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

Ralph St. Louis in front of his classroom
Ralph Saint-Louis ’18, ’20
Biology and UTeach

Ralph Saint-Louis ’18, ’20 was recognized by Time Magazine as one of its 2022 Innovative Teachers.

I always knew that I wanted to teach.
Read More About Ralph Saint-Louis 
UMass Lowell alumnus Michael Souza shakes the hand of Governor Maura Healey while another student looks on.
Michael Souza ’13, ’14 ’13, ’14
Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

Michael Souza ’13, ’14 is the go-to meteorologist at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

The university helped shape me into the scientist that I am today.
Read More About Michael Souza ’13, ’14 
Shruti Jain sits at a desk with her supervisor at University Relations, Sarah Eisenklam
Shruti Jain '19
Computer Science

Shruti Jain came to UMass Lowell for its hands-on teaching approach. She’s gotten lots of opportunities to apply what she’s learning – as well as a coveted internship with Red Hat.

Once recruiters knew that I was a student at UMass Lowell, you could just see it in their faces – they were really interested in talking to me. People know what UMass Lowell is, and it’s all really positive.
Read More About Shruti Jain