Program Overview
Introduction to the Computational Biology Major
The Computational Biology Major is a joint program offered by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Computer Science. This major is designed to prepare students to understand core principles, models, and theories in the fields of biology and computer science, and to use them strategically to solve key problems in Computational Biology.
Program Description
Graduates of the Computational Biology Major will have the skills and knowledge to pursue graduate study or careers in industry. The major is designed to be completed in 4 academic years, with specific course sequencing that cannot be changed. Students who are looking for a major that can be completed in fewer than 4 academic years may consider the BS in Biological Sciences, which is more flexible in course sequencing.
Program Requirements
All students in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences must complete General Education Requirements, which provide breadth to their education beyond training in the Biological Sciences. Additionally, all majors in the Department of Biological Sciences must complete co-requisite courses in Chemistry, Math, and Physics, which give students the scientific background to maximize their education.
Computational Biology Major Progress Tracker
The major progress tracker is a comprehensive list of the courses that Biological Sciences majors must complete to obtain the B.S. degree. Students can review the BIOSC Courses webpage for available BIOSC electives. It is the student's responsibility to track their progress through the major and general education requirements.
Comparison of Dietrich School and SCI
The following table compares the major course requirements, capstone, credits in residency, tuition, double majoring, job outlook, departmental honors, general education requirements, advising, and contact information for the Dietrich School and SCI:
| Dietrich School | SCI | |
|---|---|---|
| Major course requirements | Same - see major progress tracker above | Same - see major progress tracker above |
| Capstone | BIOSC 1640 Comp Bio Research | CS 1640 Comp Bio Software Design |
| Credits in residency | ｽ of BIOSC and CS credits earned at Pitt Pittsburgh campus | ｽ of all credits earned while an admitted SCI student |
| Tuition | Varies by school - check current rates | Varies by school - check current rates |
| Double majoring | Easiest with other A&S majors; dual degree (150 credits required) outside of A&S | Easiest with other SCI majors; dual degree (150 credits required) outside of SCI |
| Job Outlook | According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, fields where computational biologists work, including, but not limited to, Medical Scientists and Computer and Information Research Scientists, are growing faster than average | According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, fields where computational biologists work, including, but not limited to, Medical Scientists and Computer and Information Research Scientists, are growing faster than average |
| Departmental honors | Biological Sciences honors | Computer Science honors |
| General Education Requirements | Dietrich School gen eds | SCI gen eds |
| Advising | Biological Sciences Advisors | SCI Advisors |
Sample Schedule
The following is a sample schedule of how one could arrange a well-balanced curriculum for a major in Computational Biology:
Year One
- Fall Semester:
- BIOSC 0150
- CHEM 0110 (with lab)
- Elective
- Spring Semester:
- CS 0011
- BIOSC 0160
- CHEM 0120 (with lab)
- Elective
Year Two
- Fall Semester:
- BIOSC 1540
- CMPINF 0401
- GenEd
- GenEd
- Spring Semester:
- MATH 0220
- BIOSC 0350
- CS 0441
- GenEd
- Elective
Year Three
- Fall Semester:
- CHEM 0310
- CS 0445
- GenEd
- GenEd
- Elective
- Spring Semester:
- BIOSC 1542 or 1544 (spring only)
- CS 1501
- GenEd
- GenEd
- Elective
Year Four
- Fall Semester:
- BIOSC 1000
- BIOSC 1630 writ (fall only)
- STAT 1000
- GenEd
- Elective
- Spring Semester:
- BIOSC 1640 or CS 1640 (spring only)
- CS 1656
- Comp Bio Elective
- Elective
Careers
What Can I Do with a Computational Biology Major? More information coming soon!