They are then encouraged to meet with their advisory committees on a regular basis throughout the remainder of thesis research in order to keep faculty apprised of both problems and progress. Throughout this process, the Department's goals are to ensure that students are asking meaningful questions, designing experiments appropriate to those questions correctly interpreting results and communicating these results clearly to colleagues in both written and oral form. An additional goal is to make sure that students become familiar with various techniques and tools with which to carry out their research. Meeting this minimal requirement does not ensure admission. The Graduate Record Examination general subject test is required and applicants are encouraged to take the advanced biology or chemistry examination if appropriate, though the advanced test is not required.
Admission is competitive and limited to an entering class of approximately ten students each year.
Letters of recommendation from research supervisors are particularly helpful. Applicants are not admitted without a personal interview. If an application is reviewed favorably, the applicant is invited by the Admissions Committee to visit Chapel Hill for an interview. The visit provides an excellent opportunity for he or she to meet faculty members, talk with current students, view the department and the University of North Carolina, and it also provides you with the experience to taste a little of the unique Chapel Hill flavor. All applicants are considered without regard to race, religion, gender, or nationality.