PhD in Integrative Biology

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) stands as a vibrant and respected public research institution located in Boca Raton, Florida. FAU has grown into a prominent hub for higher education and innovation. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse disciplines including arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health, FAU provides students with comprehensive educational opportunities in a dynamic and multicultural environment. FAU's commitment to research excellence is evident through its various research centers and initiatives, contributing to advancements in fields such as oceanography, biotechnology, and environmental studies. The university's coastal location provides a unique backdrop for research and academic exploration. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and a student-centered approach, FAU fosters a supportive learning environment through personalized advising, hands-on experiences, and partnerships with local industries. As a driving force of innovation in South Florida, FAU prepares graduates to excel in their careers and contribute positively to their communities and the global landscape.

Integrative Biology is a multidisciplinary doctoral program of the Department of Biological Sciences of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science with the participation of other departments and colleges at Florida Atlantic University including the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute among other FAU entities. FAU's Partner Institutions—the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute of Florida—also contribute expertise to this program. The program admitted its first students in Fall 2003. Achieving an understanding of biological phenomena through scientific inquiry is becoming increasingly cross-disciplinary. Integrative biology refers to interdisciplinary, multilevel approaches to education and research in the biological sciences. The program takes advantage of current faculty strengths in biological sub-disciplines such as environmental science, organismal biology, marine science, neuroscience and cellular biology to provide academic leadership and mentor graduate students. The Integrative Biology program focuses on the relationship between cell/molecular functions and experimental biology in the broad sense, with a view to connectivity between levels of biological organization and biological processes. The Integrative Biology program core courses and research elements will emphasize this theme. The curriculum is individually tailored to each student's research interests and built around a set of core courses that emphasize 1) the theme of integrative biology, 2) scientific communication, 3) statistics, 4) elective courses chosen by the student and an advisory committee, 5) seminar courses and 6) dissertation research.

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) stands as a prominent public research institution. FAU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a diverse range of academic programs, including arts, sciences, engineering, business, health sciences, and more. With a commitment to innovation and cutting-edge research, FAU provides students with opportunities to engage in impactful scholarly pursuits. At FAU, a student-centered approach is evident through personalized learning experiences and small class sizes, fostering meaningful interactions between students and faculty. The university's emphasis on experiential learning, internships, and industry partnerships prepares graduates to enter the workforce with practical skills and real-world insights. As a hub of creativity and discovery, FAU encourages students to participate in research projects across various disciplines, contributing to advancements in knowledge and addressing real-world challenges. The university's vibrant campus life, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to diversity and inclusion create a dynamic environment that equips students to excel academically and personally, while making a positive impact on their communities and beyond.