2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MS


Banner Code:  SC-MS-BCB

This degree addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained computational biologists. It combines a solid foundation in biotechnology with the computational skills required for bioinformatics. The flexibility of the degree structure permits students to custom design their curriculum under an advisor’s guidance, making the MS in bioinformatics especially relevant for students employed in today’s diverse biotechnology workplace. Students completing the program are qualified to pursue careers that require knowledge of current bioinformatics methods and the ability to develop new bioinformatics software.

Courses are generally offered in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate students with full-time employment outside the university. Students employed at area biotechnology organizations may take up to 6 credits (out of 31) for bioinformatics work done on the job, under the guidance of a faculty member. This work-related project may be applied as either a 3-credit research project or a 6-credit master’s thesis.

This program of study is offered by the School of Systems Biology in the College of Science .

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in biology, computer science, or a related field, with a GPA of at least 3.00 in their last 60 credits of study. Applicants should have taken courses in molecular biology, computer science, calculus, physical chemistry, and statistics. Students with deficiencies in one or more of these areas may be required to take additional courses from the undergraduate curriculum. To apply, prospective students should forward a completed Mason graduate application, two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, a current résumé, and an expanded goals statement to the COS Graduate Admissions Processing Center. Applicants should also include three letters of recommendation and an official report of scores obtained on the GRE-GEN exam. The GRE requirement will be waived if the student holds a master’s degree from a U.S. institution. TOEFL scores are required for all international applicants. 

Degree Requirements


Candidates must successfully complete 31 credits as follows:

Advanced bioinformatics (3 credits):


  • 3 credits of advanced bioinformatics courses numbered BINF 730 and above

Electives (12 or 9 credits):


  • 12 credits of electives in bioinformatics and computational biology, biology and biotechnology, or computational sciences, as approved by the advisor
  • Utilization of the 6-credit MS thesis option reduces the electives requirement from 12 credits to 9 credits.

Bioinformatics seminar (1 credit):


Research component (3 or 6 credits):


Students must complete either a 3-credit research project or a 6-credit MS thesis. Utilization of the 6-credit MS thesis option reduces the electives requirement from 12 credits to 9 credits.

Total: 31 credits