Bioinformatics Option for Chemistry Majors

     The advent of genomics and proteomics has transformed the way biomedical research is carried out. The Human Genome Projects, for example, determined the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA. In order to effectively extract important information from this enormous amount of data, the role of computational tools in biomedical research is rapidly increasing. In both academic and industry research, therefore, there is a strong need for scientists who is equipped with computational skills as well as with chemical and biological knowledge. The proposed modification in our biochemistry program will provide a solid step stone for our biochemistry students to dive into this exciting field of biomedical research.

    The proposed, Major II, Option 3, is a modification of the existing Major II, Option 2. It is designed for our biochemistry major students interested in the burgeoning field of bioinformatics. This multi-disciplinary option will be made possible by a new teaching initiative called QuBi (Quantitative Biology), which is organized by the representatives from biology, chemistry, computer science and mathematics departments. These students will replace Biochemistry Laboratory with computational lab courses, namely, Practical Unix (CSCI 132), and Relational Database (CSCI 232).  In addition, students will be required to complete Introduction to Applied Statistics (STAT 213), Computational Molecular Biology (BIOL 425) and minimum 3 credits in the QuBi elective courses.  Among the QuBi electives, Chemical Genomics (CHEM 388) will be recommended to Option 3 students.  

    Major II, Option 3 differs from the existing Major II, Option 2 in the following three aspects.  First, CHEM 378 (Biochemistry Laboratory) will be replaced with CSCI 132, 232 (UNIX and Database Laboratory courses).  Second, Computational Molecular Biology (BIOL 425) and one semester of statistics (STAT 213) will be added as requirements.  Third, the elective requirement for Option 2, i.e., any chemistry course at the 200-level or above, will be changed to minimum 3 credits from any QuBi elective courses (CHEM 388, STAT 319, ANTHP 302 and BIOL 471).  Below is the proposed curriculum for the Major II, Option 3.