Biological Sciences

Bioinformatics Option

The Bioinformatics Option

The rapidly expanding field of bioinformatics, which concerns the acquisition and analysis of biological data on a massive scale, requires biologists who are also well versed in computer science.  Towards training these future multidisciplinary scientists, the Bioinformatics option offers a rigorous core of basic Biology and Computer Science courses, along with advanced courses in Bioinformatics and Biology electives. Computing I, II, and III are added to the Biology core required courses, along with Bioinformatics and Discrete Mathematics.  Students in the Bioinformatics Option will receive hands-on training in both the development and use of computational tools for analysis of diverse datasets, including genomic sequences, microarray comparisons, and protein structure/function interaction.  The Option is ideally suited for students interested in future professional or academic careers in bioinformatics, comparative genomics, and biological database analysis and management.

For additional information visit the Biology Department or contact us.

Required Courses

Bioinformatics Computing Elective - 3 or 4 credits

Designated Biology Electives - 10 credits

One full-time upper level biology course with a laboratory component and two additional courses without a lab.  Suggested courses:

*Open to seniors with permission of instructor

View the complete Course of Study (pdf).