Program Overview

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Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Bachelor of Science Degree

Overview

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Bachelor of Science Degree

In this dynamic bioinformatics BS, biology and computing combine to analyze big data collected by the health industry to discover, diagnose, and treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Why Study Bioinformatics at RIT?

• Gain Hands-on Experience: Sequence and annotate whole genomes of a variety of organisms using the Illumina MiSeq in the Genomics Lab.
• Industry Work Experience: Bioinformatics students gain career exposure and hands-on experience through a required co-op experience.
• Jobs at Industry Leading Companies: Recent bioinformatics graduates are employed at the Cleveland Clinic, Newport Labs, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
• A 100% Outcomes Rate: Bioinformatics graduates jump into a number of exciting careers immediately after graduation. They utilize their analytical and computational skills to solve real-world problems.
• Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising Program: Receive personalized guidance to become a competitive candidate for admission to medical schools and graduate programs in the health professions.
• Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Available: Earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s in less time and with a cost savings, giving you a competitive advantage in your field.
• STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.

RIT’s Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Bachelor of Science Degree

The RIT bioinformatics BS includes laboratory exercises and assignments in which you’ll learn to sequence DNA and use computer programs to analyze DNA sequences and predict molecular models. You will also gain critical skills employers look for, including:

• Fundamental training/knowledge in molecular biology, biochemistry and biotechnology, particularly genomics and relational database administration
• Programming skills, such as the ability to use SQL, PERL, C, C++, etc. on a UNIX operating system
• Strong analytical abilities using relevant mathematical/statistical tools
• A strong interest in utilizing computational skills to leverage the data outcomes of those working in the laboratory
• The ability to multitask and meticulously perform the same task repetitively, while working independently

Bioinformatics Careers

Bioinformatics has become essential to the biological sciences. In the past, laboratories were able to manage and analyze their experimental data in spreadsheets. Many research labs now require the expertise of dedicated bioinformatics core centers or their own in-house bioinformaticists. Our bioinformatics and computational biology BS graduates have entered such laboratories, both in industry and academia, as bioinformaticists. Some have also leveraged their biotechnology experiences as wet lab experimentalists themselves. The diversity of skills our students cultivate has given them access to a wide range of career choices.

Furthering Your Education in Bioinformatics

Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS/Bioinformatics MS: This unique accelerated dual-degree in bioinformatics prepares graduates for high-paying careers at the intersection of data science, computation, and biology. Your undergraduate curriculum will be a mix of wet-bench laboratory, computational workshop experiences, and coursework that provide the programming, math, and biology skills needed to understand and analyze large biological data sets such as next-generation sequencing data. You’ll apply that knowledge to a real-world work environment during a paid co-op experience. The flexible MS degree will provide further research opportunities with close mentorship in areas like cancer research, evolutionary biology, and drug design. With two degrees and real work experience, you’ll be ready for a variety of exciting careers at great companies like Moderna, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and the Cleveland Clinic.
• +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising

RIT’s Office of Pre-Health Advising offers an advising program that’s open to all majors and provides personal, individualized academic counseling to help you create a comprehensive long-term strategy to assist you in building successful applications to medical, dental, and veterinary schools or graduate degrees in the health professions (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc.). Our pre-health advisors will have in-depth conversations with you around critical topics that include academic planning and course selection, MCAT and other admission exams, undergraduate research opportunities, clinical experiences and field work, timelines, and much more. Learn more about pre-med/pre-health advising.

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

• Bioinformatics Analyst
• Biomedical Researcher
• Biostatistician
• Computational Biologist
• Geneticist
• Research Technician
• Laboratory Technician
• Software Programmer
• Technical Support Specialist

Industries

• Biotech and Life Sciences
• Medical Devices
• Pharmaceuticals
• Health Care

Cooperative Education

What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries.

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Science co-ops include a range of hands-on experiences, from co-ops and internships and work in labs to undergraduate research and clinical experience in health care settings. These opportunities provide the hands-on experience that enables you to apply your scientific, math, and health care knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

Students in the bioinformatics and computational biology degree are required to complete one cooperative education experience.

National Labs Career Events and Recruiting

The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education offers National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers from all research areas and sponsoring agencies a variety of options to connect with and recruit students. Students connect with employer partners to gather information on their laboratories and explore co-op, internship, research, and full-time opportunities. These national labs focus on scientific discovery, clean energy development, national security, technology advancements, and more. Recruiting events include our university-wide Fall Career Fair, on-campus and virtual interviews, information sessions, 1:1 networking with lab representatives, and a National Labs Resume Book available to all labs.

