Bioinformatics Program (M.S.)

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 30

Required Curriculum - 18 Credits

• BIN 501 - Introduction to Programming for Bioinformatics (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 510 - Probability and Statistics with Programming (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 520/520L - Molecular Genetics and Lab (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 521/521L - Protein Biochemistry and Lab (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 601 - Advanced Programming for Bioinformatics (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 602 - Data Mining for Bioinformatics (Cr: 3)
  

Elective - 12 Credits

Students may select either BIN680 or BIN690 but not both

• BIN 603 - Principles of Software Design and Engineering (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 610 - Advanced Statistics and Data Visualization (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 620 - Biological Sequence Analysis (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 621 - Cheminformatics and Drug Discovery (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 622 - Proteomics (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 650 - High-Throughput Screening and Image Analysis (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 651 - Biological Systems Analysis (Cr: 3)
  

• BIN 670 - Introduction to Machine Learning and Distributed Computing (Cr: 3)
  
  *Student may select BIN 680 or BIN 690 but not both

• BIN 680 - Bioinformatics Internship (Cr: 6)
  

• BIN 690 - Bioinformatics Thesis (Cr: 6)
  

Program Goals and Objectives

• To provide students with a broad understanding of the disciplines that comprise bioinformatics (biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, statistics) and the diverse functions of bioinformatics scientists.
• To provide students with in-depth knowledge of relevant biological sub-disciplines.
• To provide students with technical skills in computer programming, data acquisition and mining, research methods, and statistical analysis.
• To provide students with opportunities to enhance skills in critical thinking, problem solving, conceptualization of solutions, study design, and communication with biological and computer scientists.
• To provide students with an interdisciplinary and applied learning environment that integrates theory and real-world application.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, the student will demonstrate:​

• an ability to apply knowledge of computing, biology, statistics, and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
• an ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
• an ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs in scientific environments
• an ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for bioinformatics practice
• an ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
• an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
• an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• detailed understanding of the scientific discovery process and of the role of bioinformatics in it
• an ability to apply statistical research methods in the contexts of molecular biology, genomics, medical, and population genetics research
• in-depth knowledge of relevant areas of biology and an understanding of biological data generation techniques

View academic catalog and learning outcomes