Students pursuing the M.S. degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) must complete a minimum of 30 credits of relevant work at the graduate level. These 30 credits must include a 9 credit M.S. thesis or 3 credit internship as described below. Coursework requirements include competency in each of the areas of biology, computer science, mathematics, and interdisciplinary studies in bioinformatics / computational biology, as well as elective courses and an ethics course.
The M.S. degree requirements have been designed to provide a comprehensive yet flexible program to students who are pursuing an M.S. degree exclusively, students who are pursuing a combined B.S./M.S. degree, and students who are pursuing a combined M.S. / Ph.D. degree.
Upon acceptance to the M.S. program, students will be assigned an academic advisor. In consultation with the academic advisor, the student must prepare a Plan of Study outlining the selections that the student will make to satisfy the M.S. degree requirements. This Plan of Study must then be approved by the BCB Graduate Committee, which consists of faculty members affiliated with the Program.
A student in the M.S. program must complete one of the following two options: MS thesis or internship. If desired, a student could complete a thesis and also include an internship as one of their elective courses.
Credit Requirements for MS Thesis option
MS Thesis
The thesis, consisting of a research or development project, must be advised or co-advised by a faculty member affiliated with the BCB Program. At the initiation of the thesis, in consultation with their advisor(s), students must choose another BCB-affiliated faculty member to approve the thesis topic and agree to be a reader. Theses are typically carried out over at least two semesters. At the conclusion of the thesis project, students submit their thesis document to their advisor(s) and reader and present their work at a seminar. Students funded by a teaching or research assistantship must complete the thesis option.
BCB Interdisciplinary Courses
6 credits selected from the following Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdisciplinary courses:
Life Science course(s)
3 Credits selected from the following Life Science graduate courses:
CS course(s)
3 credits selected from the following Computer Science graduate courses:
(Note: Students cannot receive credit for both CS5084 and CS584.)
MA course(s)
3 credits selected from the following Mathematics graduate courses:
Electives 3-6 Credits
3-6 credits selected from any of the courses on the lists above (BCB, Life Science, CS, or MA)
OR an internship (3 credits maximum for the degree):
Other graduate courses, graduate research credits, or ISGs may be used with prior approval of the Program’s Graduate Committee.
Ethics 0-3
0-3 credits selected from the following graduate courses
Credit Requirements for MS Internship option
MS Internship
A 3 credit research or practice-oriented internship. The internship is carried out in cooperation with a sponsoring organization or affiliated research lab, and must be approved and overseen by a faculty member affiliated with the BCB Program. At the conclusion of the internship, students submit a short report to their advisor and a BCB-affiliated faculty member reader and present their work at a seminar.
BCB Interdisciplinary courses
6 credits selected from the following Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdisciplinary courses:
Life Science course(s)
3 Credits selected from the following Biology & Biotechnology, and Chemistry & Biochemistry graduate courses:
CS course(s)
3 credits selected from the following Computer Science graduate courses:
(Note: Students cannot receive credit for both CS5084 and CS584.)
MA course(s)
3 credits selected from the following Mathematics graduate courses:
Electives 9-12 Credits
9-12 credits selected from any of the courses on the list above (BCB, Life Science, CS, or MA)
Other graduate courses, graduate research credits, or ISGs may be used with prior approval of the Program’s Graduate Committee.
Ethics 0-3
0-3 credits selected from the following graduate courses