Program Overview

Computational Biology

Computational biology involves the analysis and discovery of biological phenomena using computational tools, and the algorithmic design and analysis of such tools.

Degree Type

• A.B.
• Sc.B.

Center

• Center for Computational Molecular Biology

CIP Code

• 26.1104

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) was developed by the U.S. Department of Education to categorize educational programs in the U.S. for a variety of reporting purposes. Each program at Brown is assigned a CIP code that best matches its academic curriculum.

Current STEM Eligible CIP Codes

Related Academic Areas

• Center for Computational Molecular Biology
  • Departments in the Program in Biology

Computational Biology Description

Computational biology involves the analysis and discovery of biological phenomena using computational tools, and the algorithmic design and analysis of such tools. The field is widely defined and includes foundations in computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, anatomy, neuroscience, and visualization.

Students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. Students pursuing the ScB have the option of electing a concentration in Computational Biology with one of three focus areas: Computer Sciences, Biological Sciences, or Applied Mathematics & Statistics. Both programs require a senior capstone experience that pairs students and faculty in creative research collaborations.

Computational Biology Concentration Requirements

• List of requirements
• Honors website

Student Goals

Students in this concentration will:

• Develop a broad foundation in biological sciences, applied mathematics, and statistics
• Understand the history and evolution of the study of the human genome
• Acquire advanced computational skills
• Learn how to formulate a scientific question related to statistical genomics
• Collaborate with a faculty member on a research-based senior capstone experience

Tracks

• Applied Mathematics and Statistics
• Biological Sciences
• Computer Science

Department Undergraduate Group (DUG)

Student Leaders: Luke Nguyen, Dixi Han, Ashley Xu

Graduating Class

Alumni Pathways

Alumni with degrees in Computational Biology have gone on to careers in management consulting, Bioinformatics and Quantitative Biology research, medicine, and in health technology fields.

What are Computational Biology concentrators doing… ...in their first year after graduation...5 and 10 years after graduation

Advisors

• Jeffrey Bailey
• Emilia Huerta-Sanchez
• Sorin Istrail
• Erica Larschan
• Sohini Ramachandran
• Ritambhara Singh
• Daniel Weinreich

Director of Undergraduate Studies

• Sorin Istrail