The Professional Science Master's (PSM) program with a specialization in Biological Data Analytics is a graduate degree program that was designed in coordination with leaders in the biotechnology industries in order to ensure that students will have the scientific, business, and communication skills required to be competitive for jobs in these industries. Students will develop skills that will allow them to analyze data from genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies to find statistically relevant information, while interfacing with biologists in data interpretation and experimental design.
The PSM in Natural Sciences, Biological Data Analytics Specialization is an affiliated Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree. Affiliation is administered by the Commission on Affiliation of PSM Programs (formerly named PSM National Office) to ensure a strong and distinctive PSM brand. The PSM is designed for students who are seeking a graduate degree in science or mathematics and understand the need for developing workplace skills valued by top employers.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Describe how quantitative biological data are generated;
- Computationally analyze large biological data sets;
- Analytically interpret results; and
- Integrate the above aspects into a business setting.
Effective Fall 2021
Because this program is intended to serve students with a wide range of backgrounds, each student must work with an advisor to determine an appropriate selection of courses.
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 500 | Foundations for Business Impact | 2 |
| DSCI 510 | Linux as a Computational Platform | 1 |
| DSCI 511 | Genomics Data Analysis in Python | 2 |
| NSCI 693C | Graduate Seminar: Biological Data Analytics | 1 |
| Select one course from the following: | 1-3 | |
| Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry | ||
| Legal and Ethical Environment of Business | ||
| Science and Ethics | ||
| Ethical Conduct of Research | ||
| Ethical Issues in Big Data Research | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | |
| R Programming for Research | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | ||
| Select a minimum of 3 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Nucleic Acids for Non-Life Scientists | ||
| Protein Basics for NonBiologists | ||
| RNA Biology | ||
| Total Credits | 13-17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| DSCI 512 | RNA-Sequencing Data Analysis | 1 |
| MGT 340 | Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| NSCI 693C | Graduate Seminar: Biological Data Analytics | 1 |
| NSCI 696F | Group Study: Biological Data Analytics Project Proposal | 6 |
| Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| RNA Biology | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Biostatistical Methods for Quantitative Data | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | ||
| Electives (select from the list below with approval of advisor)2 | 4-10 | |
| Total Credits | 21-29 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 40 | |
A minimum of 40 credits are required to complete this program.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Math/Computational Electives: | ||
| Quantitative Biochemistry | ||
CS 548/STAT 548 | ||
| Topological Data Analysis | ||
| Mathematical Modeling of Large Data Sets | ||
| Statistics Electives: | ||
| SAS and Epidemiologic Data Management | ||
| Mass Spectrometry Omics-Methods and Analysis | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | ||
| Science Electives: | ||
| Principles of Macromolecular Structure | ||
| Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | ||
| Gene Expression | ||
| RNA Biology | ||
| Next Generation Sequencing Platform/Libraries | ||
| Functional Genomics | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Business Electives: | ||
| Leadership and Social Responsibility | ||
MGT 450 | ||
| Communications Electives: | ||
| STEM Communication | ||
- 1
BC 563 is generally required in either the first or second year, but may be waived if the student has sufficient prior coursework.
- 2
Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 40 credits. Students are required to take elective courses from at least 2 of the 5 categories. Electives may be taken in the first or second year with the approval of advisor.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |