Semester Requirements
http://www.bioinformatics.rit.edu/
Program overview
Bioinformatics represents the marriage of biotechnology and the computing sciences. Bioinformaticists use computers to analyze, organize, and visualize biological data in ways that increase our understanding of this data and lead to new discoveries. Graduates are well-qualified for many rewarding careers, including those in bioinformatics software development, biomedical research, biotechnology, comparative genomics, genomics, molecular imaging, pharmaceutical research and development, proteomics, and vaccine development.
The bioinformatics major was developed by faculty in the departments of biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and statistics, and information technology, with the guidance from leaders in the bioinformatics and biotechnology industries. The major meets the needs of prospective employers in this challenging and rapidly changing field.
Cooperative education
The major requires the completion of one cooperative education experience, where students participate in applied bioinformatics, using current technologies to gain a practical perspective. More than 65 organizations in industry, government, and academia employ our students in full-time paid positions. Co-op positions can be completed during the summer and/or the academic year. No tuition is charged for co-op participation. If a student elects to pursue co-op during the academic year, they may need to extend the date of graduation beyond the traditional four years.
Bioinformatics, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| BIOL-121 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL-130 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CSCI-141 | Introduction to Computer Problem Solving | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First Year Seminar† | 3 | |
| BIOL-122 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
| CSCI-142 | Computer Problem Solving with Software Structures | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 2: First Year Writing | 3 | |
| MATH-161 | LAS Perspective 7A: Applied Calculus | 4 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| BIOL-201 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 1, 2, 3 | 9 | |
| MATH-190 | LAS Perspective 7B: Discrete Math | 3 |
| CHMG-141 | LAS Perspective 5: General and Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMG-145 | LAS Perspective 5: General and Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CSCI-243 | The Mechanics of Programming | 3 |
| BIOL-321 | Genetics | 3 |
| STAT-145 | Introduction to Statistics I | 3 |
| CHMG-142 | LAS Perspective 6: General and Analytical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMG-146 | LAS Perspective 6: General and Analytical Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| Third Year | ||
| CSCI-251 | Concepts of Parallel and Distributed Systems | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 4 | 3 | |
| BIOL-330 | Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHMO-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMO-235 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| ISTE-230 | Introduction to Database and Data Modeling | 3 |
| BIOL-450 | Genetic Engineering (WI) | 5 |
| BIOL-230 | Bioinformatics Languages | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| BIOL-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| BIOL-425 | Ethics in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BIOL-340 | Genomics | 3 |
| STAT-295 | Statistical Analysis for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIOL-430 | Bioinformatics Resources | 3 |
| BIOL-494 | Molecular Modeling and Proteomics | 3 |
| CHMB-403 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 2, 3 | 6 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 122 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two Wellness courses.
† The First Year Seminar requirement is replaced by an LAS Elective for the 2013-14 academic year.
Accelerated dual degree option
The BS program may be combined with the MS program in bioinformatics, allowing undergraduate students to acquire both degrees in as few as five years. Undergraduate students with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 may apply to the bioinformatics committee for entry before the completion of their third year of study. Students in the dual degree option are required to take graduate-level courses during their fourth year and complete an approved master's thesis during their final year of study.
Bioinformatics, BS/MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| BIOL-121 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL-130 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CSCI-141 | Introduction to Computer Problem Solving | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First Year Seminar† | 3 | |
| BIOL-122 | Introduction to Biology II | 4 |
| CSCI-141 | Computer Problem Solving with Software Structures | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 2: First Year Writing | 3 | |
| MATH-161 | Applied Calculus | 4 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| BIOL-201 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 1 | 3 | |
| MATH-190 | Discrete Math | 3 |
| CHMG-141 | General and Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMG-145 | General and Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CSCI-243 | The Mechanics of Programming | 3 |
| BIOL-321 | Genetics | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 2 | 3 | |
| STAT-145 | Introduction to Statistics I | 3 |
| CHMG-142 | General and Analytical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMG-146 | General and Analytical Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| Program Elective | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| CSCI-251 | Concepts of Parallel and Distribution Systems | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 3, 4 | 6 | |
| BIOL-330 | Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHMO-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMO-232 | Organic Chemistry Lab 1 | 1 |
| ISTE-230 | Introduction to Databases and DM | 3 |
| BIOL-450 | Genetic Engineering (WI) | 5 |
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | |
| BIOL-230 | Bioinformatics Languages | 3 |
| Program Elective | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BIOL-340 | Genomics | 3 |
| STAT-195 | Statistical Analysis for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 2, 3 | 6 | |
| BIOL-794 | Graduate Molecular Modeling and Proteomics | 3 |
| CHMG-403 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| Fifth Year | ||
| BIOL-725 | Graduate Ethics in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIOL-635 | Bioinformatics Seminar | 3 |
| BIOL-730 | Graduate Bioinformatics Resources | 3 |
| MATH-695 | Statistical Models for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| Graduate Electives‡ | 9 | |
| BIOL-790 | Thesis | 9 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 122 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum-Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) in the Graduation Requirements section of this bulletin for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two Wellness courses.