Curriculum

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, BS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • BIOL-123: Introduction to Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education)
  • BIOL-124: Introduction to Biology: Molecules and Cells (General Education)
  • BIOL-125: Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education)
  • BIOL-126: Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Molecules and Cells (General Education)
  • BIOL-130: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • CHMG-141: General & Analytical Chemistry I (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
  • CHMG-142: General & Analytical Chemistry II (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective)
  • CHMG-145: General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
  • CHMG-146: General & Analytical Chemistry II Lab (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective)
  • MATH-181: Calculus I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
  • MATH-182: Calculus II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
  • YOPS-10: RIT 365: RIT Connections
  • General Education – First-Year Writing (WI)
• Second Year
  • BIOL-135: Introduction to Bioinformatics Programming
  • BIOL-206: Molecular Biology
  • BIOL-216: Molecular Biology Laboratory
  • BIOL-230: Bioinformatics Languages
  • BIOL-321: Genetics
  • CHMO-231: Organic Chemistry I (General Education)
  • CHMO-235: Organic Chemistry Lab I (General Education)
  • MATH-190: Discrete Mathematics for Computing (General Education)
  • STAT-145: Introduction to Statistics I (General Education)
  • General Education – Artistic Perspective
  • General Education – Ethical Perspective
  • General Education – Global Perspective
• Third Year
  • BIOL-296: Ethical Issues in Biology and Medicine
  • BIOL-327: Fundamental Bioinformatics Analysis
  • BIOL-499: Biology Co-op (summer)
  • BIOL-550: High Throughput Sequencing Analysis (WI-PR)
  • CHMB-402: Biochemistry I
  • ISTE-230: Introduction to Database and Data Modeling
  • General Education – Social Perspective
  • General Education – Immersion 1, 2
  • Open Elective
  • Program Elective
• Fourth Year
  • BIOL-340: Genomics
  • BIOL-470: Statistical Analysis for Bioinformatics
  • BIOL-500: Experiential Learning Requirement in Life Sciences
  • BIOL-530: Bioinformatics Algorithms
  • BIOL-594: Molecular Modeling and Proteomics
  • General Education – Immersion 3
  • General Education – Elective
  • Open Electives

Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees

• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, BS/Bioinformatics, MS degree, typical course sequence
  • First Year
    • BIOL-123: Introduction to Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education)
    • BIOL-124: Introduction to Biology: Molecules and Cells (General Education)
    • BIOL-125: Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education)
    • BIOL-126: Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Molecules and Cells (General Education)
    • BIOL-130: Introduction to Bioinformatics
    • CHMG-141: General & Analytical Chemistry I (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
    • CHMG-142: General & Analytical Chemistry II (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective)
    • CHMG-145: General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
    • CHMG-146: General & Analytical Chemistry II Lab (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective)
    • MATH-181: Calculus I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
    • MATH-182: Calculus II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
    • YOPS-10: RIT 365: RIT Connections
    • General Education – First-Year Writing (WI)
  • Second Year
    • BIOL-135: Introduction to Bioinformatics Programming
    • BIOL-206: Molecular Biology
    • BIOL-216: Molecular Biology Laboratory
    • BIOL-230: Bioinformatics Languages
    • BIOL-321: Genetics
    • CHMO-231: Organic Chemistry I (General Education)
    • CHMO-235: Organic Chemistry Lab I (General Education)
    • MATH-190: Discrete Mathematics for Computing (General Education)
    • STAT-145: Introduction to Statistics I (General Education)
    • General Education – Artistic Perspective
    • General Education – Ethical Perspective
    • General Education – Global Perspective
  • Third Year
    • BIOL-296: Ethical Issues in Biology and Medicine
    • BIOL-327: Fundamental Bioinformatics Analysis
    • BIOL-499: Biology Co-op (summer)
    • BIOL-550: High Throughput Sequencing Analysis (WI-PR)
    • CHMB-402: Biochemistry I
    • ISTE-230: Introduction to Database and Data Modeling
    • General Education – Social Perspective
    • General Education – Immersion 1, 2
    • Open Elective
    • Program Elective
  • Fourth Year
    • BIOL-340: Genomics
    • BIOL-470: Statistical Analysis for Bioinformatics
    • BIOL-500: Experiential Learning Requirement in Life Sciences
    • BIOL-630: Bioinformatics Algorithms
    • BIOL-694: Molecular Modeling and Proteomics
    • Open Electives
    • General Education – Immersion 3
    • General Education – Elective
  • Fifth Year
    • BIOL-625: Ethics in Bioinformatics
    • BIOL-635: Bioinformatics Seminar
    • BIOL-672: Computational Statistics and Data Science Methods
    • BIOL-790: Research and Thesis
    • Graduate Program Electives
    • General Education – Immersion 3
    • General Education – Elective

Admissions and Financial Aid

First-Year Admission

First-year applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background that includes:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of social studies and/or history
• 3 years of mathematics is required and must include algebra, geometry, and algebra 2/trigonometry. Pre-calculus isrecommended.
• 2-3 years of science is required and must include biologyand chemistry.

Transfer Admission

Transfer applicants should meet these minimum degree-specific requirements:

• A minimum of college algebra is required. Pre-calculus or calculus ispreferred.
• Chemistry and biology are required.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.

Faculty

• Gregory Babbitt
• Elle Barnes
• Feng Cui
• Michael Osier
• Elena Lopez Peredo
• Stefan Schulze
• Crista Wadsworth

Research

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Many students join research labs and can engage in research projects starting as early as their first year. Participation in undergraduate bioinformatics research leads to the development of real-world lab techniques, enhanced problem-solving skills, and broader career opportunities. Our students have opportunities to travel to national conferences for presentations and also become contributing authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts. Explore the variety of life science undergraduate research happening at RIT.

Facilities

• Confocal Microscopy Lab
• Bioinformatics Epicenter

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