Brandeis University Admissions
QBReC Scholars Program
The Quantitative Biology Research Community (QBReC) is a unique program that gives undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research with acclaimed Brandeis faculty working at the nexus of the physical and life sciences.
Combining cutting-edge research in physics, biophysics, biochemistry, cell biology and neuroscience with personalized faculty mentoring, the QBReC program facilitates collaboration, critical thinking and invaluable research experiences. By offering an intensive lab experience to first-year students, the QBReC program in many ways mirrors the professional training of our science-focused doctoral students.
Perks of the Program
- Two specialized courses designed for Scholars during their first year.
- Weekly QBReC lectures and discussion during the spring semester with prominent speakers from Brandeis and neighboring universities.
- After the first year, scholars are given the opportunity to do research over the summer, and most choose to continue their research through the next academic year.
Program Logistics
Students enter the program in their first year by taking two specialized courses: a fall seminar on nature's nanotechnology and a spring experiential-learning practicum. During the seminar, Professor Jané Kondev guides students in an exploration of cutting-edge problems in biology using ideas and techniques from physics and math.
For the spring practicum, selected students are placed into our most prominent interdisciplinary research labs, headed by QBReC professors, and spend the semester engaged in research projects. They work under the guidance of graduate students from these six labs who have been specially selected and trained for this task. The class also meets for a weekly lecture where QBReC professors and guest lecturers from other universities talk about the most exciting research happening at the interface of physics and biology.
How to Be Considered
No separate application is required. Simply answer "yes" to the question on your application to Brandeis asking if you'd like to be considered for a Scholars Program and select Quantitative Biology Research Community.
Program Requirements
In order to maintain membership in the Scholars Program, Scholars must:- Participate in a fall seminar and spring research practicum.