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The Ph.D. program in Integrative Life Sciences is designed for
individuals desiring a curriculum and research experience that
is integrative across multiple disciplines and that takes a
systems approach to emerging research questions across the many
fields that comprise the life sciences. Systems biology and
biological complexity provide overarching concepts for this
program. Students can work both within and across the intersections
of traditional fields in the life sciences while becoming well
versed in the latest technologies and computational skills required
for research in the rapidly developing “century of life
sciences.”
The program is not limited to several tracks within the life
sciences. Instead, it has been specifically designed to not
have “disciplinary walls” that constrict the research
possibilities available to students. Research opportunities
draw from the many areas in the life sciences available at VCU,
with students conducting research at multiple scales of study
from the molecular to ecosystem levels. Reflecting this interdisciplinary
concept, students may opt to work with faculty members from
departments and centers on the Academic Campus and at the VCU
Medical Center.
The Brain Tumor Biochip, Cancer Genomics and Virtual Parasite
projects are just a few examples of the many interdisciplinary
research projects being
carried out by interdisciplinary teams of VCU faculty and students.
Other students in the program have research interests in bioinformatics,
cancer biology and environmental science. We encourage you to
consider the many research possibilities that could link your
research interests with those of the many participating faculty
members.
Competitive students have GPAs above 3.0 and GRE scores in the 50th percentile or higher. Experience, reference letters and your own rationale for applying to the program are important elements of your application. The deadline is March 1st, but applications received by Feb. 1 are most competitive for financial support.
For additional information about the program, please contact
rtombes@vcu.edu.
Robert M. Tombes
Program Director, Ph.D. in Integrative Life Sciences
Associate Professor, Biology, Biochemistry & Massey Cancer Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
Life Sciences Building
1000 West Cary Street
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2012
Phone: (804) 828-1562
Fax: (804) 828-0503
E-mail: rtombes@vcu.edu
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