The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is granted to students who demonstrate a thorough knowledge of a broad field of learning and have given evidence of distinguished accomplishment in that field. The degree also signifies that the recipient has critical ability and powers of imaginative synthesis as demonstrated by a doctoral dissertation containing an original contribution to knowledge in his or her chosen field of study. The Quantitative and Systems Biology PhD program has the following concentrations: Molecular and Celluar Biology (MCB) and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB). Each require slighty different requirements. However the general requirements for both concentratoins are listed below.
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Complete at least four semesters of full-time academic residence (12 units minimum) at UC Merced.
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Complete one Quantitative Biology (QB) course, one Systems Biology (SB) course, and one QSB elective course. A minimum of 3 units per course. The acceptible courses can be found here under the "Quantitative and Systems Biology" drop down menu. Do be aware that not all QSB courses are offered in a consistent basis.
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Complete a qualifying examination that includes both a written and an oral component.
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Prepare an acceptable thesis describing original research in the field and successfully defend thesis to thesis committee.
The infographic for the general QSB PhD degree is here.
QSB - Molecular and Cellular Biology Concentration:
The guidelines in bullet two are modified for those who wish to recieve a concentration in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB):
- One graduate-level Quantitative Biology (QB) course (3-5 units)
- One graduate-level Systems Biology (SB) course (3-5 units)
- One graduate-level Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) course (3-5 units)
- One graduate-level QSB course of 3-5 units, excluding QSB 291 and QSB 295
For more details on courses and degree requirements go to the Molecular and Cellular Biology Concentration page.
QSB - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration:
The guidelines in bullet two are modified for those who wish to recieve a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB):
- One graduate-level Quantitative Biology (QB) course (3-5 units)
- One graduate-level Systems Biology (SB) (3-5 units)
- One graduate-level course in Ecology* (3-5 units)
- One graduate-level course in Evolutionary Biology* (3-5 units)
For more details on courses and degree requirements go to the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration page.