Biology and Biological Chemistry . A broad background is expected, from molecular to organ-system levels. Students participate fully in the planning and delivery of one course in Biomathematics or a related subject. In the summer, the department offers a written comprehensive examination to test competence in biomathematics. The qualifying examination in the field of major biological emphasis usually is the regular comprehensive examination for doctoral students in the field and is taken prior to the examination that advances them to candidacy.
Students entering with a Ph.D. in a biological field are exempt from the above requirements.
If a medical school's basic sciences curriculum is approved by the advising committee, a student who has completed the first two years of that curriculum at a level of academic performance acceptable for continuation to clinical training and who has passed Part I of the National Board Examinations is deemed to have met the biological sciences requirements for the doctoral degree in biomathematics. The University Oral Qualifying Examination, administered by the doctoral committee appointed by the dean of the Graduate Division, critically probes the quality, scope, and feasibility of the student's proposed dissertation work. It also explores the strength and integration of the student's biomathematical, mathematical, and biological research knowledge in the intended area of research. Advancement to candidacy follows, after passing this examination. Advancement to Candidacy Students are advanced to candidacy upon completion of the written and oral qualifying examinations.