生物博士学位选修课程的研究生提供非常多样化的大学预科课程–物理，化学，数学或心理学专业，以及生物学及其各个分支。研究生课程的目的是为每位学生提供各自在特定所选专业中的经验和能力的深度，对生物学整体性质和逻辑的认识，基础科学的足够实力以允许继续进行自我教育在完成正式培训并因此保持在不断变化的领域的最前沿，以及在长期职业生涯中富有成效地服务于他或她领域的动力之后，学生可以从事以下任何学科的博士学位的主要工作（曲目）：生物物理学，细胞生物学，发育生物学，遗传学，免疫学，微生物学，分子生物学和生物化学或系统生物学
Graduate students in biology come with very diverse undergraduate preparationmajors in physics, chemistry, mathematics, or psychology, as well as in biology and its various branches. The aims of the graduate program are to provide, for each student, individual depth of experience and competence in a particular chosen major specialty, perception of the nature and logic of biology as a whole, sufficient strength in basic science to allow continued self-education after formal training has been completed and thus to keep in the forefront of changing fields, and the motivation to serve his or her field productively through a long career.<br><br>In accordance with these aims, the graduate study program in biology includes the following parts: (a) the major program, which is to provide the student with early and intense original research experience in a self-selected subject of biology, supplemented with advanced course work and independent study in this subject, and (b) a program of course work designed to provide well-rounded and integrated training in biology and the appropriate basic sciences, which is adjusted to special interests and needs. An individual program will be recommended to each student in a meeting with the student's advisory committee (see below). The Division of Biology and Biological Engineering does not encourage applications from students who have pursued undergraduate study in biology at the Institute, because the broader perspective to be gained from graduate study in a different setting is considered to be essential for the full development of each student's potential. Exceptions to this policy may be considered by the faculty of the division if there are circumstances that indicate that it would be in the best interests of a student to pursue graduate study at the Institute.