Bioinformatics, often referred to as Genomics, is one of the most rapidly growing fields of biotechnology. It emphasizes the integration of basic and applied research in gene mapping, molecular cloning, large-scale restriction mapping, and DNA sequencing and computational analysis. "Bioinformatics is emerging as the white-hot field. For pharmas and biotechnology companies, scientists able to interpret the data revealed by sequencing efforts have become as rare as ego-free professors have. In the absence of formal degree-granting courses in the subject, companies seek scientists with strong backgrounds in both life science and computer science." "Bioinformatics is central. You can't do large scale biology research without having a bioinformatics facility." "The challenge is to find people with interest and enthusiasm who can span the worlds of basic sciences and computer science."

 

Bioinformatics - (From list of top 15 hot jobs) - Structural biology, computational chemistry, mathemataics and a love of computing combine in one of the most difficult to fill positions of them all.

Two Paths: Below are listed two alternatives: Computer science BA, for those who want to emphasize programming skills, and a computer science minor with information systems courses for those who wish to emphasize computer management skills.

 

BA BCMB
BA Computer Science

(Bioinformatics Careers)

 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Year 1

 

Bio 1 or 11 = 4
Chem 1 /3= 4
FYS = 3
CS 65 = 3
Math 54 = 3
=17 cr hrs

 

Bio 2 or 12 = 4
Chem 2/4 =4
Gen Ed Electives = 6
CS 66 = 3

=17 cr hrs
 Year 2

 

Organic107/109 =4
Science Writing = 4
Calc 50 = 4
Gen Ed Electives = 3
Genetics = 3
= 17 cr hrs
 Organic 108/110 = 4
Lin Alg 80 = 3
CS 73 = 3
Gen Ed Electives = 6
BCMB Prof Dev = 3
= 16 hrs
Year 3 Biochem with lab = 4
CS 130 = 3
Statistics = 3
Gen Ed Electives = 6
=16 hrs
Adv Biochem with lab = 4
CS 137 = 3
CS 135 = 3
Molecular Biology = 4
Gen Ed Electives = 3
= 17 hrs
Year 4
Adv CS Classes = 6 Journ 105 = 3
Cell Biology = 4
BCMB Research = 3
= 16 cr hrs
Advanced CS classes = 6
Gen Ed electives = 3
Electives=3
Structural Biology = 3
=15 cr hrs

Recommended Advanced Classes: Math Modeling (Math 147); Artif Intell (Math 143); Software Engin (Math 195); IS 101, 151, 160

 

Information Systems Emphasis Option