2025-2026 Graduate Program Guide

Table of Contents

1. General Information
2. Biology Program Overview
3. MS in Biology Requirements
4. PhD in Biology Requirements
5. Program and Research Areas
6. Administrative Resources
7. University Policies & Procedures
8. Health Resources
9. Student Life & University Resources

1. General Information

1.1 Department of Biology Administration
1.2 Boston University Diversity Statement
1.3 BU Graduate Worker’s Union (BUGWU) Collective Bargaining Agreement
1.4 Facilities
1.5 Building Hours
1.6 Emergencies
1.7 Emergency Funding

1.1 Department of Biology Administration

Chair
Pamela Templer

Associate Chairs
Cell and Molecular Biology – Cyndi Bradham
Neurobiology – Jen-Wei Lin
Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution – John Finnerty

Director of Graduate Studies
Francisco Naya

Director of Master’s Studies
Kim McCall

Graduate Committee
Chair – Jeffrey Marlow
Cell & Molecular – Trevor Siggers
Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution – Jeffrey Marlow
Neurobiology – Meg Younger

Graduate Program Specialists
Jen Correia
Eliza Givens
Cailin Zadravec

Biology Department Staff

Top of Section
Table of Contents

1.2 Boston University Diversity Statement

Boston University’s founders opened its doors to all students without regard to religion, race, or gender. Building and sustaining a vibrant community of scholars, students, and staff remains essential to our mission of contributing to, and preparing students to thrive in, an increasingly interconnected world.

We strive to create environments for learning, working, and living that are enriched by racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. We seek to cultivate an atmosphere of respect for individual differences in life experience, sexual orientation, and religious belief, and we aspire to be free of intellectual parochialism, barriers to access, and ethnocentrism.

Success in a competitive, global milieu depends upon our ongoing commitment to welcome and engage the wisdom, creativity, and aspirations of all peoples. The excellence we seek emerges from the contributions and talents of every member of the Boston University community.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

1.3 BU Graduate Worker’s Union (BUGWU) Collective Bargaining Agreement

In Fall 2024, the BU Graduate Worker’s Union (BUGWU) and the University entered a Collective Bargaining Agreement. A full copy of the agreement can be found here and a primer can be found here.

A summary of benefits covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement can be found here.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

1.4 Facilities

All Charles River Campus Buildings are Non-Smoking!

A map of BU’s entire campus can be found here.

Biology Research Building (BRB), 5 Cummington Mall

This building houses departmental administrative offices, research laboratories, and offices of faculty primarily in the Ecology, Behavior & Evolution (EBE) and Marine Biology (BUMP) programs. It also houses departmental common facilities, including the Aquarium Room, Stable Isotope Laboratory, DNA Sequencing and Molecular Biology Facility, Workshop, Instrument Rooms, Environmental Rooms, a graduate student lounge, seminar rooms, and two classrooms.

Biological Science Center (BSC), 2 Cummington Mall

This building houses research laboratories, and offices for faculty and graduate students in Cell & Molecular Biology (CM).

Life Sciences & Engineering Building (LSE), 24 Cummington Mall

This building houses a centralized stockroom, the offices and laboratories of faculty members in Cell & Molecular Biology (CM) and Neurobiology (NEURO) as well as departmental common facilities, including instrument rooms and environmental rooms. It also houses departmental common facilities, including the Electron Microscope and Confocal Imaging Facility and the Biology Media Center.

Metcalf Center for Science & Engineering (SCI), 590 Commonwealth Avenue

This building houses the administrative offices for Introductory Biology and the departmental teaching laboratories. Laboratories for Introductory Biology are located on the third floor (west side). The fourth floor houses upper-division teaching laboratories. This building also houses the University-wide Laboratory Animal Care Facility, and public lounges, as well as the teaching laboratories, offices, and research laboratories of the Departments of Chemistry and Physics.

Science & Engineering Library (SEL), 38 Cummington Mall

This library contains most of the University’s holdings in the areas of Science & Engineering. More general holdings are located in Mugar Library at 775 Commonwealth Avenue. On-line catalogue and journal access is available at both libraries, as well as any departmental computer terminal.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

1.5 Building Hours

Main doors to 2, 5, Cummington Mall and 590 Commonwealth Avenue will generally be unlocked from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Admittance is possible 24 hours a day (including weekends). For after hour access, contact the Front Desk Staff in BRB 101. Main doors to 24 Cummington Mall will be unlocked from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday. After hour access at 24 Cummington Mall is coordinated by Peter Castellano in LSE 602.

At 5 Cummington Mall, your office key will open most common spaces. At 2, 5 and 24 Cummington Mall, as well as 590 Commonwealth Avenue, there is a swipe card reader to open the front door after hours. All keys for BSC, BRB, and SCI are distributed by Front Desk Staff in BRB 101. Check the number on the door locks/cores. All keys for LSE are distributed by Peter Castellano in LSE 602 or the Sourcing/Facilities Manager in LSE 107. Please return keys when you graduate.

All persons using departmental facilities must arrange for their use through the staff or faculty member responsible for the facility. Persons using the facility must be checked out before use by the responsible staff member and must familiarize themselves with the regulations governing its use and maintenance.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

1.6 Emergencies

In case of emergencies at 5 Cummington Mall building services (heat, electricity, water, refrigeration, air-conditioning, etc.), call the Facilities/Purchasing Manager, at 617-353-2467. If they are unavailable call the building supervisor Dennis Batista 617-358-4282. If Dennis is not available, call the Buildings & Grounds Emergency number 617-353-2105. In case of emergencies at 2 and 24 Cummington Mall, contact Dennis Batista 358-4282.

In case of emergencies posing threat to health or safety (chemical spills, etc.), contact Director of Environmental Health and Safety, at 617-353-9734, or for immediate assistance, contact Campus Police at 617-353-2121.

In case of a medical emergency, Student Health Services and/or the University Police will help in managing the emergency quickly and effectively. Call the Boston University Police at 617- 353-2121 (3-2121 on a campus phone) or 911 if you have a life-threatening emergency. True medical emergencies are transported by ambulance to local hospital emergency departments.

Boston University Student Health Services will call to follow up on your emergency and will help in arranging additional care when needed. Later you should contact Joe Hebert in the Biology Office to file the required Accident Report Form.

• Emergency: 617-353-2121 BU Police, 911 if life-threatening
• Student Health Services 617-353-3575
• Sexual Assault 617-353-SARP (7277)
• Behavioral Medicine 617-353-3569
• Poison Control Center 617-232-2120
• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 617-492-RAPE (1-800-841-8371)

Visit http://www.bu.edu/ehs/comm/ for more detailed information regarding emergencies.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

1.7 Emergency Funding

For students facing immediate financial hardship the following departments offer emergency funding. Funding is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the awarding office.

The application and eligibility criteria for emergency funds can be found here:

• Dean of Students (any enrolled student): https://www.bu.edu/dos/student-support-services/
• Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS PhD students only): https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/fellowship-aid/emergency-funding-for-graduate-students/
• Biology Department (Biology PhD and MS students only): https://www.bu.edu/biology/grad-emergency-funds/

Top of Section
Table of Contents

2. Biology Graduate Program Overview

2.1 Biology Graduate Program Overview
2.2 Grades and Academic Standing for Graduate Students
2.3 Registration
2.4 Transfer Credits
2.5 Biology Courses Approved for Graduate Credit
2.6 Recommended List of Quantitative Courses
2.7 Directed Studies in Biology
2.8 Financial Assistance

2.1 Biology Graduate Program Overview

The goal of the Biology Department at Boston University is to train students at the highest level in one of three broad sub-fields within modern Biology. Upon completion of the M.S. or Ph.D., students should be prepared for post-graduate training and on track to assume teaching and/or research positions in academia, industry, government agencies or non-government organizations.

The Director of Graduate Studies oversees academic programs and policies at the Ph.D. level in the Department of Biology. The Director of Master’s Studies oversees the programs and policies specific to M.S. students. In addition, there is a Graduate Committee, consisting of the Chair of the Committee and department faculty representing the three programmatic areas in the Department (Ecology, Behavior and Evolution; Cell & Molecular Biology; Neurobiology). The Committee Chair and members of the Committee are appointed by the Chair of the Department. The Graduate Committee is responsible for the programs of continuing students, allocating Department Travel and Research Grants, and maintaining overall standards in the Graduate programs.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

2.2 Grades and Academic Standing for Graduate Students

Student responsibilities:

As outlined in the Graduate School Bulletin, the Graduate School and the Biology Department require grades of at least a B- and a 3.0 GPA to remain in good academic standing and to be eligible to complete the graduate degree. Teaching grades are not included in calculating the GPA. A student receiving a grade lower than B- in a graduate course will be counseled by their faculty advisor and the appropriate member of the Graduate Committee. A student who receives a second grade lower than B- will be counseled by the Director of Graduate Studies, and will lose good academic standing in the Biology Department. Grades below a B- do not count towards a student’s graduate degree. In rare cases, a student can petition the Director of Graduate or Master’s Studies and the Associate Dean of GRS to have a grade below a B- count towards their degree. In addition to coursework, students must show satisfactory progress in their research, as evaluated by their faculty mentor and in consultation with the Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies, to remain in good academic standing. All Departmental guarantees including financial support guarantees are dependent on being in good academic standing.

The Director of Graduate or Master’s Studies will advise any student on academic probation of the specific time frame (generally within two semesters) during which the student must reestablish a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and, thus, regain good academic standing. Failure to meet these requirements within the specified time, or receipt of a third grade lower than B- will result in a recommendation to the graduate school of termination of the student’s enrollment at the University. Appeals of the decision to recommend termination may be made to the Graduate School.

The Graduate School’s policy on grades and satisfactory academic progress can be found here.

Faculty responsibilities:

The faculty advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies and Director of Master’s Studies are responsible for monitoring the academic and research performance of each graduate student each semester. These individuals generally notify the Graduate Committee of any student who receives a grade below B- or shows insufficient research progress. The Director of Graduate Studies will inform the Graduate Committee of the requirements for regaining good academic standing for any student placed on academic probation. The Graduate School will serve as the venue for student appeals.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

2.3 Registration

Biology students are expected to register for every term or summer term during which a degree requirement is completed or University facilities are used unless on an official leave of absence. Students must be registered in their final term to graduate. PhD students must also be registered in the preceding term. The full GRS policy on registration can be found here.

Instructions on how to register will be emailed to students by a Graduate Program Specialist about a month before fall and spring registration opens. Graduate students can register before undergraduates. It is highly recommended that students register as soon as registration opens to ensure that they are able to enroll in their preferred courses. Comprehensive information about registration can be found here on the Office of the University Registrar’s website.

