Education

Harvard University: Arts & Sciences: Systems Biology

Category Art and Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, Harvard University, Medicine, USA, Undergraduate
Tags Arts, Biology, Harvard University, Sciences, Systems

Systems biology aims to explain how higher level properties of complex biological systems arise from the interactions among their parts. This new field requires a fusion of concepts from many disciplines, including biology, computer science, applied mathematics, physics and engineering.

Through coursework and collaborative research, we aim to enable students to combine experimental and theoretical approaches to develop physical and quantitative models of biological processes. Students will be introduced to the tools that are now available, and to important unsolved problems in biology that may now be possible to address using quantitative and theoretical approaches.

Admissions

The typical student has a strong background in one of the disciplines relevant to Systems Biology (such as biology, mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry and computer science) and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research. Although cross training is not required, many of the students admitted have had some experience in biology and some exposure to quantitative or theoretical approaches.

Students considering graduate work should request an application from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Online submission of the application is encouraged.

A number of candidates will be invited to interview in late January. Final decisions concerning admission are made by the dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the candidates are notified by letter from the Admissions Office.