Earn your PhD in Integrated Biology (iBio)
For the academic year 2026-27, once admitted to the PhD in iBio program, you will enter the lab of your chosen mentor. During the first year, students are required to enroll in the department's COSMOS I (Concepts, Models and Systems in Biology) seminar. In the fall, this consists of a weekly research presentation series given by students in their second year and up. First-year students are required to attend and observe but do not present themselves during that first fall offering. First year students also take an introductory course called Critical Analysis of Biological Research) designed to develop cross-disciplinary skills in biological concept, methods and interpretation of the literature. In the spring, most students enroll in COSMOS II which is a seminar course in which a broad research topic is discussed at many different levels of analysis, model and non-model systems, and techniques. While pursuing doctoral research in their chosen thesis lab in subsequent years, students are required to enroll in other seminar courses (three or more) that have a significant writing component, as well as advanced lecture courses, and big data/informatics courses. The PhD program in integrated biology requires a total of 72 semester hours of coursework and research credits.
Student resources
During the spring semester of the second year, students assemble a thesis committee and prepare a grant application-style document that serves as a prospectus of their planned thesis research. They are aided in this by the Writing in the Natural Sciences course, which provides feedback and instruction on effective scientific writing skills. Students submit this document to, and defend it orally in front of, their thesis committee. Together, the written document and the oral defense of it comprises the comprehensive exam. After passing the comprehensive exam, students advance to full candidacy for the PhD. Students must also demonstrate teaching skills by assisting in instruction as teaching assistants for at least two semesters.
The program culminates in the student’s preparation of a dissertation based on original, independent research. Once the thesis committee approves of both this written dissertation and the oral defense, the PhD degree will be awarded.
Meet graduate faculty
Learn more about the discipline-shaping researchers, visionary teachers, and supportive mentors that you'll be learning from as a graduate student at the University of Iowa.
Create your academic path
You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.
Current course list
The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.
Questions?
Marlys Boote
