Academics
Welcome, future bioinformaticians and computational biologists!
The BCB program provides exciting research opportunities with nationally and internationally known faculty - biologists, computer scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and physicists - who participate in a wide range of collaborative projects.
The BCB Training Program
In the first semester, BCB graduate students participate in research rotations in three or more laboratories to determine where they will do their PhD research and to gain experience in both "wet" and "dry" lab environments.
In the second semester, students initiate an interdisciplinary thesis research project under the guidance of two mentors, one biological scientist and one mathematician/computer scientist/statistician. One mentor serves as the student's "major professor" and the other as the "co-major professor." Joint mentoring is viewed as a critical component of the interdisciplinary BCB training program.
Degree Programs
Ph.D.
The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology graduate program is designed to provide doctoral (Ph.D.) level training.
M.S.
We typically admit students into our Ph.D. program only. Successful applicants to our M.S. degree program usually are those already at ISU pursuing a PhD in another discipline.
Minor in Bioinformatics
A graduate minor in BCB requires:
- completion of BCB 5670 or 5680
- Stat 5870
- 1 credit each in BCB Workshop (BCB 5930), Faculty Seminar (BCB 6910) and Student Seminar (BCB 6900); and
- completion of 3 credits in courses listed under BCB Advanced Group Requirements. The Program of Study Committee must approve the selected courses.
In addition:
- the planned Academic Plan must be reviewed by the BCB Chair prior to committee approval;
- at least one member of the committee must be a BCB faculty member; and
- application for minor must be made prior to PhD preliminary examination.
Application and Admission Information
The BCB graduate program offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. An M.S. degree is not required for Ph.D. applicants. BCB uses guidelines to help identify acceptable applicants.