Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
DIRECTOR: M. WARD
ASSOCIATED FACULTY: M. Ward, CS; C. Ruiz, CS; E. Ryder, BBT; Z. Wu, MA
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The undergraduate major in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at WPI will take advantage of many of the existing courses at WPI offered by the Departments of Biology & Biotechnology, Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences, and Chemistry & Biochemistry. Some additional interdisciplinary courses will be required, as well as additional faculty resources. Projects and research opportunities at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) will also be available to WPI students. The choice of course requirements for the major was informed by systematic surveys of students (to determine interest), industry (to determine job market requirements), and academia (to determine graduate program requirements). In the student survey of BB, CS, MA, and CBC majors, 45% of the more than 120 students responding expressed moderate to extreme interest in a BS in Bioinformatics. In addition to the survey information, we also examined many successful Bioinformatics programs across the country and studied their programs in detail.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology:
- Have mastered foundational studies in biology, mathematics, and computer science
- Have mastered advanced principles and techniques in at least one of the three disciplines
- Can apply computational and mathematical knowledge to the solution of biological problems
- Can communicate effectively across disciplines both verbally and in writing
- Can locate, read, and interpret primary literature in bioinformatics and computational biology
- Can formulate hypotheses or models, design experiments to test these hypotheses, and interpret experimental data
- Can function effectively as members of an interdisciplinary team
- Adhere to accepted standards of ethical and professional behavior
- Will be life-long independent learners
Program Distribution Requirements for the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Major
The distribution requirements for the BS degree in Bioinformatics consists of core courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science, several interdisciplinary courses, and a set of advanced courses primarily focused on one of three disciplines: Computer Science, Biology/Biochemistry, or Mathematics.
| REQUIREMENTS | MINIMUM UNITS |
|---|---|
| 1. Mathematics (Note 1) | 5/3 |
| 2. Computer Science (Note 2) | 4/3 |
| 3. Biology (Note 3) | 5/3 |
| 4. Chemistry (Note 4) | 4/3 |
| 5. Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Note 5) | 3/3 |
| 6. Social Implications (Note 6) | 1/3 |
| 7. Advanced disciplinary courses (Note 7) | 6/3 |
| 8. MQP | 3/3 |
NOTES:
- Mathematics must include 3/3 unit of differential and integral calculus and statistics. The additional 2/3 unit must be chosen from linear algebra, statistics, probability, calculus, and differential equations.
- Computer Science must include 2/3 unit of introductory programming and 2/3 unit of discrete math and algorithms.
- Biology must include cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and 1/3 unit BB 2000 level laboratory.
- Chemistry must include 2/3 unit of general chemistry and 2/3 unit of organic chemistry.
- Chosen from BCB interdisciplinary courses.
- Chosen from CS 3043, STS 2208, or PY 2713.
- Chosen from advanced courses in MA, CS, BB, or CH listed below. Students must complete at least one unit at the 4000-level, and at least one unit of advanced courses in one of the following areas: MA, CS, or BB/CH.
Advanced courses in MA:
MA 2431 - Mathematical Modeling with Ordinary Differential Equations
MA 3627 - Applied Statistics III
MA 3631 - Mathematical Statistics
MA 4214 - Survival Models
MA 4473 - Partial Differential Equations
MA 4631 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics I
MA 4632 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics II
Advanced courses in CS:
CS 3733 - Software Engineering
CS 3431 - Database Systems I
CS 4120 - Analysis of Algorithms
CS 4341 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CS 4432 - Database Systems II
CS 4445 - Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery in Databases
Advanced courses in BB/CH:
Any BB 3000/4000 level course or CH 4000 level Biochemistry course. Particularly relevant BB/CH courses:
BB 3140 - Evolution: Pattern and Process
BB 4550 - Advanced Cell Biology
BB 4010 - Advanced Molecular Genetics
BB/CH 4190 - Regulation of Gene Expression
CH 4110 - Biochemistry I
CH 4120 - Biochemistry II
CH 4130 - Biochemistry III
