Courses and Requirements for the BMEB Training Track
Predoctoral fellows of Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics must complete rigorous coursework in bioinformatics, chemistry, biology, and statistics. We also require new students to conduct research three seven-week long rotations in a combination of computational and experimental laboratories. BMEB students also have the flexibility to craft their graduate curriculum to suit individual interests, creating a strong foundation for their independent dissertation research. Advanced graduate students work under the direct supervision of one of twenty-five BMEB-affiliated faculty members, while also interacting closely with other faculty members. Training in this interdisciplinary research environment has enabled our students to lead bioinformatics efforts to understand biology and disease, advancing the frontiers of biomedical research, with graduates now in top university faculty positions and leading industrial research laboratories.
Curriculum Requirements
| First Year | • Complete core series • BME 80G: Bioethics • BME 205: Bioinformatics Models and Algorithms • One of the following, based on research interest: • BME 230A: Computational Genomics • BME 228: Protein Design and Engineering • BME 278: Stem Cell Biology • Participate in seminars each quarter (BME 280B) • Take advanced graduate courses or makeup courses to strengthen knowledge • Complete 3 research rotations across Fall & Winter quarter (BME 296) • Select faculty advisor and permanent lab • Begin dissertation research |
| Second Year | • Complete BME 201: Scientific Writing (Winter) • Write dissertation proposal and take qualifying exam/advance (Spring) • Form faculty dissertation committee for student guidance • Participate in seminars each quarter (BME 280B) • Take advanced graduate courses to strengthen knowledge |
| Third Year | • Perform dissertation research • Participate in research meetings and seminars each quarter (BME 280B and/or 281s) |
| Following Year(s) | • Complete dissertation research • Hold annual progress meetings with committee • Participate in research meetings and seminars each quarter (BME 280B and/or 281s) • Public presentation of dissertation defense |
Sample First-Year Schedule
| Fall | • BME 80G: Bioethics • BME 205: Bioinformatics Models and Algorithms • BME 280B: BME Seminar Series • BME 296: Lab Rotations |
| Winter | • BME 230A: Introduction to Computational Genomics & Systems Biology • BME 280B: BME Seminar Series • BME 296: Lab Rotations |
| Spring | • BME 230B: Advanced Computational Genomics & Systems Biology • BME 263: Applied Visualization & Analysis of Scientific Data • BME 280B: BME Seminar Series |
For questions specific to the BMEB training track, email the BMEB Graduate Program Advisor, René Marchington (bme-grad@ucsc.edu).