C2B2 Graduate Program Requirements and Curriculum

Computational Biology Specialization of the Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies

Important: The Columbia University PhD program is not sponsored by individual labs and it is not possible to select a specific PhD advisor until the second year in the program. As a result, contacting individual investigators about PhD positions in their labs before you apply will not increase your chances of being accepted into the program. If you are invited to visit Columbia, you will have an opportunity to meet members of our faculty and discuss your interests with them at that time.

About the program

The Computational Biology Specialization is a PhD educational program developed by the Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics in cooperation with the Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Studies.

The Computational Biology Specialization prepares students to apply computational methods to solve biological problems. This is accomplished through courses in both the life sciences and in computational and related sciences, mentored research, and immersion in a community devoted to solving important biological problems using computational methods.

Admission requirements

All students in the Computational Biology Specialization come with strong training in a related field such as computer science, mathematics, or physics, and an interest in conducting research as part of a multidisciplinary team. Admission to the program is competitive, and all applicants must fulfill certain requirements, including:

A Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering subject
The Graduate Record Examination General Test
Letters of recommendation
A personal statement explaining your interest in multidisciplinary research
Personal interview

How to apply

To apply to the Computational Biology Specialization, please go to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University Medical Center. The application guidelines and online application form are available at the link.

Application to the Computational Biology specialization follows the same procedure as application to the Integrated Program. When applying, please specify that you have an interest in the Computational Biology Specialization in your personal statement and explain why you want to study computational biology and bioinformatics at Columbia.

The application deadline for the Fall 2013 academic year is December 3, 2012.

Diversity

Columbia University encourages applications from qualified students of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, including those with disabilities or who come from disadvantaged economic situations.

Degree requirements

Within the first year, you will complete the courses described below in the areas of biology, quantitative subjects, and computational biology. In certain cases additional time can be granted. If you begin the program with any deficiencies in subjects important to the study of computational biology, it is possible to take remedial courses, although these do not count toward your degree. In the second and third years, you will complete two additional courses from a list of electives offered by participating departments.

During this period you will also take part in three laboratory rotations with participating faculty sponsors of your choice.

After fulling these requirements, you will take the qualifying examination. When you pass, you will identify a sponsor and initiate your doctoral research.

Courses

2 semesters of Computational Biology
2 semesters of Biology: specifically, all students must take Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes I and II
2 semesters of courses in a quantitative subject (e.g. computer science, statistics, physics, mathematics, or engineering)
2 electives drawn from any of the above areas

Additional requirements

3 lab rotations
Demonstration of competence in a programming language as demonstrated by a rotation project or coursework
Seminar and Discussion: Responsible Conduct of Research (CMBS G4010) and Responsible Conduct of Research Discussion Session (CMBS G4011)

Suggested course schedule

Fall first year

Computational biology course
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I
One elective or quantitative course
Rotation 1

Spring first year

Computational biology course
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II
Rotation 2
Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
Responsible Conduct of Research Discussion Session (1 credit)

Summer first year

Rotation 3

Second year and beyond

Quantitative courses and electives
Qualifiers
Begin doctoral research

Questions?

For questions on educational aspects of the computational biology specialization, please contact Richard Friedman.

For questions on the mechanics of applying to the computational biology specialization, please contact Zaia Sivo.

Education