Michael V. Osier, Director
(585) 475-4392, mvoscl@rit.edu
http://bioinformatics.rit.edu/
Program overview
The master of science degree in bioinformatics is offered on a full- or part-time basis to fulfill the needs of traditional students and those currently employed in the field. Students develop a strong foundation in biotechnology, computer programming, computational mathematics, statistics, and database management, and are well-prepared for careers in the biotechnology, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical, and vaccine industries.
Based on consultation with individuals within the industry nationwide, the job market is rich with opportunities for those who obtain a master of science degree in bioinformatics, particularly when coupled with industry-sponsored research as thesis work. This research will provide exposure to real-world problems—and their solutions—not otherwise attainable in an academic setting.
The program provides students with the capability to enter the bioinformatics workforce and become leaders in the field. The curriculum is designed to fulfill the needs of students with diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Individuals entering an MS program in bioinformatics typically have degrees in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, statistics, computer science, information technology, or a related field. The MS program accommodates this diversity in two ways. First, a comprehensive bridge program exists for students who need to supplement their education before entering the MS program. Second, the program itself consists of two tracks, one for students with backgrounds in the life sciences and one for those with backgrounds in the computational sciences. Regardless of the track pursued, students are prepared to become professional bioinformaticists upon graduation.
Curriculum
A minimum of 45 credit hours, including seven or eight core courses, is required for completion of the program. Two tracks—computational science and life science—are outlined below. A number of professional graduate electives are available for students to pursue areas of personal or professional interest. In addition, every student is required to complete a research project that addresses a relevant and timely topic in bioinformatics, culminating in a thesis. Graduate electives may be chosen from any relevant RIT graduate courses.
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 (computational science track), MS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year |
||
| 1001-700 | Cell and Molecular Genetics I | 3 |
| 1001-701 | Cell and Molecular Genetics II | 3 |
| 4002-762 | Introduction to Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 4002-763 | Advanced Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 1001-705 | Bioinformatics Resources | 3 |
| 1001-722 | Bioinformatics Seminar | 2 |
| 1001-725 | Ethics in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| 1001-794 | Molecular Modeling and Proteomics | 4 |
| 1016-715 | Statistical Models for Bioinformatics | 4 |
| Graduate electives/Thesis | 15 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours |
45 | |
Bioinformatics (life science track), MS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year |
||
| 4002-720 | Data Object Development | 4 |
| Computer Science course to be determined with Director | ||
| 4002-762 | Introduction to Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 4002-763 | Advanced Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 1001-705 | Bioinformatics Resources | 3 |
| 1001-722 | Bioinformatics Seminar | 2 |
| 1001-725 | Ethics in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| 1001-794 | Molecular Modeling and Proteomics | 4 |
| 1016-715 | Statistical Models for Bioinformatics | 4 |
| Graduate electives/Thesis | 13 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 45 | |
Bioinformatics, MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| BIOL-635 | Bioinformatics Seminar | 3 |
| BIOL-630 | Graduate Bioinformatics Resources | 3 |
| BIOL-625 | Graduate Ethics in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| CSCI-620 | Data Exploration and Management | |
| BIOL-700 | Cell and Molecular Genetics | |
| Graduate Elective* | 3 | |
| MATH-695 | Statistical Models for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIOL-694 | Graduate Molecular Modeling and Proteomics | 3 |
| Graduate Elective* | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| BIOL-790 | Thesis | 3 |
| BIOL-790 | Thesis | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
* Any graduate level course deemed related to the field of bioinformatics by the program director.
Admission requirements
To be considered for the MS program in bioinformatics, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, information technology, statistics, or related disciplines,
- Have an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher (on a 4.0 scale),
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
- Submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and
- Complete a graduate application.
- International applicants, whose primary language is not English, are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum scores of 213 (computer-based), 570 (paper-based), or 79-80 (Internet-based) are required. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are accepted in place of the TOEFL exam. Minimum scores will vary; however, the absolute minimum score required for unconditional acceptance is 6.0-6.5. For additional information about the IELTS, please visit www.ielts.org.