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.

• Chemical Biology
• Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics
• Systems Biology
• Imaging Science

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.

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 2025 closes on December 1. 

• 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!

2024 Biomedical Graduate Program Info Session and Recruiting Fair Schedule

Below are dates and times for a series of online Zoom information sessions and workshops. Feel free to register for any that you might find helpful. Please note that all times are Central Time in the United States. To find out what time it is in your time zone, click HERE.

IGP and QCB Information Sessions:

Learn more about our IGP and QCB graduate programs, and ask any questions you may have about living and studying here in Nashville! Register below:

Thursday August 8 @ 4 PM Central Time

Monday September 9 @ 7 PM Central Time

Friday October 4 @ 10 AM Central Time

Wednesday November 6 @ 4 PM Central Time

Building a Strong Application to Graduate School:

This workshop will discuss the different components of your application to biomedical graduate programs, focusing on recommendation letters and CVs especially. Choose a date/time that works best for you.

Tuesday August 6 @ 12 noon Central Time

Thursday September 19 @ 4 PM Central Time

Monday October 7 @ 4 PM Central Time

 Monday November 4 @ 10 AM Central Time

There is also a virtual session about applying to graduate school offered by the AAMC GREAT Outreach Committee on 10/24.

Tips on Applying to Graduate School of Biomedical PhD Programs

Date & Time: Oct 24, 2024, 5:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Registration link: https://aamcorg.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqfuCopj0rE9wDJCsmoW_6cTT_QPpeCATk#/registration

Are you thinking of pursuing graduate school as your next step? If so, this session is right for you! Applying to graduate school can be an exciting opportunity to grow scientifically and professionally and take that next step in your career. With so many important factors to consider when thinking about the BEST program for YOU, the application process can also feel daunting. As you start this journey, join the AAMC Group on Research, Education, and Training Outreach Committee to learn strategies and tips on choosing where to apply and how to prepare a strong application. Our panel of experts will provide an overview of the application process including factors to consider when choosing your list of programs, strategies for approaching personal statements, letters of recommendation, and general tips for success. Students who are actively applying for biomedical sciences doctoral programs are strongly encouraged to attend, but the session will also be useful for those planning ahead.

Writing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School:

This workshop will discuss statements for biomedical graduate school applications. How do you discuss your research? How do you approach discussing a challenge? What are components of strong and weak statements? While I will focus on Vanderbilt’s IGP and QCB prompt, the tips can be used for almost any statement you will write for graduate school applications. Choose a date/time that works best for you.

Tuesday September 10 @ 8 PM Central Time

Tuesday October 1 @ 12 Noon Central Time

Wednesday October 16 @ 4 PM Central Time

Tuesday November 5 @ 12 Noon Central Time

Interviewing for Biomedical Graduate Programs:

Have you been invited for an interview at a graduate program or do you just want to know what to expect? I will review different types of interviews and discuss what to expect and how to prepare for your interview. Choose a date/time that works best for you.

Tuesday December 3 @ 4 PM Central Time

Thursday December 12 @ 10 AM Central Time

Wednesday December 18 @ 12 Noon Central Time

Drop In Zoom Hours

As the December 1 application deadline draws closer, I will be having open Zoom drop in hours. If you have last minute questions about the program or questions about your application, just hop on the Zoom link, no appointment needed! Check in late October for days and times.

Would you like to meet a representative of our Biomedical Graduate programs? We would love to meet you too! We will be attending the following Graduate School Fairs, some of which will be virtual and free for prospective students. Please stop by so we can get to know you. You can also contact us with any questions you may have.