Biology, PhD (Boston)
Source: https://catalog.northeastern.edu/graduate/science/biology/biology-phd/ Parent: https://catalog.northeastern.edu/graduate/phdprograms/
Bachelor's Degree Entrance
Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.
Milestones
Qualifying examination\ Annual review\ Dissertation committee\ Dissertation proposal\ Colloquia (minimum of three)\ First-author publication\ Dissertation defense
Core Requirements
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Research Ethics | | | | BIOL 7399 | Research Problem Solving, Ethics, and Communication Skills | 4 | | Colloquium | | | | Complete the following (repeatable) course twice: | | 2 | | BIOL 5100 | Biology Colloquium | |
Concentration or Electives Option
A concentration is not required. Students may complete the electives option in lieu of a concentration.
Dissertation
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | BIOL 9990 | Dissertation Term 1 | | | BIOL 9991 | Dissertation Term 2 | |
Program Credit/GPA Requirements
30 total semester hours required\ Minimum 3.000 GPA required
Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Required Coursework | | | | BIOL 6300 | Biochemistry | 4 | | Electives | | | | In consultation with faculty advisor, complete 20 semester hours from the topic of cell and molecular biology: | | 20 | | BIOL 5103 to BIOL 9984 | | |
Molecular Microbiology Concentration
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Required Coursework | | | | BIOL 6300 | Biochemistry | 4 | | BIOL 6405 | Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 | | Electives | | | | In consultation with faculty advisor, complete 16 semester hours from the topic of molecular microbiology: | | 16 | | BIOL 5103 to BIOL 9984 | | |
Electives Option
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Required Coursework | | | | Complete 8 semester hours from the following: | | 8 | | BIOL 6303 | Neurobiology and Behavior | | | BIOL 6405 | Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology | | | Electives | | | | Complete 16 semester hours from the following: | | 16 | | BIOL 5103 to BIOL 9984 | | |
The biology PhD program seeks to provide a broad background knowledge base in conjunction with in-depth study of a specialized area of biology. The program emphasizes close interaction between graduate students and faculty members in developing the intellectual and experimental skills required for creative, independent research.
Students entering the PhD program with a related Master of Science degree typically have significantly reduced course loads. An individualized course of study is designed by the biology graduate curriculum committee in consultation with the student and the student’s advisor. The student can then focus on intensive research and completion of a dissertation under faculty supervision. Faculty research includes biochemistry, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, regenerative biology, and the biology of reproduction. Financial support (teaching assistantships or research assistantships) is normally provided for PhD students who are making satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree.
Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.
Milestones
Qualifying examination\ Annual review\ Dissertation committee\ Dissertation proposal\ Colloquia (minimum of three)\ First-author publication\ Dissertation defense
Core Requirements
Approved Course Work
Consult your faculty advisor for acceptable courses.
Approved Electives
Consult your faculty advisor for acceptable electives.
Dissertation
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | BIOL 9990 | Dissertation Term 1 | | | BIOL 9991 | Dissertation Term 2 | |
Program Credit/GPA Requirements
Variable total semester hours required\ Minimum 3.000 GPA required