course work exemption for phd

PhD Coursework : Latest UGC Guidelines , Syllabus

• by Tanu Bhatnagar
• Published: May 12, 2023, 09:50 IST
• Updated: May 11, 2023, 23:37 IST
• Tanu Bhatnagar
• May 12, 2023

PhD Coursework gives students a thorough grasp of their subject topic and the ability to perform independent research. The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has published new PhD coursework guidelines and syllabus to improve quality and relevance.

The latest UGC guidelines compel institutions to emphasise interdisciplinary and skill-based courses over subject-specific ones. Besides subject-specific courses, the new syllabus emphasises research techniques, ethics, and critical thinking. The guidelines require colleges to allow students to conduct research and speak at national and international conferences.

These new guidelines and syllabus are designed to enhance PhD coursework in India and develop better researchers with the ability to succeed. This article will examine the latest UGC guidelines and syllabus for PhD coursework and how they are projected to affect Indian research.

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Is it mandatory for PhD Scholars to complete coursework?

Absolutely, in accordance latest UGC Guidelines After being admitted into the PhD programmes each student must take a minimum of one semester (six months) of pre-PhD courses. Coursework is a crucial component of any doctorate programme since it lays the groundwork for both the Literature Review and the subject selection processes.

The coursework requirements guarantee that students understand their subject area in depth and breadth. The coursework helps students create a research and dissertation topic. Doctoral candidates might narrow their dissertation interests by completing courses that deepen their knowledge of a field.. The level of specialisation they take in their approach will determine the coursework that they enrol in.

A course on research technique, which may include experimental procedures, quantitative and statistical methods, and computer applications, is required to be taken as part of the course work that will be counted as pre-PhD preparation and will be required to be taken.

Ph. D CourseWork: Latest UGC Guidelines

• According to UGC Regulations 2016: Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD. Degree, a research scholar admitted to the PhD programme is required to complete coursework for a minimum of one semester.
• During the first one or two semesters, all candidates accepted to the PhD programme must complete the coursework specified by the Department. In the event of maternity, female applicants may be granted a relaxation of two terms or semesters.
• However, if the student is unable to complete the coursework within the prescribed time limit due to valid reasons, the student may file an appeal and the Vice-Chancellor (VC) may grant an extension of up to one semester based on the recommendation of the Appeals Committee (RAC).
• Failure to complete coursework within the extended time frame may result in revocation of admission.
• The Department may exempt candidates from the PhD coursework who already possess an M. Phil degree and have been admitted to the PhD programme, or who have already completed the M.Phil coursework and have been permitted to proceed to the PhD in an integrated course. All other candidates admitted to the PhD programme must complete the PhD coursework stipulated by the Department.
• Seventy-five per cent (75%) attendance is required in coursework classes.
• The coursework should be evaluated using both continuous assessment and a culminating exam.
• The minimum passing grade for each exam is 55 per cent.
• The objective of the UGC guidelines for PhD coursework is to ensure that doctoral candidates have a solid foundation in research methodology and are endowed with the skills necessary to conduct research in their chosen area of specialisation.

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Ph. D CourseWork: Syllabus of General Subjects

PAPER – I RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Unit I : Scientific Research and Approaches to Study Social Phenomena

This unit focuses on the meaning and nature of science, the characteristics of scientific research, and the types of research methods. It also covers the nature of social phenomena, approaches to study social phenomena and ethics of social research.

Unit II : Problem Formation, Research Topic, and Hypothesis

This unit covers problem formation and selection of research topics, sources for selecting research topics, types of variables and their selection, research objectives and purpose, types of research questions and their characteristics, types of hypothesis, and formulation and testing of hypothesis.

Unit III : Research Design and Planning

This unit covers the meaning and types of research design, the advantages of designing research, stages for outlining a research proposal and planning for a good research project.

Unit IV: Sampling Techniques

This unit covers the purposes and principles of sampling, types of sampling and sample size, qualitative and quantitative approaches, and principles of PRA and FRA techniques.

