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CHEMISTRY-BIOLOGY INTERFACE PROGRAM

The CBI curriculum is designed to equip students from chemistry and biology backgrounds with the interdisciplinary training needed to tackle research at the chemistry-biology interface. Our program ensures that students develop expertise in both fields by requiring at least one approved Biological Science elective and one approved Chemical Science elective, alongside the coursework of their home department.


To foster collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning, the CBI program offers specialized courses and activities, including Chalk Talk, Ethics, Drug Design, Student Seminar, Biology and Chemistry Electives, OPD Events, and Lab Modules. These opportunities provide a platform for students to exchange ideas, refine their research skills, and build a strong scientific network. Additionally, CBI students are encouraged to attend relevant seminars across departments to broaden their knowledge and connections.
 

By integrating the synthetic, mechanistic, and analytical strengths of chemistry with cutting-edge biological research, the CBI program prepares students to make groundbreaking contributions in their fields. The full list of curricular requirements can be found below.

Please Note: The below information is intended to act as a guide to offer information on when courses are typically offered. You are NOT required to take certain courses during certain years of your Ph.D.

As long as you complete all CBI requirements by the time you graduate with your Ph.D, CBI Certification will be awarded!

Please Note: All students are required to maintain an accurate, up-to-date log of the courses they've taken and when they took them. This log will be requested prior to your Dissertation Defense, and must be submitted to the CBI Program Manager before you complete the CBI Program in order to receive your CBI Recognition.

Chalk Talk

CBI Trainees are required to take Chalk Talk for 4 credits. Chalk talk is 1 credit per semester.

Image by RephiLe water

Ethics:
Responsible Conduct of Research

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is a week long course offered annually during winter break (January). Every student is encouraged to take this every 3 years, and our CBI Trainees are required to be up to date on their RCR Ethics training during the whole duration of their traineeship.

Microscope Close-Up

Drug Design

Drug Design is a 3 credit course offered in the spring semester. This course is required for all CBI Trainees to be taken once.

It is recommended that trainees take this course during their 1st or 2nd year of their PhD Studies. 

Lab Pipettes Closeup

Student Seminar

Student Seminar is a 1 credit course typically offered in the Spring semester. CBI Trainees are required to take this twice, and it is reccomended that they take this during their 2nd and 4th (or 5th) years of their PhD studies.

Biological Science Elective

CBI Trainees are required to take at least 1 Biological Science Elective (3 credits) during their PhD studies. 

It is recommended that students take this elective during their second or third year of their PhD studies. 

Woman Using Microscope

Chemical Science Elective

CBI Trainees are required to take at least 1 Chemical Science Elective (3 credits) during their PhD studies. 

It is recommended that students take this elective during their second or third year of their PhD studies. 

Women Sitting at Desk
Science Experiments

Data Science for the Life Sciences

CBI Trainees are required to take a Data Science Course worth 3 credits.

It is reccomended that trainees take this course during their third year of their PhD studies.

Science Class

Office of Professional Development (OPD) Events

CBI Trainees are required to take part in 1 OPD event per semester

Students should be completing these events semesterly, and letting the CBI Program Manager know which courses have been taken each semester. 

 

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