This standard Sc.B. concentration in computational biology is designed to provide a sound pedagogical foundation for the field that is at the intersection of computer science, biology, and related disciplines; additional targets are medical diagnostics, therapeutics, and pharmacology. Problems of molecular biology are practically insolvable without sophisticated use of computers. The core of this concentration is designed to provide a balanced background for the field; the tracks are designed to differentiate among a number of professions with distinct expertise and skills. The Department of Computer Science, the Division of Biology and Medicine, and the Department of Chemistry each appoint a concentration advisor.
Assuming the prerequisites are satisfied, the concentration requires 16 courses, including four track courses and one course for the senior project.
MA 9 and 10 or 17, and BI 20, or equivalents.
1. Physics: PH 3 and 4, or PH 5 and 6
2. Chemistry: A complete three-course sequence in organic chemistry through CH 36
4. Computer Science: CS 15,16 or CS 17,18; plus CS 22 and CS 181.
Students enrolled in the computational biology concentration must complete a research project in their senior year under faculty supervision. The themes of such projects evolve with the field and the technology, but should represent a synthesis of the various specialties of the program. A minimum of one semester of independent study is required (such as BI 195 or CS 193/4), although many students may conduct a full year of independent study.
Advanced Placement uniformly may be used to satisfy any of the above listed requirements, except for the CS courses.
To be a candidate for honors, a student must complete a senior thesis (as the conclusion of his or her capstone experience) that is judged to be outstanding by the faculty member supervising the work.
Students choose one of the following three tracks and take three or four courses within the chosen track. The current concentration advisors associated with each track are listed below.
This track is designed for students whose interests lie in the development of high-quality software (tools and systems) for biological applications. Students must take CS 31, either CS 32 or 36, and two among the following: CS 123, 127, 141, 157, and a suitable course in statistics. Current concentration advisor: Professor Franco P. Preparata (Department of Computer Science).
This track is designed for students who wish to gain competence in the field of molecular modeling and drug design. Students shall take CH 121 (Molecular Modeling) and three additional courses, normally CH 115 (Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics), an advanced biochemistry course (either CH 123, CH 124, or BI 127), and a biology course including but not limited to BI 53 (Immunology), BI 126 (Physiological Pharmacology), or BI 154 (Molecular Genetics). The specific courses for this track should form a coherent theme related to the independent study and are to be approved by the concentration advisor (currently Professor J. William Suggs, Department of Chemistry) in consultation with the independent study advisor.
This track is designed for students whose interests lean more towards biological questions. Students shall take four courses comprising a coherent theme (e.g., biochemistry, ecology, evolution, genetics, neurobiology). The courses are to be approved by the concentration advisor (currently Professor David Rand, Division of Biology and Medicine).
Page last updated in April, 2006.