PAPER – II: COMPUTER APPLICATION

Unit I: Data Collection Techniques

This unit covers methods and techniques of data collection, sources of data collection (primary and secondary), schedule and questionnaire, observation, interview, group discussion and key-informant interview, case study, survey, content analysis and projective techniques.

Unit II: Data Processing and Analysis

This unit covers data processing and distribution, tabulation of data, diagrammatic representation, and statistical manipulation of data including frequency of distribution, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, comparison, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and chi-square test.

Unit III : Basic Computer Studies

This unit provides an overview of computer applications.

Unit IV: Computer Application: SPSS

This unit covers an introduction to SPSS software, data entry and manipulation using SPSS, and data analysis using SPSS.

Finally, the recent UGC guidelines and syllabus for PhD coursework will improve doctoral education in India. The guidelines emphasise multidisciplinary and skill-based courses to provide PhD students with a wide variety of abilities and knowledge for their professions. By requiring research involvement and conference presentations, the guidelines encourage students to do research and share their results, helping India’s research ecosystem thrive.

The current UGC guidelines and syllabus for PhD coursework are a great step towards strengthening doctoral education in India, and their proper implementation may help develop better researchers who are skilled in their domains.

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Meet Tanu Bhatnagar, an educational expert with extensive experience in teaching, research and mentoring.With a decade in... (Full bio)

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UGC guidelines for PhD course work exemption 2024

A Ph.D. involves several years of independent research. It involves passing coursework, defending the Research synopsis, submitting semesters progress reports, writing research reports, and writing and submitting the thesis.

Many universities in India require Ph.D. applicants to clear an entrance examination. After the admission process, the candidates have to complete coursework of duration six to 12 months. The time duration of coursework varies from university to university.

All the candidates admitted to the Ph.D. programme have to complete their Ph.D. Course Work. However, there is also a provision for Ph.D. Course Work exemption. Candidates already holding a Mphill degree or have already completed coursework in the past are exempted from Ph.D. Course Work.

For seeking a Ph.D. coursework exemption, the candidate has to submit proof of passing the Mphill/ Course Work certificate.

8 important Tips for New Ph.D. Students

UGC guidelines for PhD course work exemption

Candidates may be exempted by the Department from the Ph.D. Course work who have:

• already holding M.Phil. degree, or
• those who have already completed the coursework in M.Phil. and have been permitted to proceed to the Ph.D. in an integrated course

The decision to grant the coursework exemption will be taken by the Institute.

More PhD-related posts to read:

Job opportunities after Ph.D.

UGC guidelines for the award of Ph.D.

https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/4405511_Draft-UGC-PhD-regulations-2022.pdf

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COURSE WORK

• a) Course work is mandatory for all the students admitted in Ph.D. Programme.
• b) The course work will have a minimum of 14 credits.
• c) All candidates admitted to the Ph.D. programme will be required to complete the course work prescribed by the university during the initial one or two semesters.
• Course I: Research and Publication Ethics
• Course II: Research Methodology
• Course III: Academic Writing and Presentation Skills
• Course IV: Research Seminar
• e) Minimum 75% Aggregate attendance is mandatory in the course work.
• f) The evaluation parameters will be similar to that of regular programmes of the university.
• g) The minimum passing marks required in course work of Ph.D. programme is 55% aggregate in the individual courses with at-least 40% in final end term examination (Applicable in Course I, Course II and Course IV)
• h) Exemption in course work will be applicable only if scholar has done M.Phil. with 55% or equivalent grade ‘B’ in the UGC 7-point scale through regular mode from LPU or any other recognized university.
• i) Selected scholars will have option to pursue course work in one of the following modes:
• h) The coursework tentative schedule for non-agriculture programmes is available below:

For Full-Time Ph.D. Scholars

Course Work options for Ph.D. Scholars

• 1. The coursework options listed under preference exercised by the scholar will only be offered subject to fulfilment of minimum number of scholars opting for that given option. If an option lacks sufficient interest, it may not be offered, and scholars must choose from the available alternatives.
• 2. For option II classes are to be conducted Thursday to Sunday of every third week of all 4 months.
• 3. Induction programme will be conducted before the start of every coursework option.

