Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) is offered jointly by the Departments of Mathematical Sciences and Molecular and Cell Biology. This program will combine coursework from the disciplines of biology, computer science and mathematical sciences. The BCB program seeks to answer the demand for a new breed of scientist who has a fundamental understanding of the fields of biology, mathematics, statistics and computer science. With this interdisciplinary training, these scientists will be well-prepared to meet the demands and challenges that will continue to arise in the biotechnology arena.

Faculty from both Mathematical Sciences (MMS) and Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) will participate in the Bioinofrmatics and Computational Biology program, with the Mathematical Sciences Department serving as the administrative unit. Both programs will participate in advising students.

For the Master's degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, beginning students are expected to have completed multivariate calculus, linear algebra, two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, two semesters of general physics, programming in C/C++, and two semesters of biology.

Core Courses:

• BIO 5410 Biochemistry
• BIO 5420 Molecular Biology
• BIO 5381 Genomics
• STAT 5351 Probability and Statistics I
• STAT 5352 Probability and Statistics II
• MATH 6341 Bioinformatics

Additional Core Courses for the Computational Biology track:

• MATH 6313 Numerical Analysis
• MATH 6343 Computational Biology
• MATH 6345 Mathemical Methods in Medicine & Biology

Additional Core Courses for the Bioinformatics track:

• CS 5333 Discrete Structures
• CS 5343 Algorythm Analysis and Data Structures
• 6360 Database Design

Electives:

A minimum of seven semester credit hours of elective, approved by the student's adviser. Typically, electives are 6000- and 7000- level courses in mathematical sciences, biology or computer science. Courses from other disciplines may also be used upon approval.

Contact mdab@utdallas.edu