Biology

In addition to the general requirements for admission stated earlier in this bulletin (with the exception of the GRE exam which is not required), undergraduate preparation should include an adequate background in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, including morphology, physiology, genetics, biochemistry or organic chemistry, and calculus or statistics. The Admissions Committee considers basic training in the sciences and mathematics and the capacity for independent study to be more important than the completion of specific undergraduate courses. Students trained in fields other than biology may apply and may be admitted with conditions determined by the Admissions Committee. The deadline for admission in the fall semester is January 1 (December 1 for neuroscience).

A minimum of 60 credits of approved coursework is required for a Ph.D. in biology. The student must follow an approved program of study, which will be prepared in consultation with an advisory committee and filed with the Executive Officer. The first year’s work will normally include a number of fundamental courses designed to complete the students’ basic preparation in the areas of biology to be covered by the First Examination and second-level courses to prepare them for their areas of specialization. Certain campuses offer course prescriptions for first-year students (inquire at individual campuses for details). The program of study for each student will be planned by the student and an advisory committee so as best to meet the student’s interests and needs.

Of the 60 graduate credits required for the degree, no more than 9 may be offered in lower-level (60000) graduate courses. These courses are listed in the program handbook and the college graduate bulletins. The remainder of the graduate credits must be in second- and third-level graduate courses. Students should consult with their advisory committee concerning prerequisites for these courses. A maximum of 20 credits in a minor approved by the student’s graduate committee will be accepted. No more than 10 credits of independent Ph.D. dissertation research may be accepted as part of the 60 graduate credits required. A summer of field or laboratory work at a biological station is recommended and may be required in some areas. After completion of formal coursework and advancement to candidacy, the candidate must register for BIOL 90000 Dissertation Supervision until the degree is completed.

The student’s record will be evaluated at the end of each academic year, and matriculation may be terminated for unsatisfactory scholastic performance. A time limit of six years is set for the completion of all requirements for the degree, except for the writing and defense of the dissertation. The maximum time period for the completion of all requirements is eight years (seven years for those entering with a master’s degree).

60000-level graduate courses are listed in the graduate bulletins of City, Hunter, Brooklyn, Queens, and Lehman colleges. A maximum of 9 credits in such courses may be offered toward the Ph.D. degree. 70000 - and 80000-level graduate courses creditable toward the doctoral degree are listed below. Each course is offered periodically at one or more units of the University as indicated. Courses listed under the same number cover substantially similar material at comparable levels. For course descriptions, consult the several graduate bulletins of each college of the University. The prerequisite for admission to all courses is prior approval by the student’s advisory committee.