Ph.D. Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

Degree Prep

You may be interested in a degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) if:

• You are inquisitive and a creative problem solver.
• You enjoy solving complex problems.
• You are interested in biological systems.
• You have strong computational or computer programming skills.

Degree Roadmap

Students will complete a minimum of 78 credits composed of the following:

• 9 credits in core courses
• 15 credits of depth courses
• 30 credits of research & thesis work
• 3 credits of graduate seminar
• 3 credits of lab rotation
• 3 credits of teaching experience
• 15 credits additional to meet the minimum requirements

For the latest information on all available Bioinformatics & Computational Biology courses, view our Course Catalog.

Fellowships & Assistantships

The BCB program offers up to five fellowships per year. In addition to these fellowships, BCB faculty often have individual research grants to offer research assistantships to qualified students.

Other University Funding Resources are available.

Financial Aid

To find out about deadlines, scholarships and eligibility requirements, please visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office.

Seminar Series

IBEST Seminar Series (BCB 501)

Each semester, IBEST sponsors 4-6 top scientists from across the US and worldwide to come to the University of Idaho campus and present their recent research findings and BCB students have the unique opportunity to invite and host these scientists. These formal seminars and informal interactions expose BCB students to research interests, ideas, and expertise of leaders in the field(s).

Clubs

BCB Graduate Student Association

The BCB student group meets once a month for lively discussion of current research projects and potential future collaborations.

IBEST Lunch

Each week many BCB students participate in IBEST Lunch that occurs once a week all year long. These lunch meetings are in one of the following formats: (i) “Thunder Thursday” when up to three IBEST investigators present quick informal “lightening talks” on their work followed by Q & A, (ii) a member of the IBEST leadership will discuss upcoming events and deadlines, changes to procedures and policies, new opportunities for IBESTians, and so forth, (iii) core facility directors update on new capabilities and changes to operating procedures, or (iv) informal discussions occur at round tables of eight or more people. These regular lunches expose BCB students to information, discussions and a culture of productive collegial collaborations that most students at US universities do not have access to.