PhD Program Requirements
The following list is an overview of the requirements for a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. For more specific details, please refer to the Graduate Program Guidelines.
- University requires 3 years of full time study (24 tuition units).
- Complete six structured (not seminar, not independent study) upper level courses (1000, 2000 level), 2 in engineering, 2 in biology and at least 2 at the 2000 level.
- Must receive a grade of B or better, courses must be taken for a grade rather than credit/no credit.
- A maximum of 8 tuition units (i.e., 8 standard courses) can be transferred from post-baccalaureate work.
- Choose a thesis advisor no later than end of first semester.
- Must attend Ethics Training Course in first year (and fifth year if still at Brown).
- Must attend statistics short-course or equivalent.
- Academic and research progress of first year reviewed by Graduate Program Committee.
- Attend departmental seminars and give at least one seminar per year in the mandatory, BIOL 2230/40 student seminar course.
- By July 31st, prior to start of semester 5, pass Qualifying Examination. (Submit written part at least 2 weeks prior to Exam).
- Annual meeting and progress report to Thesis Advisory Committee.
- Submit to Thesis Committee the final version of the thesis (approved by advisor) at least 2 weeks prior to defense.
- Present thesis as a seminar and pass final oral examination.
Jointly-Selected Committees
The following Committees are jointly selected by the student and the advisor:
Qualifying Examination Committee
- Thesis advisor
- Three other Brown faculty (1 from Engineering and 1 from Biology/Medicine)
- One must be a member of the Graduate Program Committee (serves as Chair if not thesis advisor)
- Outside expert (optional)
Thesis Advisory Committee
- Thesis advisor
- Three other Brown faculty (1 from Engineering and 1 from Biology/Medicine; ranking BME, non-advisor member serves as chair)
- Outside expert (optional, but strongly recommended)