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Duluth Campus

Integrated Biosciences Ph.D.

Swenson College of Science & Engineering
University of Minnesota Duluth
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Integrated Biosciences Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, 251 Swenson Science Building, 1035 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN 55812 (218-726-6898; fax: 218-726-8152)
Email: ibs@d.umn.edu
Website: https://scse.d.umn.edu/integrated-biosciences
  • Program Type: Doctorate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2023
  • Length of program in credits: 50
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • The Integrated Biosciences Ph.D. is an All-University program delivered on the Twin Cities and Duluth Campuses. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the degree granting authority for the Integrated Biosciences Ph.D. program in Duluth.
  • Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The all-university Integrated Biosciences PhD program offers three areas of emphasis: cell, molecular, and physiological (CMP) biology; chemical biology (CB0; and ecology, organismal, and population (EOP) biology.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
A bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in the biological or physical sciences or a related field.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Recommended undergraduate courses for applicants pursuing the Ph.D. degree include one year each of chemistry, biology, physics, calculus, and advanced chemistry. One semester (minimum) of statistics is also recommended. EOP emphasis: one year of calculus; one semester each of ecology and evolutionary biology; and one course in two of the following subjects – genetics, cell biology, biochemistry are recommended. CMP emphasis: one year of organic chemistry; one genetics course; one cell biology course; and one biochemistry course are recommended. CB emphasis: one year of organic chemistry; one biochemistry course; and one course in cell biology are recommended.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores as part of their application, but may submit GRE scores if they feel that the scores will enhance their application. International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must submit current score(s) from one of the following tests:
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
    • Reading Score: 6.5
    • Writing Score: 6.5
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
26 credits are required in the major.
24 thesis credits are required.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
Use of 4xxx-level courses must be approved by both the advisor and director of graduate studies. In addition to coursework and thesis credits, students must conduct original research, must pass a written and oral preliminary examination and must also write and successfully defend a written thesis. The written thesis and the oral defense will be evaluated by the student's Doctoral Final Examination Committee. A public seminar must be done prior to defense. At least one course applicable to the degree must be taken from the Twin Cities course catalog, selected in consultation with the advisor and director of graduate studies.
Required Coursework (8 credits)
Take the following courses:
IBS 8011 - Integrated Biological Systems I (3.0 cr)
IBS 8013 - Integrated Biological Systems II (3.0 cr)
IBS 8030 - IBS Research Club (1.0 cr)
IBS 8099 - The Biological Practitioner (1.0 cr)
Statistics Requirement (3 credits)
Select one of the following in consultation with the advisor: UMTC course PUBH 6450 may also be used to satisfy this requirement.
BIOL 5809 - Ecological Statistics (3.0 cr)
STAT 4060 - Introduction to Biostatistics (3.0 cr)
STAT 5411 - Analysis of Variance (3.0 cr)
STAT 5511 - Regression Analysis (3.0 cr)
Seminar (2 credits)
Take the following:
IBS 8993 - Integrated Biosciences Graduate Seminar (2.0 cr)
Electives (13 credits)
Select courses from the following in consultation with the advisor. Other courses can be taken with prior approval by the advisor and director of graduate studies. IBS 8993 must be taken as part of the required coursework for the program but can also be used once as an elective option. Choose one elective from the TC course catalog in consultation with the advisor and director of graduate studies.
IBS 8012 - Integrated Evolutionary Processes (2.0 cr)
IBS 8094 - Rotations (1.0 cr)
IBS 8101 - Cellular Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
IBS 8102 - Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (3.0 cr)
IBS 8103 - Comparative Animal Physiology (3.0 cr)
IBS 8201 - Ecological Processes (2.0 cr)
IBS 8202 - Chemical Biology (3.0 cr)
IBS 8203 - Methods in Molecular Biosciences (2.0 cr)
IBS 8993 - Integrated Biosciences Graduate Seminar (2.0 cr)
Thesis (24 credits)
Take 24 doctoral thesis credits.
IBS 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral (1.0-24.0 cr)
 
