Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Major

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Program of Study
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science

Program Distribution Requirements for the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Major

The distribution requirements for the BS degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology consist of a series of interdisciplinary courses in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, foundational courses in Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences, Biology, and Chemistry, and a set of more advanced elective courses selected primarily from the three supporting disciplines: Computer Science, Mathematical Sciencxes, and/or Biology/Life Sciences.

 

CourseUnits
BCB Courses2/3
MA Foundation5/3
CS Foundation4/3
BB Foundation5/3
CH Foundation4/3
Social Implications/Ethics/Policy1/3
Electives6/3
MQP3/3
Total30/3

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Minimum 2/3 Units)

Chosen from BCB interdisciplinary courses.

500-level BCB courses may also be used to satisfy this requirement. Please refer to the WPI Graduate Catalog for course details. 

Students may not receive credit for both BCB 4001 and BCB 501.

Students may not receive credit for both BCB 4004 and BCB 504.

Mathematics Foundation (Minimum 5/3 Units)

Mathematics must include 2/3 unit of differential and integral calculus, 1/3 unit of linear algebra, and 1/3 unit of statistics. The remaining 1/3 unit can be chosen from statistics, probability, calculus, and differential equations.

Computer Science Foundation (Minimum 4/3 Units)

Computer Science must include 2/3 unit of introductory programming (one 1000-level and one 2000-level introductory programming course from the list below) and 2/3 unit of discrete mathematics and algorithms.

Biology Foundation (Minimum 5/3 Units)

Biology must include 1/3 unit foundational biology courses for life science majors (BB 1101 or BB 1102), 1/3 unit cell biology or genetics, and 1/3 total units BB 2000-level laboratory. The remaining 2/3 units may be BB lecture (non-laboratory) courses chosen from the list below, or any BB lecture course at the 3000 level or higher. 

Chemistry Foundation (Minimum 4/3 Units)

Chemistry must include 2/3 unit of general chemistry and 1/3 unit of organic chemistry. Additional chemistry may be chosen from general chemistry, organic chemistry, or biochemistry. 

Ethics/Social Implications/Policy (Minimum 1/3 Units)

Advanced Elective Courses (Minimum 6/3 Units)

Advanced electives courses supporting Bioinformatics and Computational Biology may be chosen from any of the courses listed below. Must include at least 3/3 of courses that are most related to BCB.

Item #
Title
Units
Minimum Units
1/3

Bioinformatics MQP (3/3 Units)

Bioinformatics MQP (3/3 Units) must have an MQP faculty advisor who has a formal collaborative appointment in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program. 

Overall Requirements

  • Students must complete at least 4/3 units of courses at the 4000 level for the BCB major overall.
  • No course may be used to fulfill two requirements. For instance, BCB 4001 may fulfill the BCB requirement or the Advanced Elective requirement, but not both.
  • Students may not receive credit for both BCB 4001 and BCB 501.
  • Students may not receive credit for both BCB 4004 and BCB 504.