† The First Year Seminar requirement is replaced by an LAS Elective for the 2013-14 academic year.
‡ Graduate electives may be any graduate-level course related to the field of bioinformatics. Consult academic advisers for assistance in course selection.
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Click to view program requirements in the Quarter Calendar
Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.
Program overview
Bioinformatics represents the marriage of biotechnology and the computing sciences. Bioinformaticists use computers to analyze, organize, and visualize biological data in ways that increase our understanding of this data and lead to new discoveries. Graduates are well-qualified for many rewarding careers, including those in bioinformatics software development, biomedical research, biotechnology, comparative genomics, genomics, molecular imaging, pharmaceutical research and development, proteomics, and vaccine development.
The bioinformatics program was developed by faculty in the departments of biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and statistics, and information technology, with the guidance of individuals in the bioinformatics and biotechnology industries. The program meets the needs of prospective employers in this challenging and rapidly changing field.
Cooperative education
The program requires the completion of one cooperative education experience, where students participate in applied bioinformatics, using current technologies to gain a practical perspective. More than 65 organizations in industry, government, and academia employ our students in full-time paid positions. Co-op positions can be completed during the summer and/or the academic year. No tuition is charged for co-op participation. If a student elects to pursue co-op during the academic year, they may need to extend the date of graduation beyond the traditional four years.
Semester conversion
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. Each program and its associated courses have been sent to the New York State Department of Education for approval of the semester plan. For reference, the following charts illustrate the typical course sequence for this program in both quarters and semesters. Students should consult their academic advisers with questions regarding planning and course selection.
Bioinformatics, BS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1001-200 | Freshman Symposium | 1 |
| 1001-251, 252, 253 | Introduction to Biology I, II, III | 12 |
| 1001-265 | Unix Under the Hood | 2 |
| 1001-260 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 2 |
| 4003-241 | Problem-Based Introduction to Computer Science | 4 |
| 4003-242 | Data Structure Problem Solving | 4 |
| 1016-281, 282 | Calculus I, II | 8 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| 1001-311 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| 1001-350 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| 1001-493 | Bioinformatics | 4 |
| 4003-243 | Object-Oriented Programming | 4 |
| 1011-215, 216 | General and Analytical Chemistry I, II | 7 |
| 1011-205, 206 | Chemical Principles Lab I, II | 2 |
| 1016-265, 366 | Discrete Math I, II | 8 |
| 1016-319 | Data Analysis | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Third and Fourth Years | ||
| 1001-404 | Introduction to Microbiology | 4 |
| 4002-462 | Introduction to Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 1001-450 | Genetic Engineering | 5 |
| 1001-421 | Genetics | 4 |
| 1001-492 | Genomics | 4 |
| 1001-494 | Molecular Modeling and Proteomics | 4 |
| 4002-563 | Functional and Translational Bioinformatics | 4 |
| 4003-531 | Parallel Computing I | 4 |
| 1009-502 | Biochemistry: Conformation and Dynamics | 3 |
| 1013-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| 1013-235 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| 1009-503 | Biochemistry: Metabolism | 3 |
| 4002-360 | Introduction to Databases and Data Modeling | 4 |
| 4003-334 | Computer Science IV | 4 |
| 1016-415 | Statistical Analysis for Bioinformatics | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| University-wide Electives | 18 | |
| 1001-499 | Cooperative Education | Co-op |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 182 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
Bioinformatics, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| BIOL-121 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL-130 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CSCI-141 | Introdution to Computer Problem Solving | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First-Year Seminar | 3 | |
| BIOL-122 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
| CSCI-142 | Computer Problem Solving with Software Structures | 4 |
| ENGL-150 | LAS Foundation 2: Writing Seminar | 3 |
| MATH-161 | LAS Perspective 7A: Applied Calculus | 4 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| BIOL-201 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 1, 2, 3 | 9 | |
| MATH-190 | LAS Perspective 7B: Discrete Math | 3 |
| CHMG-141 | LAS Perspective 5: General and Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMG-145 | LAS Perspective 5: General and Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CSCI-243 | The Mechanics of Programming | 3 |
| BIOL-321 | Genetics | 3 |
| STAT-145 | Introduction to Statistics I | 3 |
| CHMG-142 | LAS Perspective 6: General and Analytical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMG-146 | LAS Perspective 6: General and Analytical Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| Third Year | ||
| CSCI-251 | Concepts of Parallel and Distributed Systems | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 4 | 3 | |
| BIOL-330 | Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHMO-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMO-235 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| ISTE-230 | Introduction to Database and Data Modeling | 3 |
| BIOL-450 | Genetic Engineering (WI) | 5 |
| BIOL-230 | Bioinformatics Languages | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| BIOL-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| BIOL-425 | Ethics in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BIOL-340 | Genomics | 3 |
| STAT-295 | Statistical Analysis for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIOL-430 | Bioinformatics Resources | 3 |
| BIOL-494 | Molecular Modeling and Proteomics | 3 |
| CHMB-403 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 2, 3 | 6 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 122 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
Accelerated dual degree option
The BS program may be combined with the MS program in bioinformatics, allowing undergraduate students to acquire both degrees in as few as five years. Undergraduate students with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 may apply to the bioinformatics committee for entry before the completion of their third year of study. Students in the combined option are required to take graduate-level courses during their fourth year and complete an approved MS thesis during their final year of study.
