The Quantitative and Computational Biosciences program will bring you to the new frontiers of biomedical research where you will make discoveries and improve human health through quantitative modeling, advanced computing and data science.
Computational biology was a novel concept in 1992 when the QCB program started under its original name “Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics.” The current name was adopted in 2017 to better communicate the growing scope of the program.
Our curriculum is designed to meet the specific needs of students with B.S. degrees in biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, or engineering.
The overall philosophy of the course requirements is to prepare the students in both the specialized areas of research and in cell and molecular biology. Because our students come from a variety of academic backgrounds we design each student's curriculum based on their individual needs. Students are required to complete 30 didactic course hours with a grade of B or better.
Career Development
The BCM Career Development Center offers many workshops and seminars as well as one-to-one counseling and other services to help plan for your future career from your first days of graduate school through graduation day and beyond.
Typical Program
The curriculum of the BCM Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences reflects our focus on interdisciplinary, collaborative research. The curriculum is designed to help you develop both core competencies and deep expertise in modern biomedical science. The example below reflects a typical schedule for students. You will have the flexibility to choose from additional options that will deepen your knowledge within specific areas essential to your chosen area of research.
| Course | Hour(s) | Course |
|---|---|---|
| GS-GS-6600 Foundations A: Molecules to Systems | 3 | Required |
| GS-GS-6400 Foundations B: Biostatistics | 2 | Required |
| GS-QC-6301 Practical Introduction to Programming for Scientists | 3 | Required |
| GS-GS-5101 Responsible Conduct of Research 1 | 1 | Required |
| GS-QC-5105 Seminar in Quantitative Biosciences | 1 | Required |
| GS-QC-5110 Advanced Topics in QCB | 1 | Required |
| GS-QC-5030 Research Rotation | 1 | Required |
| Course | Hour(s) | Course |
|---|---|---|
| GS-GS-6600 Foundations A: Molecules to Systems | 3 | Required |
| GS-GS-6400 Foundations B: Biostatistics | 2 | Required |
| GS-QC-6401 Quantitative & Computational Methods in Biosciences 1 | 4 | Required |
| GS-QC-5105 Seminar in Quantitative Biosciences | 1 | Required |
| GS-QC-5110 Advanced Topics in QCB | 1 | Required |
| GS-QC-5030 Research Rotation | 1 | Required |
| Course | Hour(s) | Course |
|---|---|---|
| GS-QC-6402 Quantitative & Computational Methods in Biosciences 2 | 4 | Required |
| GS-GS-5105 Scientific Writing | 2 | Required |
| GS-QC-5105 Seminar in Quantitative Biosciences | 1 | Required |
| GS-QC-5030 Research Rotation± Electives | 3+ | Required |
| GS-GG-6204 Method & Logic in Genetics & Genomics | 3 | Elective |
| GS-QC 6201 Applications to Biology of Computation | 2 | Elective |
| GS-GS-6203 Data Mining | 2 | Elective |
| Course | Hour(s) | Course |
|---|---|---|
| GS-QC-5301 QCB Research Design | 3 | Required |
| GS-QC-5105 Seminar in Quantitative Biosciences | 1 | Required |
| GS-QC-5100 Student Research Seminar | 1 | Required |
| GS-QC Research Hours ± Electives | 6+ | Elective |
| GS-QC 6302 Computer-Aided Discovery Methods | 4 | Elective |
| Course | Hour(s) | Course |
|---|---|---|
| GS-QC Research Hours ± Electives | 12 | Elective |