The program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in life sciences is interdepartmental and intercollegiate and is designed to augment offerings of individual departments in two concentrations – genome science and technology, and plant physiology and genetics. Students interested in these areas should contact the director of the area of interest. Each concentration is administered separately and has unique admission requirements.
Concentrations (Required)
Genome Science and Technology
Plant Physiology and Genetics
Campus Code
Knoxville Campus
Admissions Standards/Procedures
Genome Science and Technology Concentration
- Applicants are expected to have a background in the biological, physical, or computational sciences.
- Requirements for admission are
- one year of general biology or the equivalent; two years of chemistry;
- one year of calculus or equivalent college mathematics;
- one year of physics;
- at least 8 credit hours in cognate sciences related to the program;
- a GRE (general) score;
- three letters of recommendation; and
- a minimum grade point average of 3.00 out of 4.00.
- Course work in genetics, cell biology, and computer sciences is advantageous.
- The admissions committee especially values prior research experience.
- Superior students, deficient in one or more of the above requirements, may be admitted at the discretion of the program admissions committee.
- Deficiencies will be made up as a part of the courses taken by the individual student.
Plant Physiology and Genetics Concentration
- Admission requirements are
- a BA with a major in a biological, behavioral, or physical science;
- GRE (general) score;
- three letters of recommendation; and
- course work including a year of calculus (differential and integral), one year of chemistry, and a year of physics.
- Specific course deficiencies may be corrected during the first year.
Genome Science and Technology Concentration
Albrecht von Arnim, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Director
The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology (GST) is a unique and multidisciplinary program for full time graduate study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The program trains students around the interface of the biological and computational sciences. Graduates typically pursue careers in biological science in academia, industry, or governmental organizations. The program is designed to take advantage of collaboration between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Students conduct research and develop scientific creativity in emerging areas of life science, with emphasis on genomics, structural biology, proteomics, computational biology and bioinformatics, and bioanalytical technologies. Scientists from both campuses participate in teaching. Research projects pursued for either the MS or PhD are guided by a faculty member from either campus.
Credit Hours Required
Minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s or
Minimum of 48 hours beyond the Master’s.
Required Courses
Additional Course Requirements
- Participation in LFSC 541 , the GST Colloquium, every spring
- Completion of a Science Ethics course
- Completion of one journal club or equivalent during each semester of residence after the first year is recommended.
Non-Course Requirements
- Passing both the written and oral portion of the comprehensive examination
- A dissertation reporting the results of original and significant scientific research
- A formal seminar presentation of the dissertation research
- A final oral examination on the dissertation
Plant Physiology and Genetics
Barry D. Bruce, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Interim Director
This program provides the opportunity for intensive training and research experience in areas transcending the usual boundaries of botany, biochemistry, and agricultural plant sciences. Solutions of problems concerning the interactions of physiology and genetics in applied and fundamental aspects of plant science are the focus.
Credit Hours Required
Minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s or
Minimum of 48 hours beyond the Master’s.
Required Courses:
Additional Course Requirements
- Participation in plant science journal club courses such as BCMB 610 .
Non-Course Requirements
- Passing comprehensive examination;
- A doctoral dissertation;
- An oral defense of the dissertation.