Exemption in course work will be applicable only if scholar has done M.Phil. (regular mode) with 55% or equivalent grade ‘B’ in the UGC 7-point scale through regular mode from LPU or any other recognized university.

• a) Course work is mandatory for all the scholars admitted in Ph.D. Programme.
• b) The course work will be of 3 semesters containing 30 credits.
• c) All the scholars need to clear non-credited compulsory courses as prescribed by ICAR norms in case they have not studied these courses in their Bachelor and Master degree. For which School of Agriculture and CRDP needs to coordinate after admissions.
• d) Minimum 75% Aggregate attendance is mandatory in the course work.
• e) The evaluation parameters will be similar to that of regular programmes of the university.
• f) The minimum OGPA required in course work of Ph.D. programme is 6.5 with a minimum grade of 6.0 in the individual courses.
• g) Following coursework options with tentative schedule are available for agriculture programmes:
• 1. The contact hours in all these two options will remain same. If number of Research Scholars in any option is less, then that option may not be offered.
• 2. Induction programme will be conducted before the start of every coursework option.

Selected Research Scholar will have option to pursue course work in one of the following modes and tentative schedule is mentioned below:

• 1. The contact hours in all these three options will remain same. If number of Research Scholars in any option is less, then that option may not be offered.

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PhD Course Work guidelines: Mandatory for PhD scholars

Compulsory course work:.

As per UGC Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree Regulations 2016, a PhD scholar shall be required to undertake course work for a minimum period of one semester which is compulsory pre-requisite for both full time and part time candidates.

It shall consist of one or more courses on Research Methodology which shall cover areas such as quantitative methods, computer applications, research ethics and review of published research in the relevant field, training, and field work and other areas found relevant to the discipline concerned. Other courses shall be advanced level areas in the subjects concerned for enabling the students to acquire deep knowledge in the preparation for PhD degree.

All the candidates admitted to the PhD program shall be required to complete the PhD course work prescribed by the University & respective Department during the initial / first semester. Research Supervisor along with Research Advisory Committee shall prescribe the courses and recruit faculty to teach candidates prescribed courses.

The concerned Department must be involved in teaching of Course Work, especially related to selection of Title and preparation of Synopsis.

A candidate will complete his Course Work of six months through intensive classes, assignments, review of literature, short studies under the recognized Supervisor & Research Advisory Committee.

After the completion of Course Work, examination will be conducted by Examination section of the University. In case candidate fails or drops in examination, one more chance will be given for the compulsory Course Work Examination.

However, if the student is not in a position to complete the course work in the prescribed time limit as above, due to genuine reasons, may file an appeal and on the recommendation of the Research Advisory Committee, the Dean may grant extension up to additional one semester. Failing to complete the course work within the extended period (within first year of admission) may lead to cancellation of candidature.

Scholars admitted to the PhD program shall be required to complete the course work prescribed by the respective departments during the initial one year from the date of registration, failing which the registration shall be automatically cancelled.

SYLLABUS FOR COURSEWORK: Research Methodology

Objective: To identify and apply appropriate research methodology in order to plan, conduct and evaluate basic research. The Course will enable scholars to develop the foundation for research skills at appropriate levels.

Part A: (Common for all faculties)

1. Basics of Research: Definition of research - Objective of research - Scientific research - Ethics in research, Plagiarism, how to write research proposal.

2. Types and Methods of Research: Classification of Research- Descriptive Research - Diagnostic Research/Study - Evaluation Research/Studies - Experimental Research - Analytical Study of Statistical Method - Surveys - Case Study - Field Studies & others.

3. Review of Literature: Need for Reviewing Literature - What to Review and for What Purpose - Literature Search - Procedure - Sources of Literature.

4. The Planning Process of Research: Selection of a Problem for Research – Formulation of the Selected Problems - Hypothesis Formation - Measurement - Research Design/Plan, Research process.

