UMass Lowell provides an academic and research program where students focus on biology and chemistry, as well as computer science. The net result is the better use of modern computational tools and the development of new tools in all areas of bioinformatics and cheminformatics that are simultaneously more biologically relevant and computationally sophisticated.

To accomplish this goal, we use a three-fold approach:

  1. First, students learn the use and limitations of emerging software tools and technologies (application).
  2. Second, student biologists, chemists, mathematicians and computer scientists are encouraged to discover ways in which various tools can be used to solve complex biological problems (development).
  3. Finally, this new generation of bioinformaticists is trained to develop computational tools with the biological perspective needed to solve evolving biomedical problems.

The Bioinformatics Program at UMass Lowell differs from many other programs in its interdisciplinary approach to the study of bioinformatics and in its emphasis on software tool development rather than solely on tool usage.

Each department provides its own set of requirements for the Bioinformatics Option and each specifies the minimum courses which the student must master in order to work in this interdisciplinary and evolving environment. These provide a strong multidisciplinary background for each student. Although the core curriculum is specific it still allows flexibility for electives supporting the students' selection of a focus for their personalized bioinformatics program.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate students who major in biology or computer science may elect the bioinformatics option. Visit the Bio-Cheminformatics undergraduate page for curriculum and application information.


Graduate

Graduate students work through the existing Master's and Doctoral degree programs in Computer Science and supplement their coursework and research with science-rich courses. 

The program provides even greater flexibility at the doctoral level, where the students can create a Bio/Cheminformatics program tailored to their individual interests and background. 

Read about graduate programs.

Our Students and Faculty

Owen Hunter selling mushrooms at the Rist Institute Indoor Farmer's Market at University Crossing.
Owen Hunter '23
Computer Science

Computer science skills come in handy for mushroom farmer Owen Hunter ’23.

Thinking critically and logically is as important to computer science as it is to farming.
Read More About Owen Hunter 
Laurie Agel speaks at a podium
Laurie Agel '18
Marine Sciences & Technology

Software engineer Laurie Agel was looking for a career change in her 40s. Fifteen years later, she has her Ph.D. in marine sciences and technology from UML and is working as a post-doctoral research assistant, studying extreme precipitation and flooding in the Charles and Mystic river basins.

I’ve seen many, many people like me – people doing a second career and coming in from another field. And there’s just so much excitement at UMass Lowell. I don’t really feel like a fish out of water.
Read More About Laurie Agel 
UMass Lowell student Rameez Shaikh standing outdoors
Rameez Shaikh '21
Biology

Rameez Shaikh ’21 has been accepted by more than six dental schools, thanks to mentoring by Chemistry Assoc. Teaching Prof. Khalilah Reddie.

Being able to see someone who looks like you and talks like you in a position of power – it’s huge.
Read More About Rameez Shaikh