A&S—Biological Sciences
Graduate education in the biological sciences provides individuals with the training, guidance, experience, and opportunity to participate in research that enables their transition from being students of biological knowledge to being fully participating members of their profession. The Department of Biological Sciences offers the degree of Doctor of Philosophy via two areas of concentration:
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB)
- Ecology and Evolution (E&E)
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Contact Information
- Department Chair: Graham F. Hatfull, PhD
- Main Office: A234 Langley Hall
- 412-624-4350
- Fax: 412-624-4759
- E-mail: biophd@pitt.edu
- www.pitt.edu/~biology
Additional information concerning the department’s graduate programs may be obtained from the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate Secretary, A234 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Phone: 412-624-4268. Fax: 412-624-4759. E-mail: biophd@pitt.edu.
Admissions to our graduate programs are competitive, and applications must meet minimum standards (www.pitt.edu/~biohome/Dept/Frame/admissions.htm). Applications should be submitted via online forms (www.pitt.edu/~biohome/Dept/Frame/graduateapplication.htm). Applications are considered for matriculation for the fall term beginning July 1, and must be completed by January 15 for applicants residing within the United States and December 15 for international applicants.
Graduate students receive a competitive stipend, health insurance, tuition waivers, and other financial assistance.
A PhD in biological sciences normally involves four or more years of study and requires the completion of 72 credits. Each program offers a modular core course as a requirement for all first-year students:
- MCDB requirements: Current Topics in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology (BIOSC 2011, 2012 and 2013, 2021, 2022, and 2023), Graduate Seminar Course (BIOSC 2450), Advanced Topics Courses totaling 4 credits in BIOSC or another department with permission of the Graduate Program Oversight Committee (GPOC), Graduate Research Seminar (BIOSC 2050)
- E&E requirements: Current Topics in Ecology (BIOSC 2500), Current Topics in Evolution (BIOSC 2510), Graduate Seminars in Ecology and Evolution (BIOSC 2540 and 2560). All graduate students in the E&E track are required to take a minimum of one field course offered each summer at the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology.
The particular courses offered usually vary from year to year and are listed in the A&S catalog. Students in both programs also take graduate seminar courses. Students in the MCDB program perform research rotations in the first year and choose a dissertation advisor by the end of the second semester. Typically, students in the E&E program identify a research advisor prior to entry, but also perform research rotations in the first year.
Advancement to the second year of study requires successful completion of courses with an overall average of B or better, and the identification of a research mentor. Students are expected to establish their dissertation research topic during the second year. Admission to candidacy for the PhD degree is based upon research performance during the second year and satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination. Before admission to candidacy, there must be a meeting of the student with the proposed doctoral committee. The PhD is awarded following successful defense of the dissertation with a public seminar and satisfaction of all other University, department, and program requirements.
Non Continuing Master's Degree
The Department does not offer a master's degree program. However, if a student does not complete all of the requirements for the PhD degree (for example, because they fail the comprehensive exam) they may petition the Graduate Program Oversight Committee (GPOC) to be allowed to apply for a non-continuing Master of Sciences (MS) degree. The requirements for this master's degree include the successful completion of 12 credits of letter-graded coursework from among the approved offerings of the department, and 18 credits of laboratory research.
The department offers graduate students an optional minor in teaching that provides exposure to various methodologies and teaching philosophies. Students hoping for a career in education are strongly encouraged to enroll for this minor degree but it is available to all students studying for a PhD. The teaching minor is available to students in both programs and does not alter any of the program requirements for a PhD degree. Required coursework: FACDEV 2200 (3 cr.), BIOSC 2972 (7 crs. over four semesters), and Completion of Teaching Dossier.
Course Listings
MCDB—www.pitt.edu/~biohome/Dept/Frame/mcdbcourses.htm
EE—www.pitt.edu/~biohome/Dept/Frame/eecourses.htm
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