International students are required to have full-time student status either by course registration or by certification. Ph.D. students are automatically certified by GRS as full-time once enrolled in at least two credits. M.S. students enrolled in less than 12 credits and engaged in full-time progress towards their degree can be certified full-time by completing the Continuing Study and Certified Full-Time Status form.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

2.4 Transfer Credits

Students may make the request for transfer credit through the online Transfer of Credit Request Form from GRS. There are three specific steps for requesting transfer credit:

1. Review the transfer credit procedures outlined on the Graduate Student Resources page. If you are a PhD student, complete the appropriate coursework transfer credit plan.
2. Email the appropriate Associate Chair to request approval for the transfer courses to count as an elective, quantitative course, or core requirement. Include the syllabus or course description and what requirement the course will fulfill.
3. Submit the online GRS form for the credits you are looking to transfer. The form first goes to GRS Records to check if the courses are eligible to be transferred in accordance with GRS policy.
4. If the courses are eligible, GRS will forward the request via email to the Director of Graduate Studies or Director of Master’s Studies (copying the administrator) for review and approval. GRS staff will never apply credits to a student’s record without approval from the program

Important Links:

• GRS Transfer Credit Policy
• MS Form
• PhD Form

Top of Section
Table of Contents

2.5 Biology Courses Approved for Graduate Credit

All Biology courses numbered 500 and above are approved for graduate credit. A current list of Biology courses can be found here. In addition, the following courses are also approved for graduate credit:

• CAS BB621 Biochemistry I
• CAS BB622 Biochemistry II
• CAS BB522 Molecular Biology Laboratory
• GRS MB721 Graduate Biochemistry

Please note that specific programs maintain a separate list of courses that count toward their specific research area. More information can be found under Program and Research Areas.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

2.6 Recommended List of Quantitative Courses

CAS BI519 Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology
CAS BI521 Quantitative Marine Fisheries (Marine Semester course)
CAS BI588 Project Design and Statistics in Biological Anthropology (formerly CAS AN597)
CAS BI708 Systems Developmental Biology
CAS CN510 Principles & Methods Cognitive and Neural Modeling
CAS CN530 Neural and Computational Models of Vision
CAS CS542 Machine Learning
CAS EE507 Dynamical Oceanography
CAS EE509 Applied Environmental Statistics
CAS EE516 Multivariate Analysis for Geographers
CAS EE585 Ecological Forecasting and Informatics
CAS MA565 Mathematical Models in the Life Sciences
CAS MA581 Probability
CAS MA665-666 Modeling and Data Analysis in Neuroscience
CAS MA681 Accelerated Introduction to Statistical Methods for Quantitative Research
CAS MA770 Math and Stat Methods of Bioinformatics
ENG BE517 Optical Microscopy of Biological Materials
ENG BE700 Advanced Topics in Biomedical Engineering
ENG BF527 Applications in Bioinformatics
ENG BF571 Dynamics & Evolution of Biological Networks
ENG BF 768 Biological Database Analysis
SPH BS 704 Introduction to Biostatistics
SPH BS723 Introduction to Statistical Computing
SPH BS730 Introduction to R
SPH BS805 Intermediate Statistical Computation & Applied Regression
SPH BS860 Statistical Genetics II

Top of Section
Table of Contents

2.7 Directed Studies in Biology

Students are expected to complete all coursework requirements by taking existing lecture, laboratory, and seminar courses offered through BU. If there is a specific reason why a student needs to complete a directed study, they may submit a request via this form. All directed studies must be approved by the student’s advisor, the directed study faculty, the appropriate Associate Chair, and the Director of Graduate/Master’s Studies. If the directed study is approved, a Graduate Program Specialist will register the student for BI597 and confirm registration with the student.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

2.8 Financial Assistance

The GRS policy is that financial aid awarded by Boston University may be used only for courses required by the degree program. It may be used for courses taken as co-requisites or prerequisites by special permission from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. It may not be used for Sports Pass, subway/bus passes, library fines or late fees. For Ph.D. students, tuition for an audited course will be covered by scholarship if the course is approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. This course must be related to the dissertation research, or be considered as background or preparation for the dissertation research or topic. 900-level courses may not be audited. Financial Aid may not exceed the cost of required tuition, fees and living expenses.

Direct Deposit: All students are encouraged to set up Direct Deposit. Instructions can be found here. There are different instructions for service stipends and training stipends. If you are unsure about what type of stipend you are receiving, please reach out to a Graduate Program Specialist. Students who have not set up Direct Deposit before the first payroll run in mid-September will have to pick up their stipend checks at the Student Payroll Office, 881 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor.

M.S. Students

Master’s students are expected to pay their own tuition. On occasion when teaching positions for the Department of Biology are available, Master’s students may apply within the department for a Teaching Assistantship (TA). Students involved in active research should speak to their advisor before accepting a TA position. If interested in potential TA opportunities, please complete the TF/TA Preference form which is sent out by a Graduate Program Specialist. Typically, the preference form is sent out in June for the fall semester, October for the spring semester, and March for the summer. If advisor funding allows, Master’s students who are completing research can be paid. The number of hours is at the discretion of the advisor with a maximum of 20 hours/week. The current hourly rate can be found in the BUGWU Collective Bargaining Agreement.

In addition to potential TA positions, the following options may help assist Master’s students in financing their graduate education:

• The Student Employment Office
• Federal Work Study
• Federal Stafford Loans
• Credit Based Loans (Federal PLUS & Private)

Please contact grsaid@bu.edu for questions about financial aid options for Master’s students.

Ph.D. Students

Ph.D. students are guaranteed 12 months a year of stipend support and tuition for 5 years provided they make satisfactory progress towards their degree and remain in good academic standing. In an extremely rare case, a student failing to meet these requirements and at risk of losing funding will be notified well in advance.

Ph.D. students are encouraged to apply for fellowships and grants at funding agencies. All eligible students should apply for NSF Graduate Research Fellowships in the Fall semester of their first or second year.

More information about PhD Aid can be found on the GRS website.

Biology Department Awards: Several competitive awards are available to graduate students in the Department of Biology. These include:

• The Thomas H. Kunz Award – summer stipend support for EBE Ph.D. candidates who have completed the qualifying exam, with a preference for those conducting field research in the award period.
• The Charles Terner Award – summer stipend support for CM or MCBB Ph.D. candidates who have completed the qualifying exam and who have made significant contributions to their field.
• The Brenton Lutz Award – summer stipend support for Neurobiology or GPN Ph.D. candidates who have who have completed the qualifying exam and made significant contributions to their field.
• Marion R. Kramer Scholarship – summer stipend support for female Biology Ph.D. candidates who are committed to excellence in scientific research.
• The Alden Macchi Award – support to be used to attend a conference for Biology Ph.D. candidates who have completed the qualifying exam in the fields of endocrinology and/or regulatory biology.
• Warren McLeod Fellowships – provides stipend support for Ph.D. candidates who have completed the qualifying exam and are conducting research in marine science.
• Dana Wright Fellowship – provides support for M.S. and Ph.D. students in Marine Biology.
• Master’s Research Award – provides support for M.S. students completing research in Biology.

Training Grants: Opportunities for support through this avenue exist. Consult your faculty advisor.

Work Study Aid: Eligible Master’s students can apply for summer and academic year awards. Applications can be obtained from the Graduate School. Students receiving work-study aid will be expected to provide service to the University or off-campus non-profit agencies. Students can find work study eligible jobs here.

National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Fellowships: Graduate students in either their first- or second-year are encouraged to apply for these prestigious three-year fellowships. NSF Fellowship applications are due in November of each year. For applications and instructions can be found here.

Department Graduate Travel Grants: Travel Grants may be available to assist students in their travel to professional scientific meetings. Students presenting papers or posters on their research will receive first consideration. [Link to awards page] Further questions should be directed to the Graduate Committee. More information can be found here.

Other sources: Students should see their faculty advisors for other potential sources of financial support, or check the small reference library at the Associate Dean’s Office, Graduate School, Room 115. Additionally, the Proposal Development Specialist in the Biology Department maintains a database of graduate student funding opportunities.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

3. MS in Biology Requirements

3. 1 Time Limits
3.2 Faculty Advisors
3.3 Course Requirements
3.4 Types of MS Degrees
3.5 GRS MS Graduation Deadlines

* Note: Individual program requirements may be more specific. 

**Note: The BA/MS program has separate requirements. More information about the BA/MS degree can be found here.

3.1 Time Limits

Officially, Master’s degree requirements must be completed within three years from the date of first registration. However, students may apply to the Graduate School for extensions past the three-year deadline. M.S. degrees are conferred in May, August, or January, as specified in the Graduate School Bulletin.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

3.2 Faculty Advisors

Each graduate student admitted to the M.S. Degree program is assigned a faculty advisor. For coursework tracks, this advisor will be your primary point of contact for course selection. For Research or Scholarly Literature-Based paper tracks, your advisor should help with coursework advising as above, and be your primary advisor for your research thesis or scholarly paper. The appropriate Research or Scholarly Literature-Based Paper committee of the student should be formed no later than the first year of full-time graduate study.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

3.3 Course Requirements

Courses will vary depending on program discipline. All Master’s students must complete at least 32 credits of graduate work (as detailed below for each type of Master’s degree in Biology). Two courses (8 credits) may be transferred to BU from another university upon approval of the Director of Master’s Studies and GRS.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

3.4 Types of MS Degrees

MS with Coursework Track

Coursework: The student must complete 32 credits of graduate level course work. These courses will be selected under the mentorship of the faculty member who is serving as the student’s primary advisor.

MS with Research Thesis Track

Coursework: The student must complete at least 32 credits of graduate level work. At least 20 of these graduate level credits must come from formal course work (i.e., cannot include credits from a research course). Outside of formal coursework, up to 12 of these credits can be Readings in Biology (BI 701/702) or Master’s Research in Biology (BI 595).

Research Thesis: The student must write a thesis detailing original research that was conducted under the sponsoring faculty member. The thesis will generally include the following sections: Abstract, Introduction, Materials & Methods, Results, Discussion, References, and figures and/or tables summarizing research. The thesis must be read and approved by a committee of three faculty members that includes at least two faculty members from the Biology Department; one committee member must be the faculty member who acted as the Major Professor for the student’s research. Ordinarily the student will receive written comments from all committee members that must be incorporated into a final version of the thesis. Upon satisfactory completion of revisions, the readers must sign and approve the signature page of the final version of the thesis. The thesis title must be approved by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and a properly formatted draft of the thesis must be submitted by email to grsrec@bu.edu for format review at least three weeks before the thesis is due. The final reader-approved thesis must be submitted to the Electronics Thesis and Dissertations (ETD) Administrator for final approval by the graduate school before the date posted on the GRS submission calendar. The final electronic version will be reviewed by GRS, and then forwarded to the Mugar Library ETD Administrator for the final format review, before its submission to ProQuest/UMI Administrator. Additionally, a copy should be given to all committee members, the Department, and one copy should be kept by the student. An oral defense is recommended, but not required, so students should discuss this with their advisor and reach a mutual agreement. Details on thesis submission dates can be found at: https://www.bu.edu/cas/academics/ma-ms-academics/graduation-information/

MS with Scholarly Paper Track

Coursework: The student must complete 32 credits of graduate level course work. Ordinarily, these courses will be selected under the mentorship of the faculty member who is serving as the student’s primary scholarly literature-based paper reader (see below). At least 28 of these graduate level credits must come from formal course work (i.e., cannot include credits from a research course). On this track, however, up to 4 credits can be Readings in Biology (BI 701/702).

Scholarly Literature-Based Paper: The student must write a scholarly literature-based paper on a selected topic in Biology. This paper will generally be a document of 30-80 pages on a selected research topic in current Biology and will usually include several chapters and extensive literature references. This paper will be written in consultation with a faculty member from the Biology Department who will serve as the primary reader. The final version of the document must be read and approved by at least two faculty members (i.e., the primary reader and one other faculty member) from the Biology Department. A final copy must be given to all committee members, and an electronic copy must be submitted to the Graduate Program Specialist by the last day of finals of the student’s final semester. For students graduating in August, the scholarly paper must be submitted by the last day of Summer II classes.

M.S. for Ph.D. students (Two options)

1. A Ph.D. student who has advanced to candidacy (as demonstrated by passing the Ph.D. qualifying exam), and has completed 32 credits of graduate level course work (not including research) may apply to the Graduate School for a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Biology. This must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies within the Biology Department. The student’s major professor will receive notification of this application process.
2. A Ph.D. student who has taken, but has not advanced to candidacy based on the Ph.D. qualifying examination may still receive a Master’s degree. This student may receive a Coursework M.S. degree provided they have completed 32 credits of course work (not including research credits). Alternatively, this student may receive a Scholarly Paper or Research Thesis M.S. degree if the written portion of the qualifying examination is adapted to ensure it is of sufficiently high quality for a M.S. degree, and approved by a majority of the qualifying exam committee and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

3.5 GRS MS Graduation Deadlines

Below is a table with GRS deadlines. Complete graduation information can be found here.

* August 2026 graduation dates are tentative. Please check the GRS website for the most current deadlines.

Graduation Deadlines (with Biology Program deadlines)

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4. PhD in Biology Requirements

4.1 Time Limits
4.2 Teaching Requirement
4.3 Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR)
4.4 Course Requirements
4.5 Laboratory Rotations (CM and Neuro only)
4.6 Research Credits
4.7 Faculty Advisory Committee
4.8 Qualifying Exam
4.9 Dissertation
4.10 GRS PhD Graduation Deadlines

* Note: Individual program requirements may be more specific. 

