Ph.D. in Biology

A message from the Biology Faculty at Boston College

Welcome to the Department of Biology, where research lies at the heart of the Ph.D. experience. We strive to provide our graduates with the technical and intellectual training needed for future success in a wide variety of careers.

Our department is well-equipped for modern molecular, cellular, genomic, proteomic, biochemical, imaging, and bioinformatics research. We have core facilities with state-of-the-art instrumentation for genomics research, fluorescence and high-resolution live-cell imaging and flow cytometry, excellent animal facilities, and substantial computational resources. We continue to grow our faculty with new hires who further strengthen our core areas of study: examining fundamental problems in cell and developmental biology, microbiology, infection, and bioinformatics.

The Department of Biology is comprised of a close-knit group of graduate students, faculty, post-docs, and researchers who collaborate to produce an atmosphere of congenial learning and discovery. Our robust department life facilitates graduate students’ entry into this community of scholars. The department hosts many activities that create a strong intellectual community a message from the biology faculty at Boston College and a sense of collegiality amongst our students and faculty, including an annual Department of Biology Retreat, Data Club, Cell Biology Group meetings, and Microbiology Group meetings.

Our program is committed to a thorough training of our students. Incoming Ph.D. students begin their research by conducting three, seven-week rotations in laboratories of their choosing. To enhance students’ communication skills, each rotation concludes with students presenting the research from their rotation projects to the department. Upon completion of three rotations, students enter the laboratories where they will complete their thesis projects.

In addition to research, we aim to develop the communication skills necessary for the pursuit of a variety of potential careers. Most students gain practice in mentoring by working with undergraduate research assistants. Skills in the formal presentation of scientific data are honed at the departmental Data Club. Our students are integrated into the scientific community by a number of mechanisms. On campus, students have the opportunity to have lunch with leading scientists who present their work in our departmental Seminar Series. Our program is further enhanced by the opportunities to participate in the Greater Boston area topical research meetings and seminars. Additionally, the Department of Biology provides funding for students to attend and present their research at local, national, and international meetings.

The city of Boston boasts a vibrant biomedical sciences research community, providing our students with many opportunities for collaboration and future employment opportunities in both academia and industry.