Information for New Students and Applicants
Graduate Students
There are two programs through which you can join the group: 1) the Ph.D. Program in Mathematics and 2) the Ph.d. Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB). You are definitely encouraged to apply to both programs if interested.
Typically, the mathematics Ph.D. program consists of
- 8 core courses in applied mathematics
- two written comprehensive exams in methods of applied mathematics and numerical analysis
- an oral exam on your proposed research.
The Ph.D. program in BCB requires
- 2 foundational courses, 7 core modules, 2 elective courses, 3 laboratory rotations
- a written qualifying exam to demonstrate proficiency in the fundamentals of bioinformatics and computational biology
- an oral qualifying exam with a 15-page proposal based on the dissertation research project.
The mathematics courses focus on methods of applied analysis and numerics (asymptotics, perturbations, numerical linear algebra, numerical differential equations), and the BCB courses focus quantitative biology at the cellular level and below (sequence analysis, protein structure, bioinformatics). When choosing the program, one might consider which courses they find the most interesting. The application procedure can be a bit confusing for both programs, so I encourage you to contact me before applying.
We definitely have students in the group who are more interested in biology at the organism level than mathematics. If neither program seems like a good fit, one might also consider applying to the Ph.D. Program in Biology through Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. Although I cannot directly advise students through this program, I would be interested in serving as a coadvisor. In this case, please contact William Kier or Tyson Hedrick.
Undergraduate Students
At this time, we have limited funding for undergraduate research assistants. We are always taking volunteers, however. This is an excellent opportunity to get research experience, a publication, and possibly present research at a national conference. In addition, there are a couple possible ways that undergrads can get course credit for research. Please contact me if you are interested in one of these opportunities.
- MATH 290 Directed Explorations in Mathematics
- This course can be taken twice for up to 3 credit hours each.
- Biology 395 – Undergraduate Research in Biology
- To enroll in Biology 395, students must have taken Biology 201 or 202, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better
- Biology 295 - Undergraduate Research in Biology.
- This is open only to Biology majors who have taken Biology 201 or 202.