4.1 Time Limits

Officially, the Ph.D. must be completed within seven years after the first registration for doctoral study. Ph.D. degrees are conferred in either May, August, or January, as specified in the Graduate School Bulletin. In addition, the Ph.D. candidacy expires after the fifth anniversary of passing the Qualifying Examination. Petitions to extend this deadline are possible at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

PhD Extension Petition

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4.2 Teaching Requirement

The department requires a minimum of two semesters of teaching during a student’s graduate career as part of the Ph.D. degree. These semesters do not need to be completed consecutively. During the first semester of teaching, students are required to enroll in our first year seminar course, BI697. The course provides guidance and training on pedagogy and other aspects of graduate school.

Students teaching for the first time for the Biology Department are required to take BI 697 A Bridge to Knowledge: A Practical Seminar for First-Year Graduate Students which is a one-credit pedagogy course designed for students who are teaching for the first time. Students who are interested in additional teaching resources can explore the PhD Progression Teaching Pathway offered by the Professional Development and Post-doctoral Affairs Office.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4.3 Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR)

All Biology Ph.D. students are required to begin the Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) training during their first year, and complete it within four years of entering the program. RCR is offered through the Provost’s Office and involves online modules and a one-credit course covering topics such as proper data acquisition and management, research collaboration ethics, publication do’s and don’ts, social responsibility in research, research that involves human subjects, and research that involves animals. More information can be found on the RCR website or on the RCR Cheat Sheet.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4.4 Course Requirements

Students must complete 64 credits; at least 32 of these credits must be accrued from lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses; the remaining credits can come from research credits:

• Two semesters of Progress in Research Seminars
• One semester of grant writing
• One semester pedagogy course
• One quantitative course
• Two semesters of lab rotation credits (not required for EBE students)
• Additional required courses and electives vary depending on program discipline
• GRS BI 699 courses (for which all teaching fellows register) does not count toward these requirements; credits for this course are not tallied as part of the total credit Teaching Fellows no longer need to be registered for BI 699. This has been discontinued effective September 1, 2020.

 Note: A maximum of 8 courses (32 credits) may be transferred to BU from other institutions. At least 16 credits must come from formal courses taken at BU.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4.5 Laboratory Rotations

First-year students in the Cell & Molecular and Neurobiology programs are expected to complete three laboratory rotations during their first academic year. Students are expected to rotate in labs within Biology and each rotation lasts seven to eight weeks. In special cases students can request to complete a rotation with a faculty member outside of Biology, but it is subject to Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies approval. After the third rotation, students provide their respective Associate Chair with a rank-ordered list of faculty mentors with whom they would like to carry out their Ph.D. dissertation research. The Associate Chairs then match students with major dissertation advisors and notify students. In some cases, students do additional rotations in order to find a laboratory for their Ph.D. research. If students are unable to find a major dissertation advisor, this will be considered poor academic progress and can result in dismissal of the student from the graduate program. A guide to laboratory rotations can be found here.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4.6 Research Credits

Consult your advisor for the specific number of research credits that you should register for each semester. The following can be used as a guide however it is important to review the course credit requirements for your program and your individual academic progress and funding in consultation with your advisor:

• Only registering for research credits (not teaching) – register for 6 credits of research
• Only registering for research credits (and teaching) – register for 4 credits of research
• Registering for courses and research credits (not teaching) – register for 4 credits of research
• Registering for courses and research credits (and teaching) – register for up to 2 credits of research

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4.7 Faculty Advisory Committee

All Biology graduate students are paired with a primary research advisor (major professor), who is a member of the Biology faculty and who serves as first reader on the student’s thesis. All students admitted to the CM and Neurobiology Ph.D. program are assigned a temporary faculty advisor. By the end of the second semester of the first year a permanent major advisor should be selected. In some instances, the research performed towards the student’s thesis requires co-advisors. One of these co-advisors will be designated as first reader (see Dissertation section).

PhD students are required to establish two faculty committees: the Qualifying Exam Committee and the Dissertation Committee. The composition of these two committees is not required to be identical, but they often are.

For the Qualifying Exam Committee: No later than the end of the second year, the student, in consultation with the major advisor, should have selected a Qualifying Exam Committee consisting of at least four people. The Qualifying Exam Committee shall include the research advisor and at least two other faculty members from the Department of Biology, one of whom will serve as the Chair of the Committee for the qualifying examination. Three faculty on the Qualifying Exam Committee must be from Biology; specific research programs (CM, EBE, and Neuro) may have additional requirements. Please see “Program and Research Areas” below for more information. Additional members of the Qualifying Exam Committee for Biology students may be chosen from other faculty of Boston University or from other institutions. Please see here for details about the Dissertation Committee.

Once each subsequent year, the student and their major professor must jointly convene the Dissertation Committee to evaluate the progress of the student. It is recommended that this meeting coincide with the annual research presentation at the student seminar. The student should be prepared to present a written and/or oral report on research progress to the committee. Deficiencies in course work, research activity, etc. should be noted, and recommendations, if needed, should be made to the student and included in their annual report. Students failing to comply with these recommendations may be subject to probation and loss of financial support from the Department. Generally, the composition of the Faculty Advisory Committee remains the same for the duration of the student’s graduate program. Changes in committee membership can be made by mutual agreement among those involved, but the final dissertation committee must meet the membership requirements listed above.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4.8 Qualifying Exam

A Ph.D. student is required to complete a written and oral qualifying examination in their field of specialization and related fields as defined by the Faculty. Once the qualifying exam has been scheduled and a Qualifying Exam Committee has been established, the student should email the Graduate Program Specialist to let them know who the Committee Chair will be. The Report of Examination Form and guidelines for the exam will be sent to the Committee Chair. This should occur at least one week before the student’s qualifying exam. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is not permitted for the qualifying exam. However, if AI is used for any portion of the qualifying exam this feature must be clearly indicated by the student.

The Qualifying Exam Committee will prepare and administer each phase of the examination. This examination is usually scheduled after the second year of the program and must be passed within the first three years of residence at Boston University. Failure of any part of the examination constitutes failure to advance to candidacy. A student has two chances to pass the examination. A second failure generally results in dismissal of the student from the graduate program. Individual research areas within the Biology Department may have more specific guidelines for candidacy and the qualifying examination.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4.9 Dissertation

Responsibility for the successful completion of the dissertation lies with the candidate, who, through insight, initiative, and resourcefulness, shall make a definitive contribution to the knowledge of his or her specialized field. A timetable for the preparation and defense of the dissertation can be found at the end of this section.

Preparation and Submission of a Biology Ph.D. Dissertation
Conferral of the Ph.D. degree in Biology requires the successful preparation and defense of a Ph.D. dissertation on original research conducted by the student. A precise timetable for completion of essential steps in submission of a Ph.D. dissertation can be obtained from the Graduate School website. Those steps and Biology Department requirements and guidelines are summarized briefly here.

• A student must have a Dissertation Committee that includes at least four faculty members.  This committee must include at least three full time faculty members from the Biology Department. One Biology Department member of the Dissertation Committee will be the student’s research advisor, who will generally be the first reader of the dissertation. A second member of the committee will serve as the second reader. A third Biology Department member of the committee will serve as Chair of the Dissertation Defense (see below). Neither first nor second readers may be the chair of the committee. In cases where there are research co-advisors, these faculty members will serve as first and second readers, respectively. The co-advisors and student will determine which co-advisor will serve as the first reader. Please note that the Qualifying Exam Committee may serve as the Dissertation Committee, provided that the research scope presented during the qualifying exam aligns with the dissertation project.
• Approximately one year prior to the proposed graduation date, a formal Dissertation Prospectus must be submitted to the Department. This document should be prepared in consultation with and with approval of the first and second thesis readers and the Director of Graduate It is recommended that the student discuss the prospectus at an annual committee meeting prior to submission, or otherwise email the committee for approval. The prospectus generally provides an outline of the major chapters and subheadings to be included in the Ph.D. dissertation. Each chapter listed in the prospectus should include an abstract that describes what problem will be investigated, what results will be shown and what conclusions will be drawn in the chapter. The abstract should then be followed by a number of points, outlining the major specific results (or lists of figures and tables) that will be presented in that chapter in the final dissertation. The formal Prospectus will generally be approximately 5 to 10 typed, double-spaced pages, but no more than 20. Dissertation prospectus examples can be requested from the Graduate Program Specialist. Prospectus Approval Form
• Approximately two months before the defense, the student and the first reader should meet with the Director of Graduate Studies and the Biology Department Graduate Program Specialist to review the timeline and requirements for graduation.
• At least three weeks prior to the Dissertation Defense:
  • The Dissertation Defense Information form, which includes the dissertation abstract, must be submitted to the Graduate Program Specialist. This Abstract (maximum of 350 words) must be approved by the first and second reader. A schedule of the Final Oral Examination (time, place and list of Dissertation Committee members) must be submitted to the Graduate Program Specialist, along with a copy of the approved Dissertation Abstract.
  • Submit draft of dissertation to grsrec@bu.edu by attaching the draft to an email.  You will be notified if the format is approved. Because the formatting of the dissertation can be time consuming; it is advised that all formatting issues be resolved before you defend your dissertation. Following your defense, you should allow ample time to complete all corrections and content revisions that are required by your committee; students are advised to allow at least 3 weeks for revisions.
  • Helpful Links:
    Videos via BUniverse
    Dissertation Formatting Guide
    Example Preliminary Pages
  •  For faculty outside of BU, a “Special Service Appointment” must be filled out, including a copy of the proposed committee member’s curriculum vitae, and submitted to the Graduate Program Specialist for Director of Graduate Studies and Graduate School approval.
• At least two weeks prior to the Dissertation Defense, all work that comprises the dissertation, which is prepared as described below and approved by both readers must be distributed to all members of the Dissertation Committee. The student should prepare the dissertation in close consultation with the first and second Ordinarily the dissertation will go through several revisions by the first reader, followed by one or more revisions by second reader. The Graduate Program Specialist will email a formal announcement to the Chair of the Dissertation Committee and include important paperwork needed at the defense.
• A formal announcement of the Dissertation Seminar and Defense should be made in several ways. It is the responsibility of the student to see that the following matters are taken care of: A booklet containing an announcement of the Dissertation Seminar and Defense, the Dissertation Abstract, and a brief CV of the candidate must be distributed to all Biology Faculty. This must be prepared by the student and can be given to the Graduate Program Specialist for printing and distribution. A template for the flyer is provided by the Graduate Program Specialist. Usually, the Dissertation Seminar is also publicized by informal posters and e-mail (arranged with the Graduate Program Specialist).
• A formal Biology Department Dissertation Seminar, for which all four Dissertation Committee members are present, must be given by the Ph.D. candidate. This electronic graphics (e.g., PowerPoint) presentation on the dissertation research will ordinarily last 45- 50 minutes and is open to the public. This seminar is usually given immediately before the dissertation defense, but under unusual circumstances may be schedule independently of the defense, by prior arrangement with the Committee and the Director of Graduate Studies.
• The student must also pass a private Dissertation Defense in front of the Dissertation Committee (at least four members must be present). By prior arrangement, up to one committee member, who is not the chair or the first reader, can attend the final oral examination with interactive video and audio and without a proxy. A proxy must be in attendance for any additional committee members who attend via audio/visual communication. The Dissertation Defense is ordinarily a time where committee members ensure that the research has been completed by and is understood by the candidate, and will voice any concerns over data or the preparation of the dissertation. The Dissertation Defense usually lasts 1-2 hours. More than one failing vote on the Dissertation Defense will constitute a failure. Because the signature of the First Reader is required on the dissertation (see below), the First Reader must be one of the committee members passing the student on the Ph.D. Dissertation Defense.
• Following the defense and when all corrections and revisions required by your committee have been completed, the final approved dissertation is submitted electronically to the ETD Administrator. Ordinarily the student receives written comments from all committee members that they are required to incorporate, in consultation with the first and second readers, into a final version of the dissertation. Upon satisfactory completion of revisions, the first and second readers must sign and approve the final version of the dissertation. The final electronic version will be reviewed by GRS, and then forwarded to the Mugar Library ETD Administrator for the final format review, before its submission to ProQuest/UMI Administrator. If the student does not want their dissertation or thesis to be available from ProQuest or the Digital Common immediately after it is submitted an embargo can be requested. For any time period (6 months, one year, or two years), you must submit a letter requesting a restriction along with the PDF of the thesis or dissertation through GRS Records. The letter must explain the compelling reason for the restriction, the time limit desired, an address where you can be contacted when the time limit expires, and the signed approval of both you and your major advisor. These letters are reviewed and if appropriate approved by the associate dean. The restriction will start from the date on the letter. Learn more on the GRS website. Please note: If either office notifies you of necessary corrections or changes, they must be made immediately. A quick response will avoid your registering for another semester, a delay in verifying the completion of your degree requirements, and the issuing of the diploma. It may take some time before the final library review is complete.
•  The student should also give final copies to the first and second readers (and, when requested, other members of the Dissertation Committee), the Graduate Program Specialist, and should retain at least one final copy for themselves. Some committee members may prefer PDF copies of the dissertation.

