Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact
Q: Who
can I contact for details on this program?
A: The BBSI Program
Coordinator, Maureen Hernandez (bbsi@pitt.edu),
will be able to answer any questions not addressed on this website.
General Questions
Q: When does the
program start and end?
A: For 2009, the program
starts on Tuesday, May 26 and ends on Friday, July 31 (10 weeks).
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: The application
deadline for the 2009 summer program is March 8.
Q: I am an international student. Am I eligible for the program?
A: No. As per the funding
agency’s guidelines, this program is open only to US citizens and U.S.
permanent residents
(“green card”
holders).
Q: What
is computational biology? What is bioinformatics?
A: While these terms
have been used interchangeably, computational biology refers to
the application of
computational
methodologies and three-dimensional modeling to simulate
biological processes, and to understand structural dynamics
of macromolecular assemblies. Bioinformatics is
focused on both methodological development and methodological
application for extraction and analysis of data from very large
and complex data sets.
Q: Who can apply for the program?
A: Students entering their
junior year or senior year of undergraduate study, and those entering their
first year or
second year
of graduate study can apply. You are also eligible if you have applied to
a graduate program and
are awaiting
an admission decision.
Q: What educational background are you looking for in
students that will attend this program?
A: Both computational biology
and bioinformatics
draw heavily upon the knowledge of physics, chemistry mathematics,
engineering, computer science, and statistics to elucidate a biological process.
The goal of this program is the training
and
development of researchers having both a strong background in basic life
sciences and physical sciences, and an
appreciation of the potential of computational, mathematical, and engineering
tools for tackling biological problems.
Q: Will I get paid for this summer research program?
A: YES. All admitted students
will receive a stipend. Undergraduate students will receive $350/week (total
$3500).
Graduate
students will receive $500/week ($5000).
Q:
Is there any way I can ask a past student his/her experiences in a particular
mentor's laboratory?
A: YES, past students'
e-mail addresses are available by clicking the "Past Participants" link on the left.
All students who have
attended the program will be more than happy to answer your questions about
laboratory dynamics and their experience
at the BBSI @ Pitt.
Questions regarding the program
Q: How is this program organized?
A: The 10-week program is divided into three parts: classes, research, and presentations. Students will spend the
first 4 weeks in classes and accompanying laboratory sessions. At the same time, students will select a research
lab to conduct research for the duration of the program. The last week will be reserved for student presentations.
Q: Where will the classes and computer laboratory sessions be held?
A: Classes and computer lab sessions will be held in the Computer Visualization Classrooom in the BST-3 at the University of
Pittsburgh.
Q: Can I get credit for this coursework?
A: The coursework is specifically designed for the BBSI summer program, and therefore, are not offered as regular courses
at the University of Pittsburgh. Hence, we are unable to provide any transferable credits for this program.
Q: Will I be matched with the research faculty that I selected in the application form?
A: We will try our best to match you with one of the advisors you have selected. However, this cannot be guaranteed.
Q: Are there certain hours that I am expected to work or can I come and go whenever I want?
A: On days when no other educational activities are scheduled, you are expected to work 40 hours/week (8 hours/day).
However, most students, researchers and faculty spend more time than this in the laboratory on a regular basis. If
you wish, your advisor will be more than happy to permit you to work extra hours. Please discuss the details with
him/her.
Admission Questions
Q: Do I need to send Letters of Recommendation with my application?
A: NO. Please do NOT send or arrange to have any letters sent to us. You only need to provide the requested information for two
individuals that have agreed to write Letters of Recommendation on your behalf. We will contact these individuals, if necessary.
Q: Do I need to send an official transcript with my application?
A: YES. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the Registrar’s office of your college/university to the BBSI
Coordinator.
Q: When will I be informed of the admission committee’s decision?
A: All admission decisions will be made after the application deadline of March 8. You will be notified at the email
address provided by you in your application. If you do not hear from this office by April 15, please contact the
BBSI Coordinator.
Accommodations
Q: Where will I be staying?
A: If you opted for subsidized accommodations arranged for students of this program, you will be staying in one of the
dormitories at Duquesne University.
Q: What is the cost of accommodations?
A: FREE HOUSING is provided to all program participants.
Q: How far is Duquesne University from Pitt, PSC, and CMU campuses?
A: Duquesne University is ~5-10 minutes by public transport.
Q: Will we be given an allowance for public transport?
A: All participants will be given a bus pass that will allow you to travel on the excellent public bus system for free. These passes
can also be used to travel to other areas of interest in the city, such as museums and parks.