Master of Science in Bioinformatics
Gary Skuse, Director
(585) 475-2532, grssbi@rit.edu
http://bioinformatics.rit.edu/
The master of science degree in bioinformatics is offered on both a full- or part-time basis to fulfill the needs of traditional students, as well as those currently employed in the field. Graduates develop a strong foundation in biotechnology, computer programming, computational mathematics, statistics, and database management, and will be prepared for careers in the biotechnology, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical, and vaccine industries. For those who obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the job market is rich with opportunities.
Most of the individuals now employed in bioinformatics were not specifically trained in this field. Instead, they chose it because the shortage of people with both biology and computer science/information technology expertise offered unusual opportunities for career growth and rewards. At present, most bioinformatics employees have formal training in biology or biotechnology and only limited familiarity with computational tools.
Based on consultation with individuals within the industry nationwide, the credential most in demand in the future will be the master of science degree, particularly when coupled with industry-sponsored research as thesis work. That research will provide exposure to real-world problems—and their solutions—not otherwise attainable in an academic setting.
The objective of the program is to provide students with the capability to enter the bioinformatics workforce and become leaders in the field. This objective is being addressed through a curriculum 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, there is a comprehensive bridge program for students who need to supplement their education before entering the MS program. Second, the MS 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 will be prepared to become professional bioinformaticists upon graduation.
Admission
Individuals with baccalaureate degrees in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, information technology, statistics, or related disciplines are invited to apply. Admission decisions will be based on a composite of prerequisites, including an undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or higher, with an average of 3.4 in the field of study. Graduate Record Examination scores may be required in some cases.
English language requirement
All applicants who do not speak English as their primary language are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Applicants should have a minimum score of 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 88-89 (Internet-based).
Degree requirements
A minimum of 48 quarter credit hours, including seven core courses, is required for completion of the program. The two tracks are outlined below. A choice of professional graduate electives is available so that each student may 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.
Curriculum
| Computational science degrees | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. |
| 1001-700 Cell and Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| 1001-701 Cell and Molecular Genetics II | 3 |
| 4002-762 Introduction to Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 4002-763 Advanced Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 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 | 11 |
| 1001-890 Thesis | 10 |
| Total | 48 |
| Life science degrees | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. |
| 4003-709 Programming Language Concepts | 4 |
| 4002-720 Data Object Development | 4 |
| 4002-762 Introduction to Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 4002-763 Advanced Bioinformatics Computing | 4 |
| 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 | 11 |
| 1001-890 Thesis | 10 |
| Total | 50 |