Organization of the Biology Ph.D. Dissertation
A set of rules concerning page sizes, page numbering, etc., of the dissertation can be obtained on the Graduate School website under Final Oral Exam and Dissertation Draft. The Graduate School rules must be strictly followed. Below are the guidelines, which are generally applicable to Biology Ph.D. dissertations. The format of the complete dissertation document submitted at the time of the defense should meet the specifications of the Graduate School for final submission of the dissertation as well as these guidelines that follow. In general, the dissertation is organized in one of two formats. The exact format to be followed is usually decided by the student and the first and second readers.

1. Comprehensive Dissertation

This type of dissertation normally includes, in order, the following sections: Title Page, Approval Signature Page, Acknowledgments, Abstract, Table of Contents, List of Figures, List of Tables, List of Abbreviations, several Chapters, and a comprehensive Reference List. The comprehensive dissertation should have a consistent style format in all chapters. For example, Materials & Methods from multiple papers can be combined into a single consistent Materials & Methods chapter, References should be cited consistently throughout the dissertation, and there should be a single Introduction, Discussion, and Reference List.

Chapter One usually provides a general and specific Introduction to the dissertation. This will include an overview of the importance of the work, a specific introduction to the field, and a statement of the dissertation goals.

Chapter Two usually details the Materials & Methods used in the dissertation work.

Chapter Three (and more) describes the Results obtained from the dissertation work. These chapters include figures, tables and descriptions of original work. Often these chapters have short introductions to provide a framework for the results that will follow. Figures and tables must have appropriate legends.

The final Chapter should include a specific and general Discussion of the dissertation work in light of other work in the field.

2. Partitioned Dissertation

This type of dissertation normally includes, in order, the following sections: Title Page, Approval Signature Page, Acknowledgments, Abstract, Table of Contents, List of Figures, List of Tables, List of Abbreviations, several Chapters, and a comprehensive Reference List.

Chapter One usually provides a general and specific Introduction to the dissertation. This includes an overview of the importance of the work, a specific introduction to the field, and a statement of the dissertation goals.

Chapter Two (and more) presents the Results of the dissertation research organized in a research paper format. That is, each chapter includes the following material as pertinent to the research included in the given chapter: Introduction: Materials & Methods, Results, Discussion and Specific Reference List.

The final Chapter presents a summary of the original research accomplished in the thesis work, and its relevance to the large field, and perspective for future work.

To be consistent with Graduate School rules, the partitioned dissertation must also include a comprehensive Reference List.

Specific Guidelines for Presentation of Research and Data

In all cases, details for the presentation of original data should be worked out between the student and the first and second readers. However, the following can be used as guidelines:

1. Large parts of the written dissertation may be taken or adapted from material already published by the student. However, published papers cannot be simply digitally pasted together. In addition, care must be taken to appropriately identify work done by others in such papers.
2. In general, all data relevant to the dissertation should be included in the dissertation. It is usually not acceptable to list primary, relevant data as “data not shown” or refer to the student’s data published in another source.
3. It is recognized that all figures within the dissertation may not be in a consistent format.  For example, figures may have been taken from published articles in journals with different format requirements. In general, it is not necessary to remake figures for the dissertation. Any work done by others, such as co-authors, must be strictly attributed to them if it needs to be included in the student’s dissertation.

Specific Guidelines for Scholarship and Citation

References must be listed and cited according to a standard and consistent journal format. The full title of each journal referenced must be included unless the reference list is preceded by a list of all journal abbreviations used.

1. The Reference List must include authors, year published, title of article, journal, volume and inclusive pages. The following provides examples of a suggested format for references: Gilmore TD, White DW, Sarkar S & Sif S (1995) Malignant transformation of cells by the v Rel oncoprotein. In, The DNA Provirus: Howard Temin’s Scientific Legacy (Cooper GM, Greenberg Temin R & Sugden B, eds), American Society for Microbiology, Washington DC, pp 109 128White DW & Gilmore TD (1993) Temperature sensitive transforming mutants of the v rel oncogene. Journal of Virology 67: 6876 6881White DW, Roy A & Gilmore TD (1995) The v Rel oncoprotein blocks apoptosis and proteolysis of IκB-α in transformed chicken spleen cells. Oncogene 10: 857 868References should be ordered alphabetically in the final Reference List. Journal name abbreviations may only be used if the Reference List is preceded by a list of these abbreviations along with the full name of each journal. If a given first author has multiple citations, these should be ordered chronologically in the list (starting with the earliest publication). If a given first author has multiple papers in a single year, they should be designated by “a” and “b” (e.g., Doe et al., 1988a; Doe et al., 1988b), etc.All references included in the final Reference List must be cited at least once within the text of the dissertation, and all references cited within the text must be included in the final Reference List.
2. Citations within text should provide author(s) and date, and be provided in parenthesis.  If two authors, use Doe & Smith; if more than two authors, use Doe et al. If multiple citations are given, they are to be separated by semicolons, and ordered by year. That is, the above references would be cited in the text as (Pauling, 1960; Monod et al., 1962; Smith & Borgeat, 1985; Pirani et. al., 2004). If one discusses a specific study within the text, include only the year in parentheses; for example, “Monod et al. (1962) showed that…”

Top of Section
Table of Contents

4.10 GRS PhD Graduation Deadlines

Below is a table with GRS deadlines. Complete graduation information can be found here.

* August 2026 graduation dates are tentative. Please check the GRS website for the most current deadlines.

Graduation Deadlines (with Biology Program deadlines)

Top of Section
Table of Contents

5. Program and Research Areas

5.1 Overview
5.2 Cell & Molecular Biology (CM)
5.3 Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution (EBE) – includes Marine Biology
5.4 Neurobiology

5.1 Overview

The Department has three graduate program areas: Ecology, Behavior & Evolution (EBE, including Marine Biology); Neurobiology (Neuro); and Cell & Molecular Biology (CM). Each program area has unique strengths and suggested curricula. The department offers both Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Biology that emphasize independent research on the part of the student, and a non-research Master’s degree. Many Biology faculty members participate in inter-departmental programs that offer graduate degrees. These affiliated programs include the following: Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB); Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN); and Bioinformatics (BF).

Various Biology Department programs include faculty active in research in the areas listed below.

• Behavioral ecology and sociobiology
• Cancer biology
• Biochemistry
• Biogeochemistry
• Cell and molecular neurobiology
• Cell signaling and gene regulation
• Developmental biology
• Ecology and conservation biology
• Endocrinology and reproductive biology
• Evolutionary Biology Genetics and genomics
• Marine biology
• Microbiology
• Molecular ecology and evolution
• Neural systems and behavior
• Systems biology
• Tropical ecology

Top of Section
Table of Contents

5.2 Cell & Molecular Biology (CM)

The Program in Cell & Molecular Biology offers courses and research opportunities in developmental biology, cell signaling, gene regulation, cancer biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, systems biology, and membrane structure and function. Associated programs include the interdisciplinary program in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB), and the Bioinformatics program.

Requirements for Cell & Molecular Biology (CM) Candidates in the PhD Program

Coursework (36 credits)

List of Elective Courses

Below is a list of recommended elective courses, although any Biology course can be taken as long as it is approved by the CM Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies.

All Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, and MCBB course descriptions may be found in the graduate bulletin available on the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website at http://www.bu.edu/academics/grs/ courses. Engineering course descriptions can be found at http://www.bu.edu/bme/graduate/courses/

Grant Writing Seminar

Students take a grant writing seminar course (BI581, 2 credits). For that course, students are expected to write an NSF GRFP proposal, which is usually submitted for a deadline in mid- October to early November. Students write this proposal in consultation with the course instructor and their first rotation advisor. Students who do not meet the criteria for submitting an NSF GRFP application are also expected to write this proposal in order to develop grant writing skills.

Research Seminars

Students participate in the CM/MCBB seminar program that consists of two required weekly seminars: BI583/584, described above (meets at ~noon on Fridays) and the Biology Departmental Seminar Series (meets at ~noon on Mondays).

Lab Rotations

Students are required to register for lab rotation credits (BI791/792) and perform three laboratory rotations with Biology faculty during their first academic year (6-8 weeks each).

Examinations/Defenses

• Qualifying Exam: No later than the end of the second year, the student, in consultation with the major advisor, should have selected a Qualifying Exam Committee consisting of at least four people. At least three of the committee members must be from the CM Program. The qualifying examination consists of two parts: one, a written research proposal; and two, the oral defense of this research proposal. The qualifying exam should be taken no later than six semesters after matriculation.
  • Written Proposal: The student in consultation with the major professor submits a WRITTEN proposal of the intended dissertation research. The academic code of conduct applies, and the written document should be from the student’s own hand, not just cutting and pasting old grant proposals, papers, etc. The major professor and the examination committee may have input in the form of suggestions on content and organization but should not directly edit the document. This proposal should include an extensive introduction complete with appropriately cited literature, a list of specific aims, and a description of the intended experiments. The proposal should be approximately 15-20 pages long, double-spaced. The written proposal must be submitted to and approved by the Chair of the qualifying examination committee at least two weeks prior to the scheduled examination.
  • Oral Exam: At this examination, the student gives an oral presentation of the proposal. Students should plan for ~45 min presentation, but with questions the exam will go longer. The committee poses questions related to the intended research, background information (including basic knowledge in cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry), and the field of the work. The committee chair ensures that the questions are appropriate (e.g. not too far afield) and that each committee member has a more-or-less equal opportunity to question the student. While this proposal and oral defense is normally on the research that the student has proposed to carry out, it is not a thesis defense. There is no requirement for preliminary data and the eventual dissertation work may change considerably over time.
  • Advancing to Candidacy: The student’s Qualifying Examination Committee is responsible for grading the written proposal and oral defense. More than one failing vote, or a failing vote by the major professor, on the qualifying examination constitutes a failure. Any student failing the Qualifying Exam has the opportunity to take it again, but at least three months must elapse before a student is allowed to retake the exam. Failure of the second examination is grounds for automatic dismissal from the Ph.D. program and the loss of further financial aid from the Biology Department, although the student may still be eligible for the M.S. degree provided that those degree requirements are met.
• Dissertation Defense: After advancing to candidacy for the Ph.D., the student and the major professor must jointly convene a Dissertation Committee, which meets at least once a year. Ph.D. students should present either a written or oral report on research progress to the thesis committee. The committee meeting date and synopsis must be included on the annual report. The Dissertation Committee consists of no less than four faculty members, at least two of whom must be members of the CM program. The Dissertation Committee shall consist of a Chair, a First Reader (the major advisor in CM-Biology), a Second Reader, and at least one other member (a third reader is optional). Please note that for the Qualifying Exam Committee we require three faculty members to be from the CM program, but for the Dissertation Committee only two faculty members must be from CM.
• The dissertation is “defended” at the Final Dissertation Committee meeting at a time agreed on by the student and the Dissertation Committee. At least two weeks prior to the defense, all work that comprises the dissertation and the written dissertation, which meets the specification, described above and has been approved by all readers, must be distributed to the committee. At the Final Dissertation Committee meeting the committee agrees on the adequacy of the body of work and written thesis for the Ph.D. degree. Finally, there is a required public seminar, which is normally given before the defense.

Requirements for Cell & Molecular Biology (CM) M.S. Students

Coursework

**See above for the list of elective courses (except BB 527), under Ph.D. requirements. For those doing a research master’s, 12 credits of electives can come from “research” (BI 595) courses. For those doing a scholarly paper, 4 credits of electives can come from “Readings in Biology (BI 701/702)” courses.

