How Does BBS Work?

BBS is intended to enable you to explore your interests before committing to a Ph.D. program or thesis adviser. To accomplish this aim, you will apply to and spend your first year within one of nine scientific homes called Tracks:

Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology
The Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BQBS) Track provides students with experimental, theoretical, and computational research training across a broad range of scales, from molecules to cells to whole organisms.
Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics
Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics is a field where biological and biomedical problems are addressed using diverse data sources with novel computational, statistical, and theoretical approaches.
Human Genome Sciences
The overall goal of the Human Genome Sciences (HGS) track is to train the next generation of scientists in the areas of human genomics, genetics, and bioinformatics.
Immunology
The Immunology Track is designed to prepare students for independent careers in research and teaching in immunology or related disciplines.
Microbiology
The Program in Microbiology is a multidepartmental, interdisciplinary Ph.D. program of training and research in the study of microorganisms and their effects on their hosts.
Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development
The mission of the Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Development Track is to educate and train students to make paradigm-shifting discoveries in a diverse range of disciplines, including molecular biology, cell biology, genomics and quantitative biology, stem cells and developmental biology, cancer biology and human disease modeling.
Neuroscience
The Neuroscience Track seeks to produce neuroscientists with both specialized knowledge and a broad-based understanding of the discipline.
Plant Molecular Biology
The Plant Molecular Biology (PMB) Track offers a unique interdisciplinary opportunity for graduate students with specialized interests in the plant sciences to engage in research and scholarship in the context of a broad education in all modern areas of biology.
Translational Molecular Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physiology
The Translational Molecular Medicine, Pharmacology and Physiology Track offers the opportunity for students to use the tools of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, physiology, structural biology, systems biology, and genetics to investigate the mechanisms of disease and pathogenesis.

Track-based first year training

Year 1

From within your Track you will take three to four courses per semester and conduct two to four lab rotations over the course of the year. Each Track has its own course requirements and course recommendations, though you may take elective courses from anywhere in BBS. Although each Track also has its own list of participating faculty, with the guidance of the Track Director you may rotate in any BBS labs. In the spring of your first year you will select a thesis adviser.

Year 2

At the start of the year you will leave your BBS Track and formally join one of the Ph.D.-granting programs below that best aligns with your thesis lab and research project:

Cell Biology
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics
Genetics
Immunobiology
Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
Microbiology
Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Pathology and Molecular Medicine
Pharmacology
Translational Biomedicine

You will complete the course requirements of your Ph.D. program, take a qualifying exam, and begin thesis research. You may also serve as a teaching assistant in a lecture or lab course.

Year 3 and Beyond

You will focus primarily on thesis research, including presenting your work at scientific conferences and publishing your results. You may also serve as a teaching assistant. Upon graduating you will receive a Ph.D. from the program you joined in Year 2. The median time-to-degree is 5.7 years. Yale awards diplomas only two times per year (May and December), and you may complete your training up to 8 months prior to receipt of your diploma.