COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics is a 34-unit interdisciplinary program that combines biology, computer science, and mathematics to prepare students for solving complex biological problems using computational methods. The program begins with 19 units of core coursework that build a strong foundation in bioinformatics and related fields. Students complete Bioinformatics I and II, advanced molecular techniques, graduate technical writing (which fulfills the GWAR requirement), advanced bioinformatics, and statistics for bioinformatics. These courses ensure students gain essential knowledge in biological systems, computational analysis, and data interpretation.In addition to the core, students complete 9 units of electives, with at least 6 units at the graduate level. Elective options cover a wide range of topics, including molecular biology, genetics, experimental design, programming, big data processing, data visualization, cloud computing, machine learning, database systems, and next-generation sequencing. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies toward specific interests such as genomics, data science, or computational biology.The program concludes with a 6-unit culminating experience, where students select one of three tracks: Biological Sciences, Computer Science, or Mathematics. Each track involves preparatory coursework followed by either a project or thesis, depending on the chosen path. These options allow students to focus on research, applied projects, or computational development aligned with their career goals. Overall, the 34-unit structure ensures a balanced education in biological sciences and computational techniques, preparing graduates for careers in biotechnology, healthcare, research, and academia.