Bioinformatics

About the Degree

Bioinformatics is the theory, application and development of computing tools to solve problems and create hypotheses in all areas of biological sciences. Biology in the post-genome world has been and continues to be transformed from a largely laboratory-based science to one that integrates experimental and information science. Bioinformatics has contributed to advances in biology by providing tools that handle datasets too large and/or complex for manual analysis. Examples of some of these tools include assembling the DNA sequence of entire genomes, gene finding algorithms, microarray expression analysis, molecular systems modeling, and biomarker discovery from mass spectra. Computational tools are central to the organization, analysis and harvesting of biological data at the level of macromolecules, cells and systems. Consequently, there is a growing need for trained professionals who understand the languages of biology and computer science. Biologists trained in more traditional programs may not have a working knowledge of statistics and algorithms, whereas computer scientists trained in more traditional programs may not have a working knowledge of the chemistry and biology required in the field.

The Undergraduate Bioinformatics Degree Program at the University of Pittsburgh, which is operated jointly by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Computer Science, program offers training that builds a solid foundation in chemistry, biology, computer science, mathematics and statistics. This training will enable students to communicate fluently with experts across these disciplines, and to have the skills necessary to apply computing tools to address contemporary problems in biology and medicine. The training will enhance the professional opportunities for undergraduates to pursue careers in pure or applied research in academia, government, pharmaceutical, medical, or biotechnology sectors.

Advising and Registration

A student in the Bioinformatics track will seek advising and registration through two departments. More information is available through Bioinformatics Advising.

Major Requirements

Core Level Courses (42 units)

BIOSC 0150 Foundations of Biology 1 (3 credits)
BIOSC 0160 Foundations of Biology 2 (3 credits)
BIOSC 0350 Genetics (3 credits)
BIOSC 1810 Macromolecular Structure & Function (3 credits)

CHEM 0310 Organic Chemistry 1 (3 credits)*
CHEM 0320 Organic Chemistry 2 (3 credits)

MATH 0220 Analytical Geometry & Calculus 1 (4 credits)
STAT 1000 Applied Statistical Methods (4 credits)
STAT 1221 Applied Regression (3 credits)

CS 0401 Intermediate Programming using JAVA (4credits)**
CS 0445 Data Structures (3 credits)
CS 0441 Discrete Structures for CS (3 credits)
CS 1501 Algorithm Implementation (3 credits)

*General Chemistry 0110 and 0120 are prerequisites to taking CHEM 0310.

**Students without a background in programming will be encouraged to take Introduction to Programming CS 0007 prior to taking CS 0401.

Upper Level Courses (22 units)

BIOSC 1540 Computational Biology (3 credits)
BIOSC/CS 1640 Bioinformatics Software Design (3 credits)

Undergraduate Research and Seminars (4 credits)

(12 units) to be chosen from an approved list of courses in Statistics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences and/or Computer Science. With the approval of the Bioinformatics Program Committee, the student may take other electives in other departments.

Approved Course Electives

Biological Sciences:

Biosc 1820 Metabolic Pathways and Regulation (3 credits)
Biosc 1830 Biochemistry Laboratory (3 credits)
Biosc 1940 Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Biosc 1950 Molecular Genetics Laboratory (2 credits)
Biosc 1500 Cell Biology (3 credits)
Biosc 1903 Undergraduate Research (2 credits)
Biosc 1545 The Mathematics of Biology

Chemistry:

CHEM 1410 Physical Chemistry 1 (3 credits)
CHEM 1420 Physical Chemistry 2 (3 credits)
CHEM 0250 Intro Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
CHEM 1710 Undergraduate Research (2 credits)

Computer Science:

CS 1510 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
CS 1515 Scientific Computation
CS 1520 Programming Languages for Web Applications
CS 1555 Database Management Systems
CS 1566 Computer Graphics
CS 1571 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CS 1645 Introduction to High Performance Computing Systems
CS 1950 Directed Study (2 credits)

Statistics:

STAT 1301 Statistical Packages (3 credits)
STAT 1311 Applied Multivariate Analysis (3 credits)
STAT 1321 Applied Time Series (3 credits)
STAT 1902 Directed Study (2 credits)

General Requirements

Capstone experience:

Prior to graduation, all Bioinformatics majors must satisfy the Capstone Experience requirements through the new Bioinformatics course and/or Undergraduate Research

Restrictions:

Bioinformatics majors who have completed CS 0401 may not enroll in CS 0004, CS 0007 or CS 0110.

Writing (W) requirement:

Students must complete at least one W-course in the major.

Grade requirements:

A grade of C or better is required in each of the Core Level and Upper Level Bioinformatics major courses that are to count toward the major (which also satisfies the A&S requirement of a minimum GPA of 2.0 in major courses).

Satisfactory/No Credit option:

No Bioinformatics major courses may be taken on an S/NC basis.

Related area:

Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the Bioinformatics major does not require a related area.

Honors major requirements

Honors in Bioinformatics is granted if, in addition to fulfilling all requirements for the major, the student:

1. Three semesters (3 x 2 credits) or the equivalent (summer counts as a semester equivalent) of undergraduate research together with a written honors thesis presented in the last semester of the senior year.
2. Maintains a GPA of 3.5 or above in all Bioinformatics major courses
3. Maintains an overall GPA of 3.25 or above