Seminar

M.S. students are not required to participate in the CM seminar program, but they are encouraged to register for BI 583/584 and attend both of the following required weekly seminars for the Ph.D. students:

• Mondays at approximately 12:20pm, Biology Departmental Seminar Series (Outside speakers for Biology and MCBB).
• Fridays at 12:20pm, CM/MCBB Student Seminar

Top of Section
Table of Contents

5.3 Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution (EBE) – includes Marine Biology

The Graduate Program in Ecology, Behavior, & Evolution (EBE) trains students to address fundamental basic and applied questions about organisms and their environments. Students investigate marine, freshwater, and/or terrestrial systems using an interdisciplinary approach that can span multiple levels of biological organization, from genomes to ecosystems. Coursework and research opportunities include behavioral ecology and sociobiology, ecological and evolutionary genomics, evolutionary biology, molecular ecology, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and biogeochemistry. A broad perspective encompassing molecular, organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels of biological organization is emphasized.

Requirements for the Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution Candidates in the Ph.D. Program

The goal of the Ph.D. program in EBE is to produce comprehensively trained professionals who excel in their individual research and possess a deep and broad understanding of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution. Each degree candidate’s ability, preparation, and needs will vary; however, a general guide to the stages of the PhD program is useful for both the student and their advisor(s) to track progress.

The following guidelines have been developed as an aid to planning a student’s graduate career. Because the department guarantees financial support for five years only, students are encouraged to be cognizant of timelines for completing requirements and work efficiently and productively.

Grant writing seminar

In the first semester of the first year, students enroll in the Grant Writing Seminar (BI671 or BI581, 2 credits) that counts towards elective credit. Students prepare an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) proposal to be submitted in early November, or a proposal to be submitted to another agency appropriate to their funding eligibility. Students develop this proposal in consultation with their advisor.

Research Seminars

Students participate in the EBE seminar program that consists of two seminars per week. These include the EBE Chalk Talk series (BI 579/580; Wednesdays at 12:00pm) and the Biology Departmental Seminar Series (Mondays at 12:20pm).

Coursework (34-35 credits required)

Faculty Committees

With the input of their research advisor, each student will organize two faculty committees: the Qualifying Exam Committee and the Dissertation Committee. The student’s research advisor will serve on both committees, but otherwise the composition of the committees may vary (although it is recommended that students maintain the composition of their committees as much as possible).

The Qualifying Exam Committee will help the student prepare for the qualifying exam and will administer the exam by the end of the student’s fourth or fifth semester. The student must pass the exam to advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree (see Qualifying Exam and Advancing to Candidacy). It is recommended that the student organize their Qualifying Exam Committee as early as possible (most students do it at the beginning of their third semester) and arrange to take courses or directed readings with the faculty members.

The Dissertation Committee is the group ultimately responsible for overseeing the student’s dissertation research. The Dissertation Committee will advise the student during the course of their research and ultimately evaluate the dissertation, so it is critically important that the student keep them informed of research progress and plans through the annual committee meetings as well as one-on-one consultations with committee members.

Each student is responsible for organizing annual meetings with the Dissertation committee that will advise and oversee their Ph.D. program. The annual committee meeting with the committee is critically important. During these meetings the student will receive advice and guidance in their professional development and will have the undivided attention of several faculty members simultaneously.

NOTE: Faculty members are often under severe time constraints . Students should organize their committees and meetings well in advance of the dates for the qualifying exam, thesis defense, etc.

EBE Ph.D. Program

The following is an example of how a student might organize their graduate studies. The nature and schedule of research in different EBE labs varies, and students should consult closely with their advisors to develop an appropriate individualized plan for their progression through the PhD.

The Qualifying Exam and Advancing to Candidacy

1. Written Exam (a closed-book exam taking 8 hours spread, over two days):
   Students will answer half (e.g. 3 of 6 or 4 of 8) of the exam questions provided. These questions are provided by each member of the Qualifying Exam Committee and collated by the committee Chair, who is typically an EBE faculty member other than the student’s advisor. [Note: The Qualifying Exam Committee must consist of at least four people, including the advisor and at least two other faculty from the Department of Biology (GPG, section 4.7). In consultation with their advisor, and depending upon the requirements of other programs in which the student participates (e.g., BU URBAN), the student may assemble larger committee consisting of 5 or 6 members. However, it is recommended to cap the Qualifying Committee at 4 members, as the student will need to meet with each member of the committee to prepare for the exam, and a larger committee will therefore likely increase the time required for exam preparation and the breadth of the exam.] The committee members individually read and grade the student’s response as pass/fail. In the case of either grade, the committee may recommend remedial or additional readings to increase a student’s knowledge in certain subject areas.
2. Oral Exam (one week after the Written Exam, 2-3 hours):
   The oral exam is an opportunity to probe the student for more detail in the case of inadequate responses to questions on the written exam and/or to ask more general questions. Committee members may pursue questions not included in the written exam. At the start of this exam, the student will be asked to briefly leave the room and the faculty will discuss the student’s performance on the written portion of the exam. Upon being invited back to the examination room, the student will give a ~15 minute presentation on their planned dissertation research with the purpose of (1) creating a collegial environment for the exam and helping students feel at ease by discussing a topic in their area of strength and (2) allowing committee members to critically evaluate the student’s proposed research and develop constructive exam questions relevant to the student’s work. Faculty will often interrupt the student during this presentation to ask questions.

Advancing to Candidacy: The student’s Qualifying Exam Committee is responsible for grading the exam. The committee will deliberate on the results of the ballot as necessary. The committee will vote to pass or fail the student and to make recommendations to address any knowledge deficits identified during the exam. A pass vote enables a student to proceed with the Ph.D. program. A student failing the oral examination has the opportunity to take the exam again; at least three months must elapse before a student is allowed to retake the exam. Failure on the Qualifying Exam re-take is grounds for automatic dismissal from the Ph.D. program and the loss of any further financial aid. The student may still be eligible for the M.S. degree provided that those degree requirements are met.

Requirements for Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution Students in the M.S. Program

Coursework

Students, in consultation with their advisor, develop a plan of coursework and research. Students are required to take a minimum of 32 credits. For those doing a research master’s, 12 credits can come from “research” (BI 595) courses. For those doing a scholarly paper, 4 credits can come from “Readings in Biology” (BI 701/702) courses. It is recommended but not required that MS students in the Research Track in EBE take BI 671 in their first year but is not required. MS students in EBE are required to attend BI 579/580 throughout their time at Boston University and are encouraged to register for at least one semester during their first year.

List of Recommended Elective Courses

Below is a list of recommended elective courses for M.S. and Ph.D. EBE students.

Anthropology
AN 552 Primate Evolution & Anatomy (4 cr)
AN 553 Human Uniqueness (4 cr)
AN 556 The Evolution of the Human Diet (4 cr)
AN 559 Evolutionary Endocrinology (4 cr)
AN 588 Project Design and Statistics in Biological Anthropology (4 cr)
AN 595 Methods in Biological Anthropology (4 cr)
AN 598 Private Conservation (4 cr)
AN 735 The Ape Within (4 cr)
AN 736 Primate Evolutionary Ecology (4 cr)
AN 739 Primate Biomechanics (4 cr)

Biology
BI 501 Insect Biology (4 cr)
BI 504 Advanced Evolutionary Analysis (4 cr)
BI 506 Phenotypic Plasticity (4 cr)
BI 507 Diversity of Sex (4 cr)
BI 508 Behavioral Ecology (4 cr)
BI 510 Institutional Racism in Health and Science (4 cr)
BI 515 Population Genetics (4 cr)
BI 519 Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology (4 cr)
BI 520 Sensory Physiology (4 cr)
BI 530 Forest Ecology (4 cr)
BI 542 Neuroethology (4 cr)
BI 543 Global Ecology (4 cr)
BI 550 Marine Genomics (4 cr)
BI 581 Seminar in Biology (2 cr)
BI 588 Project Design and Statistics in Biological Anthropology (4 cr) [Previously AN597]
BI 607 Animal Behavior (4 cr)
BI 610 Developmental Biology (4 cr)
BI 611 Microbiome (4 cr)
BI 613 Microbial Biology (4 cr)
BI 614 Ornithology (4 cr)
BI 619/620: Biogeoscience Colloquium and Practicum (2 cr each)
BI 623 Marine Biogeochemistry (4 cr)
BI 643 Terrestrial Biogeochemistry (4 cr)
BI 648 Biodiversity & Conservation Bio (4 cr)
BI 675 Urban Ecology (4 cr)
BI 719 Colloq. Terrestrial Biogeoscience (2 cr)
BI 720 Pract. Terrestrial Biogeoscience (2 cr)

Marine Semester
BI 511 Ecology of Coral Reef Fishes (4 cr)
BI 523 Marine Urban Ecology (4 cr)
BI 531 Ichthyology (4 cr)
BI 539 Coral Reef Dynamics (4 cr)
BI 541 Coral Reef Resilience & Restoration (4 cr)
BI 546 Marine Megafaunal Ecology (4 cr)
BI 548 Marine Microbe Microscopy (4 cr)
BI/EE 562 Tropical Seagrass Ecology (4 cr)
BI 569 Tropical Marine Invertebrates (4 cr)
BI 578 Marine Geographic Information Science (4 cr)
BI/EE 591 Bio-Optical Oceanography (4 cr)
BI/EE 593 Marine Physiology & Climate Change (4 cr)
EE 543 Estuaries & Nearshore Systems (4 cr)
EE 544 Coastal Sedimentology (4 cr)
EE 557 Oceanography of Stellwagen Bank (4 cr)
EE 558 Coastal Biogeochemistry (4 cr)
MR500 Ecology of the Rocky Intertidal Zone (4 cr)
MR 500 Corals Across the Seascape (4 cr)
MR 521 Quantitative Fisheries Analysis (4 cr)
MR 529 Tropical Marine Fisheries (4 cr)
MR 533 Scientific Diving (4 cr)

Earth & Environment
ES/EE 507 Dynamical Oceanography (4 cr)
EE 516 Multivariate Stats for Geographers (4 cr)
EE 525 Plant Physiological Ecology (4 cr)
EE 529 Modeling & Monitoring Terr. Ecosys. (4 cr)
EE 656 Terr. Ecosys. & the Carbon Cycle (4 cr)
EE 675 Urban Ecology (4 cr)

Public Health
SPH BS 704 Intro to Biostatistics (3 cr)

Psychology and Brain Science (Brain, Behavior, and Cognition) – courses relevant to students working in behavior
BI 520 Sensory Neurobiology
BI 542 Neuroethology
PS/NE 521 Animal Models in Behavioral Neuroscience
PS/NE 525 – Cognitive Science
NE 545 Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior

Bioinformatics
ENG BF 527 Applications in Bioinformatics

Top of Section
Table of Contents

5.4 Neurobiology

The Program in Neurobiology offers courses and research opportunities in areas of contemporary neurobiology, including neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, molecular neurobiology, neural development, sensory and sensorimotor systems, circuits underlying natural behaviors, neuroimmunology, and neurobiology of disease. The organisms under investigation include crayfish, mosquito, rat, and mouse. Biology faculty members also participate in several other interdepartmental centers and training programs, including the Center for Systems Neuroscience, the BU Neurophotonics Center, the Ph.D. Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN) and the Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry Program (MCBB).

Requirements for Neurobiology (Neuro) Candidates in the Ph.D. Program

Coursework (32 credits)

*RCR = Responsible Conduct of Research

**The elective courses should be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor. It is STRONGLY recommended that at least one of the elective courses be a relevant graduate laboratory course.

Students are required to take a minimum of 32 credits of coursework. The remainder of the credits should be research. It is expected that the 32 credits of coursework are completed by the end of Year 2 in the program. The coursework curriculum can be tailored based on students’ needs and prior background. Below are two examples for how coursework could be structured. 

Example Curriculum 1. This curriculum provides a moderate courseload for lecture courses spread across Years 1 and 2. This provides flexibility in deciding on relevant elective courses after students have joined their PhD laboratory. Elective courses can be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor. It is STRONGLY recommended that at least one of the elective courses be a relevant graduate laboratory course.  For those interested in submitting an NSF graduate research proposal, it is recommended to take BI 581 in Fall Semester of Year 1.

Example Curriculum 2. This curriculum provides an accelerated courseload in which lecture courses can be completed in the first year. This may be preferred for students with well-defined research plans who wish to dedicate more time in the laboratory in Year 2. For those that are ineligible to submit an NSF graduate research proposal, it is recommended to take BI 581 in Fall Semester of Year 2.

