Genomics & Bioinformatics

Professors: Heyer
Associate Professors: El Bejjani, N. Snyder
Assistant Professors: Key, D. Thurtle-Schmidt

In 1953, two young scientists published the structure of DNA, a Nobel Prize winning discovery that gave birth to the interdisciplinary field of genomics. Beginning in 1990, scientists around the world embarked upon the Human Genome Project, with the goal of determining the composition of the entire human genome. The project is now complete, but there is so much more to learn from the genome: how our bodies function, how to prevent diseases, what makes different species unique, and even how life evolved on earth.

To ensure that future scientists, physicians, and policymakers are prepared to take full advantage of the genomic revolution, the National Research Council (NRC) issued a report (Bio2010) calling upon academic institutions to alter the way undergraduates prepare for post-baccalaureate education. The genomics interdisciplinary minor fulfills NRC recommendations to provide undergraduates with a strong foundation in biological, mathematical, physical, and information sciences. The diverse academic background provided by this interdisciplinary minor in the context of a liberal arts education will help prepare students of all majors for exciting fields such as drug discovery, pharmaceutical industry, biomedical sciences, patent law, and ethics.

Bioinformatics Major

The Bioinformatics major is intended for students who want to emphasize the math and computer science side of the Genomics program.

To major in Bioinformatics, students must apply for the major through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies prior to spring break of their sophomore year. Application information can be found on the CIS website.

Prerequisites

BIO 111 or BIO 113 ,
BIO 112 or BIO 114
MAT 112
MAT 150 is recommended

Requirements

The Bioinformatics major requires 12 courses, as follows:

Three Computer Science Courses
- CSC 209 or BIO 209
- CSC 221
- CSC 321 or CSC 362 or CSC 370 or CSC 371
Four Mathematics Courses
- MAT 140
- MAT 210
- MAT 220 or CSC 220
- MAT 341 or BIO 240
Two Biology Courses
- BIO 309
- BIO 343
One Life Science Course (choose one of the following)
- BIO 201
- BIO 202
- BIO 208
- BIO 306
- BIO 333
- BIO 303 or CHE 230
- BIO 307 or CHE 351
Thesis (both courses are required)
- CIS 495 (fall)
- CIS 496 (spring)

Genomics Major

To major in Genomics, students must apply for the major through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies prior to spring break of their sophomore year. Application information can be found on the CIS website.

Prerequisites

Requirements

The Genomics major requires 12 courses, including:

Two Biology Courses
- BIO 309
- BIO 343
Two Life Science Courses (choose two of the following)
- BIO 201
- BIO 202
- BIO 208
- BIO 306
- BIO 333
- BIO 303 or CHE 230
- BIO 307 or CHE 351
Two Chemistry Courses
- CHE 250
- CHE 350
Two Computer Science Courses
- CSC 209 or BIO 209
- CSC 221
Two Mathematics Courses
- MAT 140
- BIO 240
Thesis (both courses are required)
- CIS 495 (fall)
- CIS 496 (spring)

Genomics Interdisciplinary Minor

Application Procedures

Students interested in pursuing the Genomics interdisciplinary minor should contact primary advidor Dr. Laurie Heyer as early as possible to discuss curriculum options. Those who decide to pursue the interdisciplinary minor must submit the minor declaration form to either of the primary genomics advisers no later than the last day of the spring term in their junior year. Certification of completion of all requirements for the interdisciplinary minor is made by the Registrar upon the recommendation of the Genomics Advisory Committee.

Requirements

The Genomics Interdisciplinary Minor requires six courses that meet the criteria below, with no more than two courses “double counting” for the interdisciplinary minor and a student’s major. No more than three of these six courses may have the same prefix (e.g., BIO). No more than one of these six courses can be taken pass/fail. A maximum of one transfer course credit can be applied towards the interdisciplinary minor if pre-approved by the advisors.

Three required courses

Or a pre-approved independent study or group investigation.

Three elective courses

Complete three courses from the list below or approved independent studies and group investigations. Other courses may also contribute towards the Genomics Interdisciplinary Minor with approval from the primary advisers. However, no more than two of these three courses can have the same prefix such as BIO or CSC. The purpose of this restriction is to foster additional diversity in a student’s curriculum.