A successful scientist must master the literature of a field, identify a significant unanswered question, and design and execute a project that provides a definitive answer. We feel that the most effective way to learn these skills is by actual practice in graduate training. Underwater photograph of the flamingo tongue, Cyphoma gibbosum , eating a sea fan. The research interests represented by the EEOB faculty, along with those of the UNC-CH Department of Biology as a whole, cover a remarkable diversity of fields and provide a student with the integrative, multidisciplinary training that characterizes the most important and significant research in the field. Students in the EEOB program are encouraged to take advantage of this range of interests by participating in graduate seminars outside of their specific research area, attending our weekly departmental seminars, and attending seminars in other curricula and departments both on campus and at neighboring universities.
Students frequently conduct a portion of their dissertation outside of their advisor's laboratory.
In addition, tuition remission is provided and health insurance is covered. Students typically have the opportunity of Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships to provide support for the summer. All students are guaranteed support for 5 years. Our Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates the applications of all candidates before recommending admission to the Ph.D. program. There are no absolutes in terms of grades or other forms of evaluation.