5. Sampling: Sampling Techniques or Methods - Choice of Sampling Techniques - Sample Size - Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors.

6. Methods of Data Collection: Meaning and Importance of Data - Sources of Data - Use of Secondary Data - Methods of Collecting Primary Data.

7. Quantitative and Qualitative Data: Observation Method - Experimentation - Simulation - Interviewing - Panel Method - Mail Survey.

8. Tools for Data Collection: Types of Data - Construction of Schedules and Questionnaires - Measurement of Scales and Indices - Pilot Studies and Pre-tests.

9. Field Work: The Nature of Field Work - Selection and Training of Investigators - Sampling Frame and Sample Selection.

10. Processing & Statistical Analysis of Data: Editing - Classification and Coding - Transcription - Tabulation - Introduction to Statistical Software: SPSS - Graphical Representation.

Statistical Analysis - Measures of Central Tendency - Measures of Dispersion - Measures of Association/Relationship - Regression and Correlation Analysis - Hypothesis Testing (For Proportion and Means) - Test of Significance.

11. Computer Application in Research: Introduction to MS Excel, Using Formulas and Functions, Hand on to SPSS, Features for Statistical Data Analysis, Generating Charts/Graphs, Introduction to MS Word, Features and Functions, Writing Report in MS Word, Introduction to Open Office or Latex, Creating Presentation in MS Power Point, Introduction to Internet Based Search, Use of Advanced Research Techniques.

12. Report Writing: Types of Reports - Planning of Report Writing - Research Report Format - Principles of Writing - Documentation - Data and Data Analysis in Thesis - Writing of Report - Typing of Report - Briefing - Preparation of Manuscript for Publication of Research Paper - Pictures and Graphs, Citation styles, writing a Review of Paper, Bibliography, Writing Synopsis & Thesis.

13. Ethics in Research:

Course Outline: This course explores techniques for recognizing, analyzing, and resolving ethical dilemmas facing healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers in today's highly regulated environment. Use of humans and animals in research, data acquisition and management, protection of human subjects / animals involved in research programs.

14. Responsible conduct of research & Publication Ethics:

Course Outline: Promotion of academic integrity & prevention of misconduct including Plagiarism, using Plagiarism detection software tools, reference management tools, proper attribution, copyright & intellectual property right policies etc.

Include elements of responsible conduct of research, publication ethics, use of plagiarism detection tools and reference management tools as a compulsory course work for Research Scholars.

Part B: (Research Methodology as per faculty/subject requirement) (Shall be covered by respective supervisor, Research Advisory Committee).

COURSE STRUCTURE: (This may include lectures, seminars, and tutorials).

Course work examination & qualifying marks criteria:

a) A PhD. scholar has to obtain a minimum of 55% of marks or its equivalent grade in the UGC 7- point scale in the course work in order to be eligible to continue in the program and submit the dissertation/thesis.

b) Maximum two chances shall be given to the scholar for clearing the coursework, failing to which may lead to cancellation of admission.

c) 75 % attendance for coursework classes is required.

Evaluation process of coursework:

Paper setting & evaluation: The Controller of Examination section shall appoint paper setters nominated by Vice-Chancellor at his own discretion or from the list recommended by PhD committee.

Research methodology paper of the course work:

The course work is a pre-requisite for PhD program and all admitted candidates shall be required to complete the prescribed course work within the first year of PhD program.

Qualifying Examinations on prescribed Course work will be conducted by the university.

The University will initiate the procedure of Registration subject to fulfilment of all prescribed eligibility criteria relating to qualification of the candidate, availability of recognized Research Supervisors in proposed place of research work, keeping in mind the norms regarding scholar-guide ratio as laid down by UGC.

The University shall maintain a list of registered PhD students on its website on a year wise basis. The list shall include the name of candidate, name of supervisor/ co-supervisor, topic of research and date of registration.

Valid for maximum 6 years for both Full time/part time students.

Course work: Compulsory pre-requisite for all PhD candidates.

Mandatory course work of 6 months must be completed within the first year after PhD Registration.

