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| Master of Science (MS) in Bioinformatics |
| Scope of study |
The Masters degree assures that the student meets the breadth requirement for the graduate program in bioinformatics. While an integral research aspect is incorporated into the Masters degree, the degree is primarily course oriented and focused around four core areas: bioinformatics, biostatistics, information and computer sciences, and life sciences.
Additionally, students will take a one-credit-hour bioinformatics seminar each semester (for four credits) and participate in a research lab rotation in each of the four core areas (1/2 credit hour each spread over their first two semesters for a total of two credits).
While totalling forty credit hours*, students entering with graduate coursework in a core area may be able to waive one or more courses in a core.
In the Bioinformatics core, the three required courses are (Note: the second digit of the course number indicates the number of credit hours):
- BINF 5445 Bioinformatics Theory and Applications
An overview of concepts central tot he study and application of bioinformatics, drawing upon the fields of biostatistics, computer and information science, and the life sciences.
- BINF 7295: Practical Topics in Science Management
This course is a survey of relevant, non-technical topics like project management, bioethics, grantsmanship, technical writing, and communication skills with an emphasis on bioinformatics.
- BINF 8445 Bioinformatics Masters Capstone Project
A significant, semester-long, individual project under the guidance of a project mentor. This project is designed as a master's capstone project which will bring together the learning gained in the coursework of all four cores.
The focus on research is hopefully evident in this program. Students will gain their first exposure to research during their Year One research lab rotations which will be followed by their capstone project in their second year. In addition, students who intend to pursue a doctorate degree in bioinformatics post-Masters have a unique opportunity to use the MS lab rotations and MS capstone project to make significant progress on their dissertation topic if they are able to focus on an appropriate topic early in their graduate studies.
* Approximately 34 total credits of coursework in 10 courses, 4 total credits of seminar over 4 semesters, and 2 total credits for 4 research lab rotations over 2 semesters |
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