Bioinformatics Data Science Core Course Requirements
Each of the Bioinformatics degrees are built on the same core curriculum.
- Bioinformatics
- Systems Biology
- Introduction to Discipline
- Programming or a life science course depending on concentration
- Database
- Biostatistics
Refer to each degree page.
Bioinformatics Data Science Electives
Bioinformatics Seminar
MS and PhD students will attend a bioinformatics seminar (BINF865) that meets weekly during the academic semesters. The BINF865 seminars will consist of student research presentations, faculty talks, alumni talks, and external speaker presentations, and will bring together students and faculty interested in the BINF research areas across campus. The seminars will broaden trainees’ exposure to relevant computational research, foster community building between faculty and trainees, and introduce the trainees to the biomedical research workforce landscape. Speakers will include leaders from academia, industry, and government organizations, as well as distinguished alumni.
Academic and Research Advisement
Students will receive academic advisement from the CBCB Associate Director. Students should meet with the Associate Director each semester for course selection by reviewing their program of study and to review their degree completion timeline. Thesis-based MS and PhD students on a research assistantship are encouraged to find a research advisor within their first year of study from the Affiliated Faculty list. The research advisor will be the primary contact for all research-related mentorship.
Grade Requirements
Only graduate courses completed with a grade of B or higher count towards the requirements of each Bioinformatics degree. Students must receive a B or higher in a required core course. Students receiving a B- or lower in a required core course are subject to dismissal from the program. However, they may file an appeal to the Bioinformatics Graduate Committee for approval to retake the course and remain in the program if the appeal is approved. Students must obtain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the courses in the curriculum to receive the degree.
Academic Load
Students enrolled in at least 9 credit hours or in sustaining credit are considered full-time students. Those enrolled for fewer than 9 credit hours are considered part-time students. Students holding research or teaching assistantships are considered full-time with 6 credit hours. Generally, a maximum load is 12 graduate credit hours; however, additional credit hours may be taken with the approval of the student’s adviser and the Graduate College. A maximum course load in either summer or winter session is 7 credit hours. Permission must be obtained from the Graduate College to carry an overload in any session.
Refer to each degree page for each degree credit requirements.
Sustaining Status
MS students who have completed their required coursework, and PhD students who have completed their required coursework and their candidacy exam, may register for Sustaining Status. The student will not register for credits, the Graduate College will register the student for sustaining status, but must pay a sustaining fee.