Research Supervisor along with Research Advisory Committee shall recruit faculty to teach candidates prescribed syllabus of Course Work and certificates stating successful completion of Course work will be communicated by the officiating Supervisor through the Head of Department to the O/o Dean, WBUHS.

Completion of Course work requires minimum 55% qualifying marks or Grade B in assessment as per UGC regulation.

Research proposal / Synopsis: Registered candidates shall submit a detailed research proposal through Supervisor, duly recommended by Research Advisory Committee and Institutional Ethics Committee within six months of date of registration.

Mandatory course work of 6 months must be completed within the first year after PhD Registration.Research Supervisor along with Research Advisory Committee shall recruit faculty to teach candidates prescribed syllabus of Course Work and certificates stating successful completion of Course work will be communicated by the officiating Supervisor through the Head of Department to the O/o Dean, WBUHS.

Synopsis Confirmation Seminar: Candidature will be confirmed on approval of Synopsis / Research Proposal by PhD Committee & successful completion of mandatory course work within the 1 st year of PhD program. If title of thesis and synopsis is approved by the University, his / her candidature will be confirmed. Otherwise the registration is liable to be cancelled administratively.

Half -yearly Progress Report: After confirmation of title of thesis and synopsis, student need to work in association with Supervisor under guidance of the Research Advisory Committee on University approved research project. Progress Report to be forwarded through Research Advisory Committee till submission of Final Thesis.

Two Presentations: Presentations by PhD scholar based on PhD research work in Conference/Seminar. (Presentation Certificate needed)

Research publication: At least one in peer reviewed journal (Proof of publication / acceptance needed).

Conclusion report/Draft Thesis / Final Synopsis: On completion of research work, the PhD scholar has to prepare a draft thesis (final synopsis) and submit soft copy in PDF format to the Dean of Faculty through proper channel.(After 2 1⁄2 years for full time and 4 1⁄2 years for part time candidate).

Recommended panel of experts from related field of research: Prior to submission of draft thesis, Supervisor shall prepare a panel of six experts as examiners in pre-PhD seminar, to evaluate written part of thesis and viva-voce. The panel must include 50% of examiners from outside the state.

Dean of Faculty shall send the recommended panel of experts with publications in related field of research along with their consent to the Vice-chancellor for approval and appointment as examiners / experts.

Pre PhD Seminar: The scholar shall be asked to deliver an open seminar before the PhD Committee in presence of Supervisor and two Experts nominated from approved panel of six experts submitted by the Supervisor.

Candidate must present the draft thesis (final synopsis) in a pre-PhD presentation at least 6 months prior to submission of final thesis for approval.

If the committee is satisfied and finds it suitable for submission as a PhD Thesis, it may advise the scholar to prepare Final Thesis for submission.

Submission of Final Thesis: The completed assigned research work will be submitted in the form of a Thesis along with originality report for plagiarism check by software to be examined by a Board of Adjudicators.

Board of Adjudicators constituted (3 Examiners from the panel out of which 2 will be outside the state) for evaluation of thesis & recommendation for PhD viva-voce.

Evaluation of Thesis and Recommendation for Viva-Voce: If all the three Adjudicator’s reports recommend acceptance of the thesis, the candidate shall be eligible for oral defense. The public viva-voce of research scholar to defend thesis will be conducted only if evaluation report of both external examiners are satisfactory and include recommendation for conducting the viva-voce examination.

Viva-voce and open defense of thesis: Board of Examiners will be constituted on approval of the Vice Chancellor with Supervisor – as Convenor, External Examiner - one, Internal Examiner - one.

During Viva-voce the candidate is expected to successfully defend his / her work before public and Board of Examiners recruited for the purpose by the West Bengal University of Health Sciences to become eligible for award of PhD degree.

Approval of PhD Award & Depository with UGC: The Board of Examiners under Chairmanship of the Dean of the concerned Faculty shall give final recommendations for the award of the PhD degree on the basis of performance in the viva-voce examination and the Examiners’ Report. The result of the viva-voce and defence of thesis after approval by the Vice-Chancellor shall be reported to PhD Committee and Academic Council.