Seminar

Students must participate in the weekly Biology seminar program (BI 533/BI 534) that meets at 12:30 PM on Tuesdays, and several optional Biology departmental lectures and colloquia.

Lab Rotations

First-year students are expected to complete three laboratory rotations during the first academic year. (Two of the rotations should be done in faculty labs within the Dept. of Biology, approval by Associate Chair in Neurobiology is required if two of the rotations are outside of Biology). After the third rotation, students will provide a rank-ordered list of faculty mentors with whom they would like to carry out their Ph.D. dissertation research to the Associate Chair in Neurobiology. The Associate Chair will then match students with major dissertation advisors and notify students. In some cases, students do additional rotations in order to find a laboratory for their Ph.D. research.

Examinations/Defenses

Qualifying Examinations:A Ph.D. student is required to complete a written and oral qualifying examination. We recommend students beginning their second year should establish their Qualifying Exam Committee (total of four faculty members, at least two of whom must be members of the Neurobiology faculty), meet with their committee members early in the academic year, and prepare for their Qualifying Exam. We expect that by the end of the second academic year all students will have passed their Qualifying Exam. The qualifying examination must be passed for the Ph.D. degree. Once the student has passed this exam, she/he is formally a candidate for the Ph.D. in the NEURO program. The qualifying examination consists of two parts; a written research proposal and the oral defense of this research proposal.

1. Written Proposal: The student, in consultation with the research advisor and other parties, submits a WRITTEN proposal of the intended dissertation research. The academic code of conduct applies, and the written document should be from the student’s own hand, rather than assembling materials from their PI’s grant proposals, papers, etc. The major professor may provide input in the form of suggestions on content and organization, but should not directly edit the document. This proposal should be written in the general form of an NRSA F31 NIH grant proposal, (see examples at here), and it should include a list of specific aims, an extensive introduction, rationale and approach that includes an outline of the intended experiments with optional preliminary data, complete with appropriately cited literature. The proposal should be approximately 10-15 double-spaced pages long. The written proposal must be given to and approved by the qualifying examination committee at least two weeks prior to the scheduled oral examination.

2. Oral Exam: At the examination, the student gives an oral presentation of the proposal, including optional preliminary results. The committee then poses questions related to their graduate coursework, intended research, background information, and the field of the work. The committee chair ensures that the questions are relevant and appropriate and that each committee member has a more-or-less equal opportunity to question the student.

While the written proposal and oral defense is normally based on research the student plans to carry out, it is not a thesis defense. Thus, the eventual dissertation work may change considerably over time.

Advancing to Candidacy: The student’s Qualifying Examination Committee is responsible for grading the exam. More than one failing vote, or a failing vote by the major professor, on the qualifying examination constitutes a failure. Any student failing the Qualifying Exam has the opportunity to take it again, but only after a period of at least three months. Failure of the second examination is grounds for automatic dismissal from the Ph.D. program and the loss of further financial aid from the Biology Department, although the student may still be eligible for the M.S. degree provided that those degree requirements are met.

Dissertation Defense:After advancing to candidacy for the Ph.D., the student and major professor must jointly convene a Dissertation Committee, which meets at least once per year. Ph.D. students should present either an oral report on research progress to the thesis committee. The committee meeting date and synopsis must be included on the annual report. The Dissertation Committee consists of no less than four faculty members, at least two of whom must be members of the Neurobiology faculty. The Dissertation Committee shall consist of a Chair, a First Reader (the major advisor in Neurobiology), a Second Reader, and at least one other member (a third reader is optional). The dissertation is “defended” at the Final Dissertation Committee meeting at a time agreed on by the student and the Dissertation Committee. At least two weeks prior to the defense, all work that comprises the dissertation and the written dissertation, which meets the specification, described above and has been approved by all readers, must be distributed to the committee. At the Final Dissertation Committee meeting the committee agrees on the adequacy of the body of work and written thesis for the Ph.D. degree. Finally, there is a required public seminar, which is normally given before the defense.

Requirements for Neurobiology (Neuro) M.S. Students

Coursework

**The elective courses should be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor. It is STRONGLY recommended that at least one of the elective courses be a relevant graduate laboratory course. For those doing a research master’s, 12 credits can come from “research (BI 595)” courses . For those doing a scholarly paper, 4 credits of electives can come from “Readings in Biology (BI 701/702)” courses.

List of Recommended Elective Courses

Below is a list of recommended elective courses for MS and PhD neurobiology students.

List of Neuro Quantitative Elective Courses

Below is a list of neuro quantitative courses, although the full list of quantitative courses approved for Biology students can be found on here. All course descriptions may be found in the graduate bulletin available on the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website at http://www.bu.edu/academics/grs/courses.

CN 510 Principles & Methods – Cognitive & Neural Modeling I (4 cr)
CN 530 Neural & Computational Models of Vision (4 cr)
BE 517 Optical Microscopy of Biological Material (4 cr)
MA665 Introduction to modeling and data analysis in neuro (2 cr)
MA666 Advanced modeling and data analysis in neuro (2 cr)

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6. Biology Department Administrative Resources

6.1 BU Alert
6.2 BU Email Account
6.3 BU ID Card
6.4 The Biology Media Center
6.5 Computers
6.6 DUO Mobile
6.7 Departmental Laser Printer
6.8 Email Aliases
6.9 Fax
6.10 Hear My Name
6.11 Internet
6.12 Mail
6.13 Memos and Announcements
6.14 Photocopying Procedures & Policies
6.15 Reimbursements & Travel

6.1 BU Alert

BU Alert is an emergency notification system that will help ensure rapid and reliable mass communication to students, faculty, and staff. The BU Alert system is designed to communicate with cell phones (text and voice messages), landlines, e-mail systems, and pagers during a crisis or time-sensitive situation on the Boston University Charles River and Medical campuses.

Students are required to provide an emergency number as part of their registration and can update their contact preferences on the MyBU Student Portal. Questions concerning enrollment in the BU Alert program may be addressed to the Admissions Office (617-353-2300).

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.2 BU Email Account

All new students will be given a BU Google Apps account and can log in to it at www.bu.edu/webmail. You can enable this account by following the instructions on www.bu.edu/tech/support/google/enable/. If you have an existing email account that you prefer to use, you can forward your BU email.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6. 3 BU ID Card

The Terrier Card is the official Boston University student and staff identification card. Incoming students are encouraged to upload a photo through the Terrier Card Center by early August and can pick up their Terrier Card at the GRS Orientation (only if submitted photo by early August) or at the Terrier Card Office (located on the Lower Level of the George Sherman Union – 775 Commonwealth Ave.). Terrier Cards are valid for on-campus identification only and are used to access lab spaces and buildings after hours. Students may also purchase Convenience Points to pay for textbooks, eat at on-campus dining location and more.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.4 The Biology Media Center

The Biology Media Center in room 627 of 24 Cummington Mall provides a range of media services to the department for little or no cost. Available services are flatbed scanning, slide scanning, color laser printing, di-sub printing (photo-like prints) and large format poster printing. These facilities operate on both Mac and Windows platforms in order to handle the varied media formats. Due to the popularity of the media center, there is a “reservation” policy. If you need to use the media center services, you should contact Peter Castellano via email at pcastell@bu.edu, or telephone at 353-8736 to reserve a time to use the equipment. To facilitate the availability of these graphics resources, the associated computers are to be used only for departmental-related purposes and not for general use or e-mail.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.5 DUO Mobile

Boston University uses Duo Multi-Factor Authentication. Students need to download the Duo Mobile App to authenticate logins when using their BU login and Kerberos password. More information can be found here on the IS&T website.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.6 Computers

Many students choose to bring their own personal computers into their office or labs. A lock for a laptop is highly recommended. Boston University’s Information Services & Technology (IS&T) designed and maintains a number of computer labs, both physical and virtual, including the University’s primary PC lab in the BU Common @ Mugar and the Linux Virtual Lab. Links for computing resources on campus, as well as information on where to obtain support for your personal computer can be found at www.bu.edu/tech. The College of Arts & Sciences offers a file server (casfsb.bu.edu) to all faculty, staff, and students to back up and share their data. To establish a folder on this server, go to http://www.bu.edu/casit/ click on “File Services” and follow the instructions.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.7 Departmental Laser Printer

There are several networked printers throughout the various biology buildings. For information on how to connect to these printers, see the front office in Biology for printers in 5 Cummington Mall, or Peter Castellano for access to printers in 24 Cummington Mall. The main networked printer in 5 Cummington Mall is a “HP LaserJet 4050 Series”, located in BRB 101C. You can connect to this printer via its IP address, 128.197.80.190

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.8 Email Aliases

Once you have an email account, you will automatically be added to the all-department alias (“bio-dept-list@bu.edu”) and the graduate student alias (bio-grad-students-list@bu.edu) for the Biology Department as well as the alias for your specific program (bio-grad-cm-list@bu.edu, bio-grad-ebe-list@bu.edu, bio-grad-neuro-list@bu.edu)

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.9 Fax

The Department has a FAX machine (617-353-6340) located in BRB 101 that is available for general departmental use. FAX machines are quite simple to use; nevertheless, see Front Desk Staff for assistance if you need any help. Since FAX machines operate over telephone wires, all charges associated with its use will appear on a phone statement. The Department covers the cost of all local Fax’s. All long-distance Fax’s must be charged to your professor’s telephone code. You must make your own arrangements with your advisor about using his or her telephone code to make these calls. Your incoming FAX messages will be placed in your mailbox.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.10 Hear My Name

Students are able to record an eight second or less version of their name on a dedicated, public-facing URL/website link. That link can be used on email signatures (see help) or on public sites, such as BU Profiles  and other BU websites. BU anticipates allowing individuals the option to link to their recorded name in the BU Directory  in the near future. Record your name here. 

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.11 Internet

There are limited Ethernet connections within the department for Internet access. Check with your advisor for more information about ethernet port availability in your office. Wireless on campus is available in most academic buildings, but signal strength can vary floor to floor and building to building. To join the BU wireless network, join eduroam with your user login and kerberos password. For more information on how to join the wireless network can be found here or stop by one of the IT Help centers at Mugar Library.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.12 Mail

Graduate student mailboxes are located in the corridor outside BRB 101. They are set up alphabetically, and students will receive mail in their advisor’s mailbox. The combinations and box number assignments can be obtained from Front Desk Staff in BRB 101. The Boston University Postal Service picks up federal and interdepartmental mail from the mailroom once a day. The BU Postal Service sorts this mail into interdepartmental and U.S. Mail, so please make sure that interdepartmental mail is in manila envelopes and clearly marked. If you must use a white envelope for interdepartmental mail it should be clearly marked or it will be sorted into the US Mail and charged back to the Department. It will also take a long time for this mail to arrive at its destination as it will be sent outside the University and then returned to go once again through the BU Postal Service. This is intended for Department and University business and not for personal mail. Any personal mail must have a postage stamp affixed before being placed in this bin.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.13 Memos and Announcements

Memos and announcements are routinely sent to graduate students via email. Also check the easel outside of BRB 101 for announcements.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.14 Photocopying Procedures & Policies

There are copying machines within the Department available for general use. In 5 Cummington Mall, BRB 101C, there is a large Canon copier. This room can be accessed from the corridor at any time. The key that opens all common spaces also opens this room.

Please keep in mind:

• To avoid conflict with routine office staff, large copying jobs should not be carried out between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday
• Faculty and staff have priority at the copying machines
• If you have questions about how to use the machines please see Front Desk Staff in BRB 101

Top of Section
Table of Contents

6.15 Reimbursements & Travel

Reimbursements

All purchases (supply, computer equipment & Amazon) must be approved by your direct supervisor before purchasing. All purchases for course and research should be submitted to Sourcing/Facilities Manager for processing. All out of pocket purchases must be approved by the Business Manager before purchasing.

**Amazon purchases must be made through the University’s ARIBA system. Amazon purchases will not be reimbursed when items are paid for out of pocket.

Travel and Airfare

Please speak to your supervisor about your travel plans before making reservations. The university has strict policies and procedures regarding travel, purchasing airline tickets, and renting vehicles. Please review the BU Travel policy website at www.bu.edu/travel before traveling.

