Biological Sciences
丁香园AV Requirements
Prior to applying for admission, students should contact directly to discuss their research interests, programs and to confirm the availability of a position within their group as well as their ability to provide financial support.
In addition to the completed admission form, official copies of all academic transcripts in envelopes sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution are required. International applicants must provide both the original language transcripts and degree certificates, and certified English translations. Also an up-to-date curriculum vitae, and any evidence of research accomplishment (e.g. reprints, manuscripts, thesis abstracts, etc.) is required. Please give careful attention to indicating current research interests on the application. Applicants will request a confidential evaluation and letters of reference from three referees who are familiar and competent to judge the applicant's academic potential.
New students may begin their programs at the start of any term. Deadlines for receipt of completed applications, with required supporting documents, by the departmental graduate studies committee are: 1 October (for spring term), 1 February (for summer term) and 1 June (for fall term).
Applicants must either have: a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) in a bachelor's degree program and evidence of research ability or; have completed a master of science degree or its equivalent from a recognized university. All PhD students must have a research supervisor prior to admission.
Students already in the MSc, MPM, or MET program in the Department of Biological Sciences may transfer to the PhD program after meeting the following criteria:
- at least two terms (and no more than six terms) in the 丁香园AV master’s program
- completion of at least three-quarters of the required course work of their respective master’s program, with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.5 or better
- letters of support from all members of the student's supervisory committee
- evidence of scholarly accomplishments, such as submission of manuscripts for publication or presentations at national or international meetings
Please note that transfer is NOT automatic. The application for transfer is considered by the departmental graduate studies committee who will carefully review the quality of the proposal, the extent of tangible accomplishments to date, and the supervisory committee's comments before approving a request to transfer. It is recommended that the application to transfer be submitted no later than the end of the sixth term of the MSc program.
English Language Competence
English is the language of instruction and communication at the University. Accordingly, an applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Please refer to the for minimum language requirements and further information.
Program Requirements
This doctor of philosophy (PhD) program requires a thesis based on original research.
The program requires a minimum of two courses totalling not less than six units of course work beyond the master's degree. Of these, all must be graduate courses. Students accepted to the PhD program who have not completed a master's degree must complete 12 units of graduate course work beyond the baccalaureate. Of these, all must be graduate courses. It is at the discretion of the supervisory committee to ask a student to complete additional course work.
The student must pass an oral candidacy exam prior to the end of the fourth program term, or the second term after transfer from the MSc program. The exam concentrates on the student鈥檚 research area, follows a written PhD research proposal submission, and is graded acceptable/unacceptable. Students with an unacceptable grade must pass a second exam within six months; a second unacceptable rating requires program withdrawal.
Candidates submit a thesis based on original research which is defended publicly.
The examining committee is composed of a chair (non-voting), all members of the student鈥檚 supervisory committee, a member of faculty at the University, or a person otherwise suitably qualified, who is not a member of the student's supervisory committee, and an external examiner who is specifically qualified in the field of the thesis and is not a member of faculty at the University.
The PhD program is expected to be completed in less than five years.
Supervisory Committee
A senior supervisor is appointed prior to the student鈥檚 admission.
The supervisory committee consists of, at minimum, the senior supervisor and one additional regular biology faculty member. In exceptional cases, a faculty member from another 丁香园AV department may be substituted for the Department of Biological Sciences faculty member. Additional supervisory committee members from other institutions may be appointed upon submission of research credentials and approval by the departmental graduate studies committee.
Annual Progress Report
Students submit a report of their progress every year, and will maintain satisfactory progress toward degree completion to remain in the program. Students receive an annual report form from the graduate secretary every year in the term in which they started, and are expected to complete and return it within six weeks. They will have a committee meeting each year, and a brief summary of this meeting will be included in the report. Also included should be a description of the work completed since the last report (or since starting their program if this is the first time), student progress evaluation forms by each of the supervisory committee members, and a copy of the student’s unofficial transcript.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the , as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled, as listed above.