Before announcement of award of PhD degree, the University shall submit an electronic copy of the PhD thesis to the INFLIBNET, for hosting the same to make it accessible to all institutions/ colleges prior to the actual award of degree.

Award of PhD degree in Health Sciences: After fulfilling all the requirements prescribed in the regulations, the degree shall be awarded namely PhD in Health Sciences.The degree certificate shall include name of the subject / discipline concerned / field of specialization, if any and name of concerned Faculty,

Notification for PhD Award: he University shall issue a provisional certificate to the effect that the degree has been awarded with the provisions of extant UGC Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree Regulations & existing procedures framed by the University and in force from time to time.

The Controller of Examinations shall issue a provisional degree certificate in accordance with the decision of the Vice- Chancellor.

Registrar shall upload notification regarding award of PhD degree in the University website after approval by the Vice- Chancellor.

• EXEMPTION FROM COURSE WORK

(A) In case of M.Phil pass candidates, following conditions will be applicable for course Work:

• Candidates who passed M.Phil degree with minimum B+ grade as regular student from Mandsaur University, Mandsaur or any other recognized University and have done equivalent course work in M.Phil programme are exempted from doing Ph.D course work for getting registered to Ph.D. programme.
• Candidates who passed M.Phil degree through distance shall not be considered for exemption from entrance test.

(B) Course work will be exempted for those who have completed Ph.D. degree in allied subject from any recognized university

(C) If any candidate has already done Ph.D. course work from another recognized University/ Sister Departments  I  Institutes either in or outside the University, he/she can exempted from Ph.D. Course Work on the recommendation of following committee:

• Dean Research & Development
• Director of the Concerned School
• Head of the department. If holding Ph.D. Degree
• Senior most teacher of the department holding Ph.D. Degree.

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The Bioinformatics PhD | MS Dual Degree Program is designed for PhD or Master’s students who wish to pursue a dual Master’s degree in Bioinformatics.

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Ph.D. students who wish to pursue a dual Master’s degree in Bioinformatics must apply by August 1 directly to the Bioinformatics Program through the Rackham Graduate School . List the upcoming Fall term as your proposed term of enrollment.

Students who are interested in obtaining a Bioinformatics Master’s degree, while pursuing a PhD are strongly encouraged to consult with Master's Program Director, Dr. Alla Karnovsky before applying for the program.

Interested students should consult with Dr. Alla Karnovsky before enrolling in classes, as applicants with limited computer programming may be required to take preparatory courses in their first year. Grades obtained in these first-year bioinformatics courses will be considered during the evaluation of applicants for suitability for the MS Program.

If a PhD student applies after August 1 of their first year, a written justification of why the student waited before applying is required. Applications from candidate-level PhD students are discouraged, as the ability to take additional classes is limited for candidates.

The application deadline is August 1. If a PhD student applies after August 1 of their first year, a written justification of why the student waited before applying is required. Applications from candidate-level PhD students are discouraged, as the ability to take additional classes is limited for candidates.

The Bioinformatics Graduate Program encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented minorities, students with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. There are funding opportunities and resources both from the program and other campus units to contribute to students' overall well-being while pursuing studies. Several resources available to students can be found on the Rackham Graduate School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website .

In addition, DCMB’s faculty members participate at events around the country, such as the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students ( ABRCMS ).

Diversity is a key component of excellence, especially for solving the complex biomedical challenges that our field of computational medicine and bioinformatics faces. We believe that all people—regardless of background, race, religion, sexual/gender orientation, age or disability—deserve an equitable opportunity to pursue the education and career of their choice.

All application materials should be submitted electronically when possible. Applicants must meet  Rackham's Minimum Requirements for Admission . The  online application form  can be found on the Rackham Admissions webpages. The application is available in early September through the deadline. 

