The Bioinformatics Undergraduate Program
Advances in biotechnology allow us to probe and assay thousands of biomolecules simultaneously. The wealth of information produced must be analyzed using computation, creating a demand for computational biologists, who are trained in biology, mathematics, chemistry, and computer sciences. Bioinformatics will have a tremendous impact upon our understanding of cellular functions, protein structure and design, evolutionary biology, regulatory networks, and the molecular basis of disease. An interdisciplinary undergraduate major leading to B.S. degrees with a major or specialization in bioinformatics was created in Fall 2001. This major is designed to provide career opportunities for B.S. graduates, as well as opportunities for future advanced training at the graduate level. Students graduating from this program are in great demand at top graduate schools, medical school, and industry.
Admissions
Students wishing to pursue a study in bioinformatics may select from majors offered by the School of Biological Sciences, the Department of Bioengineering, and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. A major in bioinformatics is available within each of the listed departments and divisions. All participating departments have a substantially common curriculum, but each has its own emphasis through its electives, and there are some differences in the core requirements.