Bioinformatics, BS/MS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1001-200 | Freshman Symposium | 1 |
| 1001-251, 252, 253 | Introduction to Biology I, II, III | 12 |
| 1001-265 | Unix Under the Hood | 2 |
| 1001-260 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 2 |
| 4003-241 | Problem-Based Introduction to Computer Science | 4 |
| 4003-242 | Data Structure Problem Solving | 4 |
| 1016-281, 282 | Calculus I, II | 8 |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| 1001-311 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| 1001-350 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| 1001-493 | Bioinformatics | 4 |
| 4003-243 | Object-Oriented Programming | 4 |
| 1011-215, 216 | General and Analytical Chemistry I, II | 7 |
| 1011-205, 206 | Chemical Principles Lab I, II | 2 |
| 1016-265, 366 | Discrete Math I, II | 8 |
| 1016-319 | Data Analysis | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| University-wide Elective | 4 | |
| Third Year | ||
| 1001-404 | Introduction to Microbiology | 4 |
| 4002-462 | Introduction to Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 1001-450 | Genetic Engineering | 5 |
| 4002-563 | Functional and Translational Bioinformatics | 4 |
| 4002-360 | Introduction to Databases and Data Modeling | 4 |
| 1013-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| 1013-235 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| 1016-415 | Statistical Analysis for Bioinformatics | 4 |
| 4003-334 | Computer Science 4 | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| University-wide Electives | 8 | |
| 1001-499 | Cooperative Education | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1001-421 | Genetics | 4 |
| 1001-492 | Genomics | 4 |
| 1001-725 | Ethics in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| 1001-494 | Molecular Modeling and Proteomics | 4 |
| 4005-735 | Parallel Computing I | 4 |
| 1009-702, 703, 704 | Biochemistry I, II, III | 9 |
| Liberal Arts* | 4 | |
| University-wide Electives | 8 | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 2 | |
| 1001-759 | Advanced Database Topics | |
| 1001-722 | Bioinformatics Seminar | |
| 1001-890 | Thesis | 10 |
| Graduate Electives‡ | 22 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 223 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡ Graduate electives may be comprised of any graduate-level course in biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics and statistics, computer science, information technology, or business. These courses provide flexibility so that students can pursue a course of study consistent with their personal interests and professional goals.
Bioinformatics, BS/MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| BIOL-121 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL-130 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CSCI-141 | Introdution to Computer Problem Solving | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First Year Seminar | 3 | |
| BIOL-122 | Introduction to Biology II | 4 |
| CSCI-141 | Computer Problem Solving with Software Structures | 4 |
| ENGL-150 | LAS Foundation 2: Writing Seminar | 3 |
| MATH-161 | Applied Calculus | 4 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| BIOL-201 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 1 | 3 | |
| MATH-190 | Discrete Math | 3 |
| CHMG-141 | General and Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMG-145 | General and Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CSCI-243 | The Mechanics of Programming | 3 |
| BIOL-321 | Genetics | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 2 | 3 | |
| STAT-145 | Introduction to Statistics I | 3 |
| CHMG-142 | General and Analytical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMG-146 | General and Analytical Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| Program Elective | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| CSCI-251 | Concepts of Parallel and Distribution Systems | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 3, 4 | 6 | |
| BIOL-330 | Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHMO-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMO-232 | Organic Chemistry Lab 1 | 1 |
| ISTE-230 | Introduction to Databases and DM | 3 |
| BIOL-450 | Genetic Engineering (WI) | 5 |
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | |
| BIOL-230 | Bioinformatics Languages | 3 |
| Program Elective | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BIOL-340 | Genomics | 3 |
| STAT-195 | Statistical Analysis for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 2, 3 | 6 | |
| BIOL-794 | Graduate Molecular Modeling and Proteomics | 3 |
| CHMG-403 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| Fifth Year | ||
| BIOL-725 | Graduate Ethics in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIOL-635 | Bioinformatics Seminar | 3 |
| BIOL-730 | Graduate Bioinformatics Resources | 3 |
| MATH-695 | Statistical Models for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| Graduate Electives* | 9 | |
| BIOL-790 | Thesis | 9 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 122 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum-Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) in the Graduation Requirements section of this bulletin for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
† Gradaute electives may be any graduate-level course related to the field of bioinformtics. Consult adademic advisers for assistance in course selection.