• GPA, minimum 3.2/4.0 (exceptions may be made if deemed appropriate)
• Letters of recommendation (3 required): Please be aware that submitting only the Rackham Recommendation for Admission Form is insufficient; forms must be accompanied by a letter from the recommender. All letters are due by the application deadline. Without them, applications will not be considered complete or reviewed by the Program Admissions Committee.
• Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose should be a concise, well-written statement about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how Michigan's graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: The Personal Statement should be a concise, well-written statement about how your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. This is not an Academic Statement of Purpose, but a discussion of the personal journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.
• Transcripts: Please submit unofficial transcripts electronically with your online application
• GRE scores are no longer included as part of admission
• Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency via either the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The institution code is 1839. Other exams may not be substituted. Rackham Graduate School offers a full explanation of this requirement , including exemption criteria. Please contact Rackham directly ( [email protected] ) with questions.

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While we cannot waive the application fees, in rare cases the Bioinformatics Graduate Program can cover the cost.

In order to qualify you have to

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or undocumented student with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA);
• Have a record of superior academic achievement (e.g., grade point average, honors, or other designation);
• Come from an educational, cultural, or geographic background that is underrepresented in graduate study in their discipline in the United States or at the University of Michigan;
• Have demonstrated a sustained commitment to diversity in the academic, professional, or civic realm through their work experience, volunteer engagement, or leadership of student or community organizations. By commitment to diversity, we mean efforts in the U.S. to reduce social, educational, or economic disparities based on race, ethnicity, or gender, or to improve race relations in the U.S.;
• Have experienced financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances;
• Are first-generation U.S. citizens or are the first generation in their families to graduate from a four-year college.

If you believe that you meet these criteria, please submit your unofficial transcript and a brief description of your qualifications to the Bioinformatics Graduate Office ( [email protected] ).

Please note that we can only accommodate a limited number of requests.

Please be aware that the Bioinformatics Program does not guarantee financial support to Master’s students. There are occasional work opportunities that may help defray your expenses; however, we cannot guarantee the availability of such opportunities, and most will not cover tuition and living expenses in full.

Sources of Aid on Campus

Our Master students are largely self-funded. You may apply for teaching or research assistantships, but there is no guarantee. Please note that the Bioinformatics Program offers few positions and priority is given to PhD students. A student may obtain a teaching position (GSI) in another unit.

While many Master's students get some funding, rarely is a student fully funded without some type of external award or fellowship. If interested in research assistantships, you need to contact specific faculty for those positions. Having significant programming experience is helpful.

Yes. Some students take coursework while working full time. A student is expected to complete all coursework within five years from the date of first enrollment in the program.

Bioinformatics consists of a mathematical and/or statistical analysis of a biomedical problem using computation. We define bioinformatics widely and include traditional bioinformatics areas such as for examples, systems biology, genomics, proteomics, plus statistical and evolutionary genetics, clinical informatics, and protein modeling.

As an interdisciplinary field, Bioinformatics attracts graduate students from mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, biomedical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry and biology. Most incoming students have both a major in one and a minor in another discipline. In recent years students have entered with undergraduate training in bioinformatics or computational biology.

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Physics and Astronomy

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Choate Receives Visiting Scholar Award to Work at Fermilab

Graduate Student Sarah Choate has been awarded $12,000 from the Universities Research Association's (URA) Visiting Scholars Program (VSP) to support work on “Study of the Neutrino Magnetic Moment with the NOvA Near Detector.”

The grant will allow Choate to work on this research at Fermilab with members of the NOvA Collaboration who are part of the Exotics or Near Detector group. After understanding prior work done, she will conduct the magnetic moment analysis,  analyze the data, and summarize her findings in a formal presentation.

"Being able to speak face-to-face with those who are experts in neutrinos physics at Fermilab will not only allow the analysis to progress more  rapidly than it otherwise would have, it will also be beneficial to my long term goals, which revolve around remaining in neutrino physics," Choate said. Learn more about the NOvA experiment here .

The VSP was established in 2007 to support faculty and students from URA institutions to work at Fermilab for up to one year.

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

Engineering student studying flight physics of birds

Sameer pokhrel is working towards advancement in unmanned aerial vehicles.

After earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in Nepal, Sameer Pokhrel came to the United States to further his education. From an early age, he had a lifelong fascination with aviation. As an adult, he transformed this fascination into a career, pursuing a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati's historic program. Here, he has succeeded in research, instruction, and was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Why did you choose UC? What drew you here?

Sameer Pokhrel is a doctoral candidate in aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati. Photo/provided

I chose the University of Cincinnati primarily because of its strong reputation in aerospace engineering and research.

From an early age, I was fascinated by airplanes and rockets. UC's esteemed reputation in the field of aerospace engineering made me feel like it was the perfect place for my graduate studies. Even though I didn't have the opportunity to visit campus before applying, hearing positive feedback about the university's facilities, resources, and faculty helped my decision.

UC offers the ideal environment for me to grow academically and is preparing me to thrive in my field. I'm glad I chose to be a Bearcat!

Why did you choose your field of study?

When I was young, I would often go plane spotting whenever possible. I remember I used to get very excited when I saw space exploration documentaries on TV.

Later, I realized I could turn this fascination into a career, so I chose mechanical engineering for my undergraduate degree. As aerospace engineering was not directly available at the time in Nepal, I chose it as my minor.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked as a design engineer on a fixed wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for medical delivery in the hilly region of Nepal. There, I realized my interest in dynamics and control, which led me to pursue a graduate degree in aerospace engineering, focusing on dynamics and control. 

Describe your research work. Why does it inspire you?

In my research, I focus on studying the application of unconventional control techniques in bio-inspired systems of UAVs. My work can be divided into two main parts: theoretical developments and applications. On the theoretical front, I work nonlinear control techniques, particularly Extremum Seeking Control, which is a model-free, adaptive control technique. I aim to develop tools to better analyze and improve the structures of such control systems for real-life applications. On the application front, I explore the flight physics of soaring birds, which fly long distances without flapping their wings. I investigate whether we can mimic the optimized flight of these birds in UAVs by examining the relationship between extremum seeking control and their flight patterns. 

What inspires me most about this research is the opportunity to push the boundaries of current literature and bridge the gap between theory and practice.

I'm driven by the prospect of developing novel control techniques that are versatile and less dependent on specific models. Furthermore, if we can replicate the dynamic soaring flight maneuver of birds, it could lead to substantial technological advancements in UAVs. Imagine the possibility of flying UAVs for hundreds of kilometers like soaring birds.

This perspective is truly miraculous and motivates me to continue exploring and innovating in this field. 

What are a few accomplishments of which you are most proud?

Academically, I'm proud to have published my research work in prestigious journals such as the SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics, the International Journal of Control, Automation and Systems, and Bioinspiration and Biomimetics.

I believe these publications have not only validated my research efforts but have also contributed to the academic community. Moreover, presenting my research at conferences like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics SciTech, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Conference of Control and its Applications, and the SIAM Conference on Life Science was immensely beneficial. 

These experiences allowed me to share my work with peers and experts while simultaneously providing me with valuable learning and networking opportunities.

Additionally, participating in events like the Graduate Student Mathematical Modeling Camp and the Mathematical Problems in Industry Workshop 2023 helped me experience practical industry problems. The time I spent with bright minds during the brainstorming sessions is something I will never forget.

Also, I'd like to give a huge shoutout to the UC Piloting Club for providing me with a real flying experience by putting me in the co-pilot seat of a real airplane. All of these experiences have been instrumental and impactful in shaping my academic and personal journey during my time at the university. 

When do you expect to graduate? Do you have any other activities you'd like to share?

I expect to graduate in the summer of 2024 and hope to get experience in industry before returning to academia. I also love to travel and experience new things. Traveling provides the necessary break between projects and reenergizes me for my upcoming work. I also love watching and playing sports, especially soccer, which I play on a regular basis. 

Want to learn more?

Explore graduate programs at the College of Engineering and Applied Science. 

Featured image at top: UAV flying. Photo/pixabay

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