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The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
The new research paradigm exemplified by the Human Genome Project requires a new academic training paradigm, one that creates team-oriented researchers who may be specialists in one area but who are literate in several other disciplines. For example, researchers with expertise in the mathematical, statistical, or computer sciences also require sufficient knowledge in biology to understand the questions in order to develop appropriate analytical methods and computer tools. Similarly, life scientists need sufficient grounding in mathematics, statistics and computer science to be educated users of these quantitative methods and tools, and to conceptualize new tools. Research and training environments that produce such a combination of skills are not commonly found in academia.
In order to provide such a training environment at Virginia tech, the previously existing Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics has recently been transformed into the inderdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology (GBCB). This exciting new program of study encompasses applications of molecular biology, genomics, mathematics, statistics and computer science to all areas of the life sciences. The first class of students was accepted into the GBCB program in Fall 2003 with twenty-two students enrolled for fall 2004. Further details can be obtained by contacting the Chair of the program, .
Interdisciplinary programs span traditional departmental boundaries and allow students enrolled in a program to study with faculty from many departments and colleges. Tailored individually to students' needs, it is not uncommon that a five-person student advising committee could consist of faculty from several colleges across the university.
Interdisciplinary PhD Program
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