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IBS 8011 - Integrated Biological Systems I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course introduces the student to integrating principles in biology to develop the type of integrated thinking expected in their thesis. Integrating principles to be covered include evolution, energy flow, information, stoichiometry, and feedbacks. This course will be delivered largely in lecture format. It will prepare the student for IBS 8013, an extension of this course in spring semester. In IBS 8013, the class will involve applications of these principles to problems and themes that cut across biological sciences and the applications of these principles to their thesis problem. prereq: open to first year IBS Graduate Students only, calculus
IBS 8013 - Integrated Biological Systems II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course follows IBS 8011. In IBS 8011, the students were introduced to five principles of integrative thinking in biology (evolution, energy, information, stoichiometry, feedbacks) that apply to all levels of biological organization. IBS 8013 will apply all five principles to various themes and problems in biology which cut across all levels of biological organization. Such themes include but are not limited to metabolism, disease, and movement of materials across membranes and boundaries. The course will emphasize readings and discussion of the primary literature, student led discussions, student presentations of how the integrating principles apply to their thesis research, and the preparation of a paper demonstrating this application. The papers will be handled in a mock peer-review as if they were submitted to one of the Trends journals (Trends in Ecology and Evolution, Trends in Biochemistry, etc.). prereq: 8011, calculus
IBS 8030 - IBS Research Club
Credits: 1.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Readings and discussion of current literature integrating the areas of Cell, Molecular and Physiological Biology with Ecology, Organismal, and Population Biology. Current literature emphasizing the application of novel techniques to biological problems at several levels of organization will be presented. Students will lead a discussion on at least one paper. Required for IBS students both semesters of their first two years. prereq: IBS Graduate Student
IBS 8099 - The Biological Practitioner
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
A course designed to introduce the incoming graduate student in biological sciences to professional practice, standards and ethics, including peer review, proposal writing, ethical problems, the purpose of a university, and other problems. Required for all IBS students. prereq: IBS Graduate Student
BIOL 5809 - Ecological Statistics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Directed toward graduate students with previous introductory statistical experience, this class covers common statistical methods used in ecology. The class includes classroom and computer lab components (using the R statistical computing environment) and provides students with the practical experience necessary to make decisions regarding the treatment and analysis of data, interpretation of statistical analyses and the presentation of study results. This course has one 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour laboratory per week. pre-req: IBS or WRS grad student or instructor consent
STAT 4060 - Introduction to Biostatistics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to statistical methods applicable to biological and biomedical data. Analysis of bioassay, case-control, and disease/expose data. Introduction to statistics in clinical trials. Use of regression and logistic regression in analyzing biological/biomedical data. Categorical data analysis with application to the life sciences. Basic survival analysis. prereq: Math 1290 or 1296 or 1596 and STAT 2411 or 3411 or 3611 with grade of C- or better or consent of instructor.
STAT 5411 - Analysis of Variance
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Analysis of variance techniques as applied to scientific experiments and studies. Randomized block designs, factorial designs, nesting. Checking model assumptions. Using statistical computer software. prereq: 3411 or 3611; a grade of C- or better is required in all prerequisite courses
STAT 5511 - Regression Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Simple, polynomial, and multiple regression. Matrix formulation of estimation, testing, and prediction in linear regression model. Analysis of residuals, model selection, transformations, and use of computer software. prereq: 3611, Math 3280 or Math 4326, a grade of C- or better in is required in all prerequisite courses
IBS 8993 - Integrated Biosciences Graduate Seminar
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
The IBS Seminar course will emphasize topics that cross multiple disciplines in both Ecology, Organismal and Population (EOP), Cell, Molecular and Physiology (CMP) emphases, and Chemical Biology (CB). Example of topics include the following: human health implications of ecological change; cell and molecular techniques in ecology; impact of infectious disease on populations; community ecology, and host defense against disease. prereq: 8012, 8103
IBS 8012 - Integrated Evolutionary Processes
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
In-depth study of advanced topics in evolutionary biology, such as coevolution, evolution of disease organisms, ecosystem consequences of evolution, evolutionary stable strategies, and game theory. prereq: IBS Grad student
IBS 8094 - Rotations
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Rotations through laboratories of faculty members of the Integrated Biosciences Program. During the rotations students will be exposed to molecular, cellular, physiological, and ecological problems and techniques. prereq: IBS Graduate Student
IBS 8101 - Cellular Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will introduce students to the physical and molecular basis of cellular function. Students will learn the physical characteristics of macromolecular structures comprising a cell, including polysaccharide, lipid, protein and mucleic acid structure. Students will also learn where these macromolecules occur in the cell, how they are regulated and how they facilitate the cells interaction/communication with its environment, with a focus on small molecule/drug distribution. prereq: Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or Molecular Biology, Calculus or instructor consent.
IBS 8102 - Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Comprehensive review of contemporary topics in modern molecular biology. This will include systemic examples from cell and developmental systems. Required for CMP emphasis. prereq: 5101, Chem 4342 or equivalent, IBS grad student
IBS 8103 - Comparative Animal Physiology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
In depth review of selected topics in animal physiology. Lecture presentation of fundamental concepts of cardiovascular, neural, respiratory, renal, and endocrine physiology. In-depth discussion and student presentation of selected topics with particular emphasis on current advances. prereq: One year of college biology, two years of college chemistry; 8011, IBS Grad student
IBS 8201 - Ecological Processes
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
In depth survey of advanced topics in ecological processes, including allometry and scaling, animal behavior, food webs, and energy and material flows through organisms and ecosystems. Required for EOP Track. prereq: 8011, IBS Grad student
IBS 8202 - Chemical Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course will introduce students to the common chemical underpinnings of biochemical and biological processes. Students will learn the chemical fundamentals of biological transformations including the synthesis of lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleotides as well as natural products. In addition, students will gain insight into the roles of metals in biology, medicine, bio-inorganic transformations, as well as energy - and electron-transfer processes associated with living organisms. prereq: Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry or Cellular Biochemistry, Cell Biology or Molecular Biology, Calculus or instructor consent.
IBS 8203 - Methods in Molecular Biosciences
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course will focus on the fundamental and technical background of methods used in chemical biology toward quantitative assay/interpretation of biological structures/events/ Importantly, case studies will be chosen from current literature to highlight applications of a given technique to address biological questions. For each major technique expected experimental information and subsequent interpretation will be discussed. prereq: Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry or Cellular Biochemistry, Cell Biology or Molecular Biology.
IBS 8993 - Integrated Biosciences Graduate Seminar
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
The IBS Seminar course will emphasize topics that cross multiple disciplines in both Ecology, Organismal and Population (EOP), Cell, Molecular and Physiology (CMP) emphases, and Chemical Biology (CB). Example of topics include the following: human health implications of ecological change; cell and molecular techniques in ecology; impact of infectious disease on populations; community ecology, and host defense against disease. prereq: 8012, 8103
IBS 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
Credits: 1.0 -24.0 [max 100.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
(no description) prereq: Maximum 18 credits per semester or summer; 24 credits required