Prospective Students
The QCB Program at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is a place where leaders in the chemical and/or physical sciences and the biological sciences are trained. We look to recruit students from quantitative or physical science backgrounds who would like to apply their skills to biologically meaningful questions. If you have a strong background in biology, you should consider applying to our sister program, the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program.
The unique aspect of the QCB Program is that students have the flexibility to explore their research interests from the offerings of the 13 participating departments and programs prior to choosing a laboratory for their dissertation research. Previous didactic training in the biological science is not required for entry into the Quantitative & Chemical Biology Program. Students in the first year QCB Program generally consider training in one of the following four tracks.
The coursework and research components of the program prepare students for research careers in which they are able to bring state-of-the art tools of the modern chemical and physical sciences to bear on cutting-edge biological problems. Successful completion of the QCB Program leads to Ph.D. degree.
Information on faculty research can be found on the individual department and program websites, and the BRET Training Faculty can be found here. Faculty profiles may be incomplete, but you can learn more by investigating their pages in their departments.
Please explore our website to learn more about the exciting, stimulating, and comprehensive training provided by the QCB Program. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
Our online application for Fall 2026 opens August 1, 2025.
- Submission of GRE scores is optional.
- There is no application fee for anyone who has performed research funded by a US entity. Read more here!
Drop-In Hours
Not sure if your application is complete? Have questions about uploading documents? As the application deadline draws near, I will be holding drop-in hours for last minute questions. No agenda, no topic, just a space for you to hop onto Zoom and get an answer to a question you may have about your application.
- Monday November 24 from 3-5 pm Central Time
- Wednesday November 26 from 10 am -12N Central Time
- Monday December 1 from 10 am -1 pm Central Time
What time is it where you are compared to Nashville, Tennessee Central Time (UTC-6)? Check here.
Preparing for your Graduate School Interview
What should you expect if you are invited to interview for a graduate school program? In this session I will go over different interview formats, and how to make the most of your interview experience.
- Tuesday December 9 from 4-5 pm Central Time
- Monday December 15 from 12N-1 pm Central Time
- Thursday January 8 from 4-5 pm Central Time
- Monday January 12 from 4-5 pm Central Time
What time is it where you are compared to Nashville, Tennessee Central Time (UTC-6)? Check here.
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At Vanderbilt, fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow is at the core of who we are. We are committed to creating a community with the connections, varied viewpoints, and shared purpose that are necessary to tackle the complexities of an ever-changing world.