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
- http://www.biology.pitt.edu/
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 (http://www.biology.pitt.edu/graduate/how-apply). Applications should be submitted via online at http.//app.applyyourself.com/?id=up-as. 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 involves four or more years of study and requires the completion of 72 credits. Specific requirements are as follow:
- Modular Core Course. MCDB students take all modules in the first
year: Current Topics in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology
(BIOSC 2011, 2012 and 2013, 2021, 2022, and 2023). EE students take
modules in the first and second years: Current Topics in Ecology
(BIOSC 2500), Current Topics in Evolution (BIOSC 2510).
- Seminar Courses. MCDB students take Graduate Seminar Course (BIOSC
2450) in the Fall and Spring semesters of the first year. EE
students take 4 Graduate Seminars in Ecology and Evolution (BIOSC
2540 and 2560).
- Advanced Topics Courses. EE students must take at least one
Advanced Topics course offered by the Department. MCDB students must
take 4 credits of Advanced Topics courses offered by the Department or
approved courses offered by the Medical School or CMU. The particular
courses offered usually vary from year to year and are listed in the
A&S catalog.
- Research Rotations. Both MCDB and EE students perform research
rotations in the first year in two (EE) or three (MCDB) different labs.
- Seminars. MCDB and EE students must attend the weekly MCDB Student
Research Seminar (BIOSC 2050) and EE Student Research Seminar (BIOSC 2050), respectively. After the first year, students must present their
research at these seminars once per year. Students must also attend
the weekly Departmental Seminar presented by outside scholars.
- Preliminary Review. Advancement to the second year of study
requires successful completion of courses with an overall average of B
or better, satisfactory performance in research rotations and the
identification of a research mentor.
- Dissertation Research. MCDB students 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. Each student also
has a Dissertation Committee made up of three other members of
Department and an outside member and must meet with this committee at
least once a year. Students are expected to establish their
dissertation research topic during the second year.
- Comprehensive Exam. Taken in the second (MCDB) or third (EE) year,
this is designed to test a student's general knowledge of MCDB or EE
and their detailed knowledge of one particular area.
• Teaching. Each student must act as a Teaching Assistant for one
semester. Students may teach more than this in particular if they
take part in the Teaching Minor Program (see below).
- Admission to Candidacy for the PhD Degree. This is based upon
research performance and satisfactory completion of the comprehensive
exam. Admission to candidacy is decided at a special overview meeting
of the Dissertation Committee.
- PhD Defense. The PhD is awarded following successful defense of the
dissertation with a public seminar and satisfaction of all other University, department, and program requirements.
Teaching Minor Program
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 credits), BIOSC 2972 (7 credits over four semesters), and Completion of Teacher Dossier.
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 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 credits), BIOSC 2972 (7 credits over four semesters), and Completion of Teaching Dossier.
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