2016-2017 University Catalog
Bioinformatics Management, Professional Science Master's
|
|
Banner Code: SC-MSP-BNFM
College: College of Science
Department: School of Systems Biology
 The School of Systems Biology offers a Professional Science Master’s degree (PSM) in Bioinformatics Management. This degree addresses the growing demand for trained bioinformatics professionals with solid management skills able to assume leadership roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and health care sectors. The flexible degree structure allows students to custom design a curriculum that best suits their needs and allows a focus on the biological big data analysis, genomics, or bioinformatics software development and management. Students will receive advanced training in bioinformatics and management through coursework and an external internship. The curriculum was developed with active input from the Program Advisory Board consisting of recognized leaders in the field. Many courses are offered in a distance-learning format, allowing students to participate in class without having to travel to campus.
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 submit the Mason Graduate Application, supply two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, a current résumé, and an expanded goals statement. Applicants should also include three letters of recommendation and official scores obtained on the GRE general exam. The GRE requirement will be waived if the student holds a master’s degree from a U.S. institution. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required of all international applicants.
|
Degree Requirements
Due to the varied course options and their associated prerequisites, students are encouraged to create a program of study with their faculty advisor by the end of their first semester of studies.
Bioinformatics Courses (15 credits)
Required courses include:
Bioinformatics Course Options
Choose two from the following courses or other BINF-prefixed courses in consultation with the faculty advisor:
Professional Skills Courses (7 credits)
Please note: MBA-prefixed courses are offered on an alternative semester schedule (view the Schedule of Classes for details). Considering this, it may be advisable to take these courses in one semester rather than over several.
Required courses include:
Professional Skills Course Options
Choose one course from the following that hasn’t previously been taken:
Scientific Electives (6 credits)
Choose 6 credits in courses that haven’t previously been taken, tailored to suit interests and goals in consultation with the faculty advisor. Close attention should be paid to each course’s prerequisites. Course suggestions by interest area include:
Synthetic and Systems Biology
Human Health and Personal Genomics
Software Development and Analysis
Colloquium
If chosen, it is recommended that students take the colloquium course early in their studies so that they may be exposed to various possibilities and areas of research presented by the speakers.
Additional Internship Experience
Please note that the maximum amount of internship credits that can be applied to the degree is 6 credits.
Internship (3 credits)
The internship component is intended to provide students with the opportunity to put into practice all of the skills and knowledge accumulated throughout their studies in this program. Students must arrange an internship with a private company, a governmental agency, a non-governmental organization, or some other entity with an interest in bioinformatics and management. Students must identify a specific person within that outside entity who will be the contact and manager of the internship.
Internship credit is never given for work previously done, or for work that would have been done in any case due to an existing employment relationship.
The internship work must produce one or more products such as: a comprehensive report, a departmental presentation, a research project, or an article. Internship placement and product type must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor.
Further details and procedures for completing the internship can be found with the faculty advisor.
|
Print-Friendly Page
