Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biology Program By Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |Top Universities

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biology

Subject Ranking

# 601-640QS Subject Rankings

Main Subject Area

Biological SciencesMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Biological Sciences

Study Level

PHD

Our doctoral program in biology prepares students for research-oriented careers in academia, government, and the private sector. Candidates for the Ph.D. must satisfy the requirements of the graduate program committee (GPC) as stated in the Graduate Program in Biology handbook. In brief, students must pass the year-long Biology Core Course (with a B or better) in the first year. The Core Course also serves as a qualifying exam. By the end of the second year, the student must pass the candidacy exam, which consists of a written research plan and an oral presentation. To graduate with a PhD, the degree candidate must submit a dissertation based on an original research project. The GPC requires a high level of performance in courses and research, and the progress of all students is evaluated yearly. Additionally, all doctoral candidates are required to participate in teaching for at least one academic year under the supervision of a faculty member. The student thus gains experience teaching should he or she select an academic career. Program Outcome Students who successfully complete this program will be able to demonstrate: Demonstrate basic knowledge in a variety of sub-disciplines within the broader field of biology. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of a specialized field of biology and be able to address challenging questions in that field. Analyze and interpret the scientific literature and scientific presentations. Demonstrate the ability to plan, execute and interpret experiments, and will use appropriate research techniques. Express their scientific research and findings in a variety of written and oral formats. Demonstrate critical thinking skills. Discuss issues related to scientific ethics and scientific misconduct.

Program overview

Main Subject

Biological Sciences

Study Level

PHD

Our doctoral program in biology prepares students for research-oriented careers in academia, government, and the private sector. Candidates for the Ph.D. must satisfy the requirements of the graduate program committee (GPC) as stated in the Graduate Program in Biology handbook. In brief, students must pass the year-long Biology Core Course (with a B or better) in the first year. The Core Course also serves as a qualifying exam. By the end of the second year, the student must pass the candidacy exam, which consists of a written research plan and an oral presentation. To graduate with a PhD, the degree candidate must submit a dissertation based on an original research project. The GPC requires a high level of performance in courses and research, and the progress of all students is evaluated yearly. Additionally, all doctoral candidates are required to participate in teaching for at least one academic year under the supervision of a faculty member. The student thus gains experience teaching should he or she select an academic career. Program Outcome Students who successfully complete this program will be able to demonstrate: Demonstrate basic knowledge in a variety of sub-disciplines within the broader field of biology. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of a specialized field of biology and be able to address challenging questions in that field. Analyze and interpret the scientific literature and scientific presentations. Demonstrate the ability to plan, execute and interpret experiments, and will use appropriate research techniques. Express their scientific research and findings in a variety of written and oral formats. Demonstrate critical thinking skills. Discuss issues related to scientific ethics and scientific misconduct.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

7+

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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More programs from the university

Rensselaer is recognized as one of the world’s elite technological research universities. The Institute was founded in 1824 to instruct students ‘‘in the application of science to the common purposes of life.’’ From its campuses in Troy, N.Y., and Hartford, Conn., to locations around the globe, the impact of Rensselaer, its students, faculty, and alumni, is felt in the way people live, work, and play.More than 100 programs and 1,000 courses lead to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are offered by the schools of Architecture, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Management and Technology, and Science and in the interdisciplinary degree program in information technology (IT). The undergraduate experience features close collaboration with faculty members, experiential learning, undergraduate research, and a rigorous curriculum. Accelerated programs in medicine and law are offered in cooperation with other universities.

Rensselaer is recognized as one of the world?s elite technological research universities. The Institute was founded in 1824 to instruct students ??in the application of science to the common purposes of life.?? From its campuses in Troy, N.Y., and Hartford, Conn., to locations around the globe, the impact of Rensselaer, its students, faculty, and alumni, is felt in the way people live, work, and play.More than 100 programs and 1,000 courses lead to bachelor?s, master?s, and doctoral degrees are offered by the schools of Architecture, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Management and Technology, and Science and in the interdisciplinary degree program in information technology (IT). The undergraduate experience features close collaboration with faculty members, experiential learning, undergraduate research, and a rigorous curriculum. Accelerated programs in medicine and law are offered in cooperation with other universities.

PHD programs