The Bioinformatics Program at Boston University and the laboratories of the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have a shared interest in scientific progress in the field of Bioinformatics, as well as in the training of the next generation of outstanding investigators that will advance the field in the interest of national health. Based on a long history of excellence in Bioinformatics research at both Boston University and the NIH National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), this collaborative program offers students an extraordinary opportunity to benefit from the expertise of mentors at both institutions. The goal for students is to attain a common core of knowledge with particular emphasis to be able to integrate knowledge from biological and mathematical disciplines.
All students in this program will be full time graduate students in the Bioinformatics Program at Boston University. As such, the Bioinformatics Program will provide the basic formal educational structure for all students within its program. All students, regardless of the site at which they conduct their dissertation research, will meet the degree and program requirements as determined by the Bioinformatics Program of Boston University. Three major bioinformatic concentration areas are included in the program: Molecular/Cell Biology; Physical/Bio-Chemistry; and Computational. A Bioinformatics Seminar Calendar of notable leaders from academia, industry, and federal agencies enriches the students training at both Boston University and the NIH.
The Ph.D. requires a total of 64 credits, consisting of ten lecture/laboratory courses and research or seminar courses. The curriculum consists of a four courses as a core with additional courses determined in consultation with the student's two academic advisors reflecting the studentÍs background and interest. The selection of two Ph.D. research advisors relies upon the development of a collaborative research project between NIH NCBI and a faculty member at Boston University. One advisor is in the area of computational bioinformatics and the other either physical/chemical or biological/biochemical area. A student will spend time doing dissertation research at both the NIH and Boston University.
Resources for the program include over 60 faculty from Boston University and the NIH that provide interdisciplinary training that bridges departments and NIH institutes and seamlessly integrates computational methodologies into biological education. Students enjoy the resources of faculty in five Schools at Boston University: Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Medical and Law. The NIH being the worldÍs premier biomedical research location offers unlimited opportunities to students working in state of the art facilities on cutting edge projects. Many of the 1250 investigators of NIH are doing research related to bioinformatics.
Students admitted into the program are supported throughout their training by a combination of Boston University and the NIH Intramural Research Training Award for stipend, medical insurance, and tuition.
Students wishing to be considered for admission into this partnership need to submit the GPP application and the University application by the specified deadline.
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