Mathematical, Computational, and Systems Biology

Overview

Why MCSB?

A hallmark of the Mathematical, Computational, and Systems Biology program of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) has been the strength of its student financial support. The MCSB Program is supported by funding from UCI’s Graduate Division and an NIH Training Grant. Training grant funds are provided by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

During the first year of Ph.D. study, the MCSB program provides complete financial support to admitted students, which includes an annual stipend, as well as full tuition and fee remission, including health benefits. Since the fall of 2007 when the program admitted its first class of students, every student successfully completing the Gateway year has also been fully supported by the UCI Departments and faculty where they have chosen to continue their Ph.D. research.

Currently, the program begins with an initial "gateway" year, during which students receive basic training in principles of biology, as well as in mathematics, engineering and computer science.   Students also participate in research rotations, workshops, and directed reading of the Systems Biology literature. Upon successful completion of the first year, students select a thesis advisor from among the participating faculty, who represent departments throughout the biological, physical and information sciences and engineering. Students also have the option to pursue their degree directly from the MCSB program by electing the MS/Ph.D. option.  Students who choose the "Department Option" fulfill the remainder of their degree requirements according to the guidelines of the departmental programs to which their thesis advisors belong, at the same time continuing to participate in workshops, retreats, journal clubs and other activities of the MCSB program.