Travel Advances

The University does not allow travel advances except on a limited exception basis. University travel cards are to be requested via the Department Business Manager. These cards are usually for full time faculty and staff only. Students should ask their PI for more information regarding travel.

Travel Reimbursement

All travel reimbursements should be submitted within 10 days after the trip is completed via this form. Any questions should be directed to the Senior Financial Analyst.

**The use of a personal car can only be reimbursed for the mileage at the University mileage reimbursement rate. Receipts for gasoline purchase are accepted for car rentals or a University vehicle, but not for personal car use

Travel Services Helpful Link – www.bu.edu/travel

Top of Section
Table of Contents

7. University Policies & Procedures

7.1 Boston University and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Policies
7.2 Compliance
7.3 COVID-19 Guidance
7.4 Research Ownership
7.5 Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Policies
7.6 Parental Leave
7.7 Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Guidelines
7.8 University Calendar

7.1 BU and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) Policies

All Biology students are expected to follow the policies outlined by Boston University and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, including the policies and procedures concerning academic conduct, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination, and student work. Full information on the policies, grievance procedures, and more can be found below:

• Boston University Policies (Bulletin): https://www.bu.edu/academics/policies/
• GRS Policies (Bulletin): https://www.bu.edu/academics/grs/policies/
• GRS Ph.D. Fellowship Aid: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/fellowship-aid/

PhD Program Profile: https://www.bu.edu/grad/why-bu/phd-program-profiles/

Top of Section
Table of Contents

7.3 Compliance

Each student, admitted to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, is responsible for becoming familiar with the policies of the University, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and with the more specific requirements stated in the individual section on each department, division, or program which may go beyond, or supplement, the University and Graduate School standards.

If necessary, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences staff is available to interpret or clarify any rule or regulation.

Boston University does not permit a student to enroll simultaneously in more than one graduate program either within Boston University or at another institution, unless those programs have been previously approved by the Trustees of Boston University as a combined degree program.

In order to register students must maintain compliance in the following areas:

• Boston University requires all students studying on Massachusetts campuses to provide a BUAlert phone number.
• Boston University requires all students to settle their financial obligation each semester.
• Massachusetts law requires that all full-time and many part-time students be immunized against a number of diseases in order to attend a university in the Commonwealth.
• Boston University requires all students complete the Sexual Misconduct Prevention training.
• The Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Law requires that all out-of-state students sign an acknowledgment that they have been informed of the (Compliance required in the Fall semester only)

Check the MyBU Student Portal to ensure you have met these requirements. Students not in compliance will be unable to register for future semesters.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

7.4 COVID-19 Guidance

Updated information about the University’s COVID-19 policies can be found here.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

7.5 Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Policies

Students may take up to two terms of leave of absence. Leaves beyond two terms maybe granted in cases of substantiated illness, one-term maternity or paternity leave, or military service. If a student wishes to take more than two terms of leave of absence, approval from the MCBB Director and the Associate Dean of GRS is required.

Students may also withdrawal from the University. A request for withdrawal is effected the day it is received by GRS.

Students interested in a leave of absence or withdrawal should reach out to a Graduate Program Specialist.

The full GRS policy for Leave of Absence and Withdrawal can be found here.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

7.6 Parental Leave

Per Article 24.2 of the BUGWU Contract, full-time stipended Graduate Workers are eligible for fourteen (14) weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. Both birthing and non-birthing parents are eligible for parental leave. Graduate Workers must take parental leave within twelve (12) calendar months of the birth or adoption. The Graduate Worker shall remain registered as a full-time or certified full-time student during the leave period.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

7.7 Research Ownership

All M.S. and Ph.D. students should be aware that Boston University serves as the guardian of research conducted at Boston University, including research supported by all Government agencies and most private foundations. This has several implications.

• Patents that arise from research conducted at Boston University are the property of Boston University, as outlined in the Faculty
• Students are required to leave all original data and notebooks at Boston University upon completion of their Students may take copies of their original research data and notes.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

7.8 Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Guidelines

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. Sex-based discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion. The law covers sex-based discrimination against students, faculty, and staff. The BU Policy can be found online by visiting https://www.bu.edu/policies/sexual-misconduct-title-ix-hr/

Persons seeking to file a complaint should contact:

• Danielle Cane, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) |
  dkane@bu.edu| 617-353-2401Dean of Students Office | 617-353-4126
• Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (“SARP”) | 617-353-7277 | https://wbu.edu/eoo/sexual-misconduct-title-ix/
• Boston University Police Department | 617-353-2121

The Department of Biology expects that the learning and work environment will be free from all forms of sexual misconduct which includes sexual harassment, sex/gender discrimination, sexual assault, rape, stalking, and relationship violence. Such behavior is unacceptable, and serves as a barrier to the educational, scholarly, and research goals of the University.

• “Affiliates” as defined by Boston University includes faculty, graduate and professional students, postdoctoral fellows and associates, teaching assistants, graders and University staff and volunteers who supervise Affiliates should not instruct, evaluate, supervise (directly or indirectly) a student’s academic work or participation in University programs, housing, activities, or employment for any student with whom the affiliate has had a romantic or sexual relationship in the past or entering into a romantic or sexual relationship with any student over whom the affiliate reasonably expects to exercise supervisory authority in the future.
• All affiliates who are not students (enrolled in any and all education training programs of the University) should avoid entering into romantic or sexual relationships with undergraduate students, regardless of whether or not they exercise supervision over a particular student.
• Professors should avoid dating members of their laboratory (i.e., graduate students, technicians, or postdoctoral fellows). If such a relationship exists, the member of the lab should consider and/or be advised to change If the student remains in the lab, the professor must excuse him or herself as an official member of all evaluating committees (e.g., qualifying and defense committees) for the student, and can only serve as an ad hoc non- voting member of the committees. Remember that although both parties may initially consent to this relationship, it is only the professor, by virtue of their special responsibility, who is held accountable for unprofessional behavior.
• A professor dating a graduate student from another laboratory must excuse him or herself from all evaluating committees (e.g., qualifying and defense committees) for the student.
• Do not touch a student, technician, or postdoctoral fellow except with the universally accepted Hugs, kisses, high-fives, or slaps on different regions of the body may be acceptable in American culture, but may be interpreted in unintended ways by students of other cultures.
• When meeting alone with a student, keep your door open if possible.
• Do not invite a student to your home when you and the student would be Try to include more than one member of the class or lab in all social occasions.
• Inappropriate sexual comments and humor and jokes about sex or gender-specific traits in classrooms, laboratory sessions, or discussion sessions are not acceptable. Inappropriate messages may be subtle and even unintentional, but nevertheless these comments compromise the learning experience of the student.
• When hanging material on doors or walls, be sensitive to other people’s feelings.

Boston University recognizes that sexual assault, harassment, discrimination and other forms of sexual misconduct can have a profound impact on a person’s personal, academic, and work life. The University encourages anyone coping with such a situation to seek help and support. Students who are uncertain of their options or simply need help should call the Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (“SARP”) at (617) 353-7277.

Any University employee, including student employees whose duties include supervision or teaching of other students (e.g. Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, etc.), who receives a complaint or otherwise learns about a possible incident of sexual misconduct involving a member of the Boston University community as complainant or alleged perpetrator must complete a Sexual Misconduct Report Form with the University’s Title IX Coordinator.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

7.9 University Calendar

Each year the Office of the University Registrar publishes the Official Academic Calendar which includes the final exam period, holidays, and the last day of the semester. The calendar can be found here.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

8. Health Resources

8.1 Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders (CARD)
8.2 The Danielsen Institute
8.3 Dental Care
8.4 Fitness & Recreation Center
8.5 Mental Health Care Information & Resources
8.6 Student Health Services

8.1 The Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders

648 Beacon Street, 6th Floor | 617-353-9610

The Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD) is an internationally known clinical and research center dedicated to advancing knowledge and providing care for anxiety, mood, eating, sleep, and related disorders. At CARD, expert clinical care is provided and, at the same time, research is ongoing to expand the range and style of successful treatment options for patients in need. Individuals seeking care at CARD will have the direct benefits of clinical care that is informed by previous research, and likewise will have opportunities to participate in ongoing research designed to further advance what is known about the nature and treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Fees are based on a sliding scale, and some treatment associated with research studies may be free of charge.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

8.2 The Danielsen Institute 

185 Bay State Road | 617-353-3047

The Danielsen Institute offers a variety of psychological services, including individual, group, family, and couples therapy, as well as psychological testing and assessment for adults, adolescents, and children. Many insurance plans, including Boston University’s Aetna Student Health Plan, can be used to cover a portion of applicable fees, and a sliding fee scale is also available.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

8.3 Dental Care

All graduate students can purchase dental insurance for themselves and dependents through Aetna. This plan is not administered by BU Student Health Services and must be purchased directly through Aetna at aetnastudenthealth.com/bu. In addition, BU will now subsidize the annual cost by $100 for PhD students.

The Aetna Dental PPO plan covers dental services for both in-network and out-of-network providers. The cost for the 2025-2026 plan year is $452 and coverage lasts from 8/15 to 8/14. For questions about the Aetna Dental PPO plan, please contact Aetna customer service.

More information can be found here.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

8.4 Fitness & Recreation Center

915 Commonwealth Avenue | 617-353-2748 | fitrec@bu.edu

All full-time graduate students receive free membership to the FitRec. The Fitness & Recreation Center offers a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including an 18,000-square-foot weight and cardio room, two swimming pools, racquetball and squash courts, two multi-use gymnasiums, an elevated jogging track, a 35’ climbing wall, a Pro Shop, and the Healthy Blends Café. Physical Education, Recreation & Dance offers for-credit and non-credit classes in everything from fitness to climbing to martial arts. The department also coordinates all intramural and club sports programs.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

8.5 Mental Health Care Information and Resources

The Department of Biology is committed to the well-being of our graduate students. All full-time graduate students, on- or off-campus, have access to mental health services provided by Behavioral Medicine through Student Health Services. However, if students are conducting work out- of-state, including research conducted internationally, and require mental health care, they need to take a few additional steps to obtain this important health care service. Generally, students should reach out Students Health Services (https://www.bu.edu/shs/) for assistance in identifying out-of-state mental health providers. You will need to specify whether your out-of-state work is domestic or international.

Domestic U.S. resources –

If graduate students are conducting academic work out-of-state (domestic U.S.) the following links with additional information may be useful:

This document summarizes some national resources that are available (not necessarily to BU students, but more in general). Additionally, students can utilize the provider tool on the AETNA website identifies providers in your local area that accepts Boston University insurance.

International resources –

There is a Massachusetts state law limiting therapy while performing academic work outside of the U.S. Therefore, the above resources do not apply to those students who wish to receive new medical service or continue treatment from their regular therapist. There are two options, however, for graduate students conducting work out of the country:

1. GeoBlue: This service is available to BU students while doing academic work internationally. Students enrolled in BU Study Abroad programs (mostly undergraduate students) get this benefit at no cost, but all other students need to pay for the plan. For reference, enrollment information is included below (and a copy of the plan, attached). The current cost in 2022 is $2.85/day. Here are the steps to enroll in GeoBlue:
   • Go to geobluestudents.com
   • Scroll down to box to enter the self-enrollment code: KZG-38057
   • Follow instructions to pay by credit card
   • Refer to the GeoBlue Student Member Guide for instructions on how to submit a claim
2. An alternative option is to check the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) documentation, which allows student to submit claims for medical services The SHIP states that out-of- country claims should be submitted with medical service and payment information. It is important to note that services are considered at the in-network level of benefits. Students can submit for reimbursement through AETNA if they can secure a mental health provider out of the country.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

8.6 Student Health Services

881 Commonwealth Avenue | 617-353-3575

Center that meets student health care needs while at Boston University. Includes Primary Care, Sports Medicine, and Behavioral Medicine service by appointment or on an emergency basis, and Crisis Intervention Counselors. Department of Wellness & Prevention Services, which includes Alcohol and Other Drug evaluation and education, as well as general health education. The Athletic Training Services Department at Boston University is a part of the SHS family. SHS is here to help address immediate and ongoing health care needs.

