COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at RIT is a structured four-year program that blends biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and statistics to prepare students for careers in data-driven life sciences, biotechnology, and research.In the first year, students build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Courses include introductory biology (organisms and molecules), general and analytical chemistry with labs, calculus, and an introduction to bioinformatics. Students also take general education writing and complete RIT’s orientation experience. This year focuses on developing core scientific understanding and early exposure to computational biology concepts.In the second year, students transition into more specialized subjects such as molecular biology, genetics, organic chemistry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. A key feature of this year is the introduction of programming for bioinformatics and bioinformatics languages, which helps students begin working with biological data computationally. Students also take ethics, global studies, and artistic perspective courses to broaden their academic development.The third year focuses on advanced computational and biological analysis. Students study fundamental bioinformatics analysis, biochemistry, database design, and ethical issues in biology and medicine. A major highlight is the High Throughput Sequencing Analysis course, which provides hands-on experience with real genomic data. Students also complete a summer biology co-op, gaining industry or research experience in a professional setting.In the fourth year, students take advanced electives such as genomics, environmental genomics, statistical analysis for bioinformatics, bioinformatics algorithms, and molecular modeling and proteomics. They also complete experiential learning requirements and general education immersion courses while customizing their studies with electives. These final courses emphasize advanced data analysis, computational modeling, and applied biological research.Overall, the program totals 120 credit hours and is designed to develop strong skills in programming, data analysis, molecular biology, and statistical reasoning. Graduates are well prepared for careers in bioinformatics, biotechnology, healthcare research, pharmaceuticals, or for advanced graduate study in computational biology and related fields.The Bachelor of Science in Biology at RIT is a four-year program that builds a strong foundation in biological sciences along with chemistry, mathematics, and physics while allowing students to explore specialized interests through electives and research experiences. In the first year, students study introductory biology covering organisms, ecosystems, molecules, and cells along with general and analytical chemistry, laboratory work, applied calculus, writing, and general education courses, which help develop core scientific knowledge and academic skills. In the second year, students progress into molecular biology, cell biology, and organic chemistry with lab work, along with statistics and a choice between ecology or evolutionary biology, while also completing ethics and global perspective courses, and they gain real-world exposure through their first biology co-op experience. In the third year, students take physics courses and advanced biology electives such as genetics, population genetics, physiology, or developmental biology, allowing them to deepen their understanding of biological systems while strengthening analytical and experimental skills. In the fourth year, students focus on advanced electives and immersion courses, continuing to customize their academic path based on their interests and career goals, and they complete additional electives along with an experiential learning requirement in life science. Overall, the program totals 122 credit hours and combines classroom learning, laboratory work, research opportunities, and practical experience to prepare students for careers in healthcare, environmental science, biotechnology, research, or further graduate and professional studies such as medical, veterinary, or dental school.