About

Join the IQ Biology PhD Program

IQ 2023 cohort poses together during hike

 

The IQ Biology PhD Certificate is designed for students in life sciences, engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics who are interested in joining a network of interdisciplinary faculty and peers in academia and industry.

IQ Biology is a Graduate PhD Certificate through CU Boulder's BioFrontiers Institute. The certificate is earned in concordance with a CU Boulder degree-granting PhD program with a partner department. Students learn Interdisciplinary Quantitative skills, while also gaining in-depth knowledge of their field with one of our 13 partner departments, home to 16 PhD degree programs.

Through IQ Biology, students learn the essential competencies demonstrated by knowledgeable, and well-rounded researchers who collaborate effectively across disciplines. These competencies are attained in a number of ways, including cross-departmental lab rotations, courses, interdisciplinary projects, outreach activities, and science engagement.

Program Details

Certificate Components

Rotations

IQ Biology students spend their first year in IQ Biology rotating through three different labs in two or more disciplines. Lab rotations not only build practical skills, but they introduce new ideas and help to identify a faculty advisor. Following these rotations, students partake in a collaborative team research project that will expose them to the team science aspect of interdisciplinarity.

In addition to their departmental requirements, IQ Biology students participate in a variety of coursework during the first year to build quantitative skills and address gaps in knowledge. Courses include:

  • Bioinformatics and Genomics or Quantitative Optical Imaging
  • Biologically-Inspired Multi-agent Systems
  • Statistical Collaboration or Statistical and Computational Analysis of the Human Genome
  • Responsible Conduct of Research
  • Gap-Filling Courses

For more information, see our course descriptions

All first year students are required to attend Idea Exchanges which provide an opportunity to work on team projects, talk about research topics and ideas, hold workshops, and learn about new discoveries in quantitative biology

Bootcamp offers an opportunity for students to gain comfort and confidence working with collaborators across disciplines. The short courses and seminars also provide foundational knowledge that will help prepare students for their upcoming coursework.

IQ Biology places a heavy focus on professional development by building a base of experience and a professional network through internships. From research internships in biotech companies or national labs to business internships or curriculum development, IQ Biology offers many ways to customize your experience.

All IQ Biology students are required to participate in at least one pre-approved outreach activity before graduation. There are many wonderful avenues for outreach at CU-Boulder, here are some examples: Integrating STEM Education (iSTEM), Physics Education Technology (PhET), Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory (ITLL)
Other outreach opportunities are available at CU

There are opportunities for students to teach in the IQ Biology core courses if you are interested or your program requires it.

A biennial symposium is organized and hosted by IQ Biology students to showcase the interdisciplinary work stemming from the program and across campus. See the 2019 Symposium Program or the 2017 Symposium Program.

"Specifically designed to support students who have a vision for their research and education and the flexibility to grow beyond the boundaries that define academic disciplines"

 -Tom Cech

 

In partnership with the
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Research Traineeship (NRT)

 

Applicants eligible for fellowship in
Integrated Data Science: Teams for
Advancing Bioscience Discovery

Diversify Your PhD