At the intersection of biology and computer science, bioinformatics is the study of applying computational tools to collect and analyze complex biological data such as genomic sequences.
A minor in Bioinformatics will give students interested in biology a foundation in programming that will complement their biology backgrounds. In addition to programming, students will take basic courses in statistics and machine learning, leading up to coursework in bioinformatics.
Please contact a department advisor for more information.
Learning Objectives
Students successfully completing this program will be able to:
- Retrieve and use genomics and protein data.
- Perform computational analysis of biological data using existing software, informed by an algorithmic understanding of those tools.
- Write custom programs to complement existing software.
- Use bioinformatics databases and resources such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and Uniprot.
Effective Fall 2023
Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.
Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.
A minimum grade of a C (2.000) is required in all courses required for the minor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BZ 360 | Bioinformatics and Genomics | 4 |
| CS 220 | Discrete Structures and their Applications | 4 |
| CS 345 | Machine Learning Foundations and Practice | 3 |
| CS 425 | Introduction to Bioinformatics Algorithms | 4 |
| Select one course from the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus for Biological Scientists I (GT-MA1) | ||
| Mathematics for Computational Science I (GT-MA1) | ||
| Calculus for Physical Scientists I (GT-MA1) | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 2-3 | |
| Culture and Coding: Python (GT-AH3) | ||
| Python for STEM | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Principles of Animal Biology (GT-SC2) | ||
| Principles of Plant Biology (GT-SC1) | ||
| Attributes of Living Systems (GT-SC1) | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 2-4 | |
| CS1---No Prior Programming Experience | ||
| CS1--Computational Thinking with Java | ||
| Data Wrangling | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods | ||
| Introduction to Communications Principles | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | ||
| Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 29-33 | |