Degree Information
Priority Admission Application Deadlines: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors
Minimum Total Hours: 36
Level: Masters
CIP Code: 26.1103
Dept Code: MED
Major/College Codes: BCB MD
Approved: 2003
Contact Information
College: Medicine
Department: Molecular Medicine
Contact Information: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors
Other Resources:
http://gradaffairs.health.usf.edu/Bioinformatics.html
The Master’s Degree Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of South Florida represents a multi-college partnership and a truly interdisciplinary collaboration. Participating departments include the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in the Morsani College of Medicine, Mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences, Computer Sciences and Engineering and the Division of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering, Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the College of Public Health and Information Systems and Decision Sciences in the College of Business Administration. The major is designed to meet the increasing demand for trained people in this emerging area, which crosses the traditional fields of biological, mathematical and computer sciences. The major, therefore, builds on and complements the current strengths of the university.
The goal of the Master’s Degree Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is to provide students enrolled in the major with high quality training and education that will prepare them for careers in science, industry, health care and education. The curriculum has been designed accordingly and provides the theoretical background, the practical training and, with the internships, the “real life” experience, which will equip students with the essential tools for a successful career in the field of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.
The Master’s Degree Program in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology is designed for 36 credit hours to be obtained during one to two years of study. Core courses will provide the foundation and basics before advanced work, including electives, and a Master’s thesis or internship will be pursued. The curriculum is flexible and will be tailored to the individual student’s background, interests and career goals. However, electives must be selected from at least two of the participating departments to assure breadth of training.
Admission Information
Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements, as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.
- Minimum grade-point average of 3.00 in the sciences
- Graduate Record Examination*
- Completed pre-requisites in:
- Calculus I-III
- Linear algebra
- Biostatistics
- At least “C” and “Maple” or “Mathematica” or “MATH-CAD”
- General biology (1 year)
- Organic chemistry (1 year)
*The GRE may be waived in special circumstances where the applicant can demonstrate substantial bioinformatics experience. This experience includes (but is not limited to) 2-3 years of research experience in academic or industrial settings working on bioinformatics analysis of biological data, or software development (preferentially in biological or bioinformatics fields), or participation in research projects leading to published papers. The decision on the waiving of GRE will be at the Graduate Director’s discretion.
Prerequisites:
Calculus I-III, linear algebra, biostatistics, at least “C” and “Maple” or “Mathematica” or “MATH-CAD”, one year of general biology and one year of organic chemistry.
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