ph.D.
Mastery of an integrated and meaningful program of graduate study is deemed more important than the completion of a prescribed number of semester hours; consequently only three courses are required (two in Plant Biology and one outside). Most individual student programs, however, include at least four graduate courses in plant biology. Further supporting work in related sciences augments the program. Ph.D. students are expected to fulfill all requirements for admission to candidacy by the end of the second year. Most students take 5-6 years to complete the program.