You may use Student Health Services if you meet one of the following criteria:

1. A full-time BU student, regardless of your insurance
2. A student who participates in at least 9 credit
3. Any student with the Student Health Insurance
4. A summer student or a participant in one of the high school summer

Child Health Insurance Subsidy: The University has also added coverage of the cost of adding dependents aged 0-6 for PhD students within specific income thresholds. More information about enrolling in the new child health care subsidy can be found here.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9. Student Life & University Resources

9.1 BU BUS
9.2 BU Connects
9.3 BU Police Department
9.4 The Center for Gender, Sexuality and Activism
9.5 Center for Career Development (CCD)
9.6 Chaplains
9.7 Dean of Students
9.8 Disability Services
9.9 Educational Resource Center
9.10 Environmental Health & Safety
9.11 Graduate Student Groups
9.12 Housing
9.13 The Howard Thurman Center
9.14 The Newbury Center
9. 15 Information Services & Technology
9.16 International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)
9.17 Judicial Affairs
9.18 Libraries
9.19 LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center
9.20 Office of Family Resources
9.21 Office of the University Ombuds
9.21 Parking & Transportation Services
9.22 Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA)
9.23 Student Employment Office
9.24 Student Financial Services
9.25 University Service Center
9.26 Additional Career Resources

9.1 BU BUS

The Boston University Shuttle (the BUS), is an inter-campus shuttle service with 11 stops between the Charles River Campus and the BU Medical Campus. BU ID is needed to board. During the academic year, the BUS operates every 15 minutes (7AM – 10AM & 4PM – 7PM) Mondays – Thursdays, and every 20 minutes on Fridays. The BUS provides 30-minute off-peak service from 7AM until 11PM. During the summer, the BUS runs every 30 minutes between 7AM and 11PM. More information about the BUS service is available online. Evening & Weekend Shuttle provides service 7 days a week during the evening and early morning hours. The shuttle, which runs until 2:00AM Sunday-Wednesday and 4:00AM Thursday-Saturday, is intended to provide the Boston University community with convenient transportation exclusively throughout the Charles River Campus.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.2 BU Connects

BU Connects is a networking platform that connects students with alumni for mentorship and career advice. It helps students build professional relationships and explore career opportunities.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.3 Boston University Police Department

32 Harry Agganis Way | 617-353-2121

Anonymous Tip Line: Text the BUPD at tip411 (847411) and type BU <space> your message The Boston University Police Department is a full-time, professional law enforcement agency that also provides a wide variety of public services, including emergency medical response, Rape Aggression Defense classes, and laptop and bicycle registration. Through the community policing program, officers are assigned to various areas of campus to work closely with the community in addressing crime and crime prevention, as well as social issues, which directly affect the quality of life at Boston University.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.4 The Center for Gender, Sexuality and Activism

775 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level | 617-358-5575 | cgsa@bu.edu

The Center for Gender, Sexuality and Activism (CGSA) strives to be a safe space for people of all genders and sexualities. Using a social justice framework, the CGSA aims to end gender oppression and violence, and advocates for the full equality and inclusion of women, queer and trans students. This dynamic community fosters challenging and open discourse, promotes student activism, and provides resources and education for the Boston University Community.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.5 Center for Career Development

100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor | 617-353-3590 | future@bu.edu

The Center for Career Development can assist students in choosing a major, finding an internship, or preparing for their post-college job search. Services include workshops, job and internship fairs, résumé review, mock interviews, and career assessment tools.

Top of Section                 Table of Contents

9.6 Chaplains

735 Commonwealth Avenue | 617-353-3560 | chapel@bu.edu

A variety of chaplains are available to all students, regardless of religious affiliation. Appointments can be scheduled, or students can visit the chapel office on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.7 Dean of Students

775 Commonwealth Avenue, 3rd Floor | 617-353-4126 | dos@bu.edu

The mission of the Dean of Students office and the Division of Student Affairs is to enhance the quality, character, and perspectives of our students. Through its many orientation, mentoring, and counseling programs, the division promotes an environment that encourages intellectual exchange and individual expression. The dean of students has an open-door policy and is available to all students by appointment.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.8 Disability Services

19 Deerfield Street, 2nd Floor | 617-353-3658 | access@bu.edu

Disability Services provides services and support to ensure that students with disabilities are able to access and participate in the opportunities available at Boston University. Disability Services also employs students as note-takers, readers, and in other positions assisting disabled students.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.9 Educational Resource Center

100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor | 617-353-7077 | Contact

The Educational Resource Center provides academic support programs to the University community, including peer tutoring, the Writing Center, Language Link conversation groups, and various workshops. These services are available free of charge.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.10 Environmental Health & Safety

704 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor | 617-353-4094 | oehs@bu.edu

Environmental Health & Safety provides a full range of environmental, health, and safety services to the University community. These services include, but are not limited to, fire and life safety programs and support of the University’s recycling program.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.11 Graduate Student Groups

Biology Graduate Student Association (BGSA): An organization comprised of graduate students within the Department of Biology and MCBB programs dedicated to increasing the level of academic, scientific, and professional integration between the four program areas in the Department of Biology through academic and recreational activities. These four program areas are: Cell and Molecular Biology (CM/MCBB), Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution (EBE), Marine Biology (BUMP), Neurobiology (NEURO). bgsa@bu.edu

Graduate Student Organization (GSO): The GSO is the official representative body of the graduate students in the Arts and Sciences at Boston University. http://www.bu.edu/gso/

Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE): A community to support and promote women in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Through professional development seminars and workshops, social events, mentoring, and outreach, GWISE fosters interaction across disciplines at Boston University and connects graduate students to post- docs, faculty, and broader networks in Boston and beyond. GWISE is open to men and women. Groups within GWISE consist of accountability groups for thesis writing, book club, coffee groups, intramural sports, mothers’ group, yoga and WISE guys, a program to increase the participation and engagement of men in GWISE. http://www.bu.edu/gwise/

Minority and International Scientists Organization (MISO): The mission of the Minority and International Scientists Organization is to provide a supportive and enriched environment to the diverse population of Boston University scientists via various social and academic events.

oSTEM: Queer and LGBTQIAPP+ folks are an underrepresented population in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. oSTEM is a national student society, dedicated to increasing the participation of queer people in disciplines related to these STEM fields and lines of work. We aim to provide social, networking, educational, and career-building opportunities for queer students, staff, faculty, and allies in the sciences.

Underrepresented Graduate Student Organization (UGSO): The UGSO is the only university-wide group for underrepresented minority students, and is open to all students that identify underrepresented in higher education

Find more information about Graduate Student Groups at https://www.bu.edu/grad/

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.12 Housing

Boston University offers limited housing for graduate students. Students must be enrolled as full-time, degree seeking graduate students for the fall semester to be eligible.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.13 The Howard Thurman Center

808 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level | 617-353-4745 | thurman@bu.edu

The Howard Thurman Center is Boston University’s center for cultural learning and collaboration. Through a variety of workshops, programs, and celebrations, the Howard Thurman Center aims to build community by eliminating barriers of divisiveness that separate individuals, groups, races, cultures, religions, and ethnicities.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.14 Information Services & Technology

179 Amory Street | 617-353-4357 | ithelp@bu.edu

Information Services & Technology (IS&T) provides technical support and resources for students, including assistance with BU’s online systems, software, and hardware issues. It ensures students can effectively use technology in their studies.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.15 The Newbury Center

755 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite B18 | 617-353-3400 | newburycenter@bu.edu

The Newbury Center is Boston University’s center for first-generation students with the goal of fostering the holistic success of first-generation students at Boston University. The Center supports students navigating the financial aid system, connects students to on-campus resources, and fosters a sense of belonging through mentorship programs.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.16 International Students and Scholars Office

888 Commonwealth Avenue | 617-353-3565 | isso@bu.edu

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is a resource for professional expertise on immigration and employment, and help ensure student, scholar, and institutional compliance with federal regulations. ISSO staff are available to guide students and scholars through the often complicated requirements for foreign nationals studying and working in the United States.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.17 Judicial Affairs

25 Buick Street, Suite 150 | 617-358-0700 | judws@bu.edu

The Judicial Affairs office and student safety programs serve as the primary administrators of the Code of Student Responsibilities and also provide information and resources to the University community regarding personal safety on and off campus.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.18 Libraries

771 Commonwealth Avenue | 617-353-2700 | ask@bu.edu

BU’s Libraries house extensive collections of books, journals, and digital resources. It also offers research assistance and study spaces to support academic success.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.19 LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center

808 Commonwealth Avenue, Floor 2M | 617-353-3908 | bupride@bu.edu

The LGBTQIA+ Center provides resources and support for LGBTQIA+ students. The center can help students with legal name changes in Massachusetts and offers a gender-affirming closet and library of things (books, clothing, hygiene, etc.) for students.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.20 Office of Family Resources

985 Commonwealth Avenue | 617-353-5954 | chippie@bu.edu

The Office of Family Resources is committed to helping families manage the challenges of work life and family life and provides many resources and services to support families of the Boston University community.

Resources and services available include:

• Referral service and resource materials for parents seeking childcare
• Information about how to find Boston University students interested in babysitting
• Educational programs co-sponsored with the Faculty/Staff Assistance Office
• School vacation programs for children in Kindergarten through fourth grade during the February and April school vacation weeks
• Recreational summer camp program for children entering Kindergarten through fourth grade during summer school vacation weeks
• Elder care resource materials

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.21 Office of the University Ombuds

19 Deerfield Street, Suite 203 | (617) 358-5960 | ombuds@bu.edu

The Boston University Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource available to all members of the Boston University community. Confidentiality, one of the fundamental principles of the office, is essential to Ombuds practice. The Office provides a safe place to have off-the-record conversations about any kind of problem related to life at BU. Talking to the Ombuds can be a good first step to resolving problems, especially if you are concerned about confidentiality or don’t know where to turn for assistance.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.22 Parking and Transportation Services

1019 Commonwealth Avenue | 617-353-2160 | parking@bu.edu

Boston University Parking & Transportation office provides students, staff, and faculty information on various ways to travel in and around Boston. This office provides information on: Parking permits, parking lots and locations, parking regulations and towing, weather related emergencies, the BU Bus, rideshare, bike safety, zip car, and MBTA (the “T”) passes and transportation. Graduate students covered by the BUGWU Collective Bargaining Agreement can apply for additional MBTA and Bicycling benefits. More information can be found here.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.23 Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA)

Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs offers an expanding professional development curriculum for Boston University doctoral students built around seven Core Capacities, and provides programming, workshops, and trainings in areas of project management, leadership, communication, self-awareness, and career development.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.24 Student Employment Office

881 Commonwealth Avenue | 617-353-3594 | seo@bu.edu

The Student Employment Office (SEO) offers support and resources to students working on campus.  SEO can help students  apply for on-campus jobs, set up direct deposit, entering timesheets and more.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.25 Student Financial Services

881 Commonwealth Avenue, Floor 2 | 617-353-2965 | finaid@bu.edu

Helps students manage their finances by providing information on financial aid, scholarships, and grants. It assists with budgeting and financial planning throughout their studies.

Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.26 The University Service Center (USC)

881 Commonwealth Avenue | 617-358-1818 | usc@bu.edu

The USC is an excellent starting point for anyone unsure of where to turn for help. The staff will point you in the right direction, or—if your concern is complex, multilayered, or involves multiple offices—help you figure out the best way to address the situation.
Top of Section
Table of Contents

9.27 Additional Career Resources

BU Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST)
Twitter @BUs_BEST

Supported by the National Institutes of Health, BU’s BEST facilitates biomedical career development curriculum for PhD and postdoctoral trainees in a way that explores careers both in and outside of standard academic research. BU’s BEST program is open to all biomedical graduate and postdoctoral trainees at Boston University.

Propel Careers
Lauren Celano, Co-founder and CEO

Propel Careers is a Boston based life sciences search and career development firm dedicated to networking, mentoring and career development. Propel focuses on placement into full time, project based, and internship roles in areas including research, clinical, regulatory, commercial, informatics, finance, business, development, legal, and operations. Students can sign up for a free 30-minute session with Lauren through Calendly.

LinkedIn

Connect with Jen Correia on LinkedIn to interact with our alumni community. There are over 120 alumni available for informational interviews and general networking questions.

Other useful links for job-seekers:

www.nature.com/naturejobs

www.higheredjobs.com

sciencecareers.sciencemag.us

www.bu.edu/careers

ecoevojobs.net

Top of Section
Table of Contents