The B.S. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (B&CB) degree is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide a firm foundation in math, scientific computing and natural sciences with advanced coursework and research in bioinformatics to provide students with the skills necessary to solve biological problems using programming and computers.
The program integrates the topics of applied mathematics, computer science and biology, thereby preparing students for specialties as diverse as genetics, proteomics, computational science, evolutionary biology, and microbiology.
The degree prepares students for graduate programs in bioinformatics or other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, as well as for immediate entry into the STEM work force. The employment outlook for graduates with skills in computer science, statistics and biology is very strong. Consistent with the University’s mission, an important impact of this program is to develop biological applications to solve societal problems, e.g. developing therapeutic targets to cure cancer or understanding the impact of climate change on biodiversity, and to promote a diverse workforce in STEM.
Total Credits Required 120
Liberal Education Curriculum (34 credits)
Refer to the Liberal Education Curriculum bulletin for specific requirements.
The Natural Sciences domain requires students to take at least one laboratory based course. Students who are not majors in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology may select biology to fulfill the science domain in Liberal Education Curriculum. The designated course for this purpose is Biology for Non-Majors (BS2100).
B&CB majors
BCB Program Requirements (82 credits)
Science Foundation Courses
29 credits, all required
- BS2400-BS2401 Basic Biology I with Lab (4 credits)
- BS2410-BS2411 Basic Biology II with Lab (4 credits)
- CP2220 Structure of Physics I (3 credits)
- MA2310 Calculus I - GE Math (4 credits)
- CS2510/CS2511 Computer Programming I&II (8 credits)
Math, Chemistry and Computer Science courses
(19 credits, all required)
- MA3030 Discrete Mathematics (4 credits)
- MA3210 Intro to Probability and Statistics (4 credits)
- CP3300 Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CS3810 Data Structures (4 credits)
- CS4550 Database Systems (4 credits)
Core Biology Requirements
(34 credits)
- BS4400/BS4460 Cell Biology or Genetics – choose 1 (4 credits)
- BS3910 Intro to Bioinformatics (4 credits)
- BS3530/BS3531 Comparative Genomics w/lab (4 credits)
- BS4440 Evolution (4 credits)
- BS5590 Advanced Research (4 credits)
- BS9990 Independent Study (2 credits)
- BS or CS Electives – two from list below (8 credits)
- BS4470 Ecology (4 credits)
- BS4474 Microbial Ecology (4 credits)
- CS4400 Artificial Intelligence (4 credits)
- Required Senior Seminar (capstone)
- BS5410/5420 Senior Seminar I and II (4 credits)
General Electives (4 credits)
Select General Electives in consultation with your Academic Advisor
NOTE: A grade of D may be accepted toward graduation in two of the required courses in Chemistry & Physics. A minimum grade of C is required for all other program courses requirements. A student can retake a program requirement only once.