Admission requirements:
The Bioinformatics degree requires training in the concepts, methods and techniques covered in mathematics, computer science and engineering programs in the area of biological and biomedical sciences. Individuals with backgrounds in any one of these areas (biological and medical sciences, computing, math, statistics or engineering) can be trained to use the skills or knowledge to apply modern computer and mathematical techniques in biomedical science studies. The critical requirements for the success of this training is exposure to the biological principals, strategies and research problems requiring this interdisciplinary approach. The admission, curriculum, and program requirements reflect this special need.
Requirements for admission include:
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Basic understanding of one of the life sciences and/or computer science, mathematics or engineering.
- Basic Biology or Chemistry: For sufficient preparation in Biology and Chemistry for a Biochemistry or Biochemical course carrying graduate credit, it is suggested that you have:
- At least TWO (2) semesters of Biology and TWO (2) semesters of Organic Chemistry OR
- ONE (1) semester of Biology could suffice, and the second semester of Organic Chemistry and the first semester of Biochemistry could be concurrent.
- Data Structures or programming: Sufficient preparation in computer science courses carrying graduate credit. This would be "general" programming and a course on Data Structures. This usually corresponds to two semesters of Computer Science at the undergraduate level, but check with your instructors to see if the courses you have taken fit this description.
- One semester of calculus
- For international students: a minimum TOEFL score of 250 (600 on paper-based or 85 on internet=based).
- Competitive GRE scores, at least in the 50th percentile in the verbal and quantitative sections.
- Evidence of quality academic performance, including undergraduate GPA and relevant work experience.
