Career and Academic Paths

An undergraduate degree in bioinformatics and computational biology from UMBC provides students with an excellent background for employment in industry, academics, government or for graduate studies in the areas of bioinformatics, biology, computational biology or molecular biology.

For specific requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog of the institution they are interested in attending.

Academic Advising

Bioinformatics and computational biology majors who have not yet completed their gateway requirements will be advised by the undergraduate academic advisor for life sciences (see the description of degree requirements for details regarding the gateway). Subsequently, they will be assigned to one of the full-time faculty for advising. Students are required to see their advisors at least once each semester. Academic progress is monitored through graduation.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

The Department of Biological Sciences is currently conducting a review of its undergraduate programs. Students should be aware that this may result in changes to the bioinformatics and computational biology curriculum. These changes may go into effect as early as Fall 2009.
Students are encouraged to consult the Biological Sciences Department’s publications (including the departmental Web site,
www.umbc.edu/biosci) in order to obtain up-to-date information on major requirements and course offerings.

Gateway Requirements

BIOL 100
BIOL 302
CHEM 101
CHEM 102
CMSC 201
MATH 151

A. Biology [21]

BIOL 100
Concepts of Biology
BIOL 100L
Concepts of
Biology Laboratory
BIOL 302
Molecular and
General Genetics
BIOL 303
Cell Biology

BIOL 302L
Molecular AND General
Genetics Laboratory
OR
BIOL 303L
Cell Biology Laboratory

BIOL 430
Biological Chemistry
BIOL 495
Seminar in Bioinformatics

B. Chemistry [16]

CHEM 101
Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 102
Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 102L
Introductory Chemistry
Laboratory I
CHEM 351
Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 352
Organic Chemistry II

C. Computer Science [18]

CMSC 201
Computer Science I
for Majors
CMSC 202
Computer Science II
for Majors
CMSC 203
Discrete Structures
CMSC 341
Data Structures
CMSC 461
Database-Management Systems

D. Mathematics and Statistics [15]

MATH 151
Calculus I
MATH 152
Calculus II
MATH 221
Linear Algebra
STAT 355
Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers

E. Physics [8]

PHYS 121
Introductory Physics I
PHYS 122
Introductory Physics II

F. Required Electives [9-12]

Honors ProgramHonors Program

Bioinformatics and computational biology majors who have completed the following requirements will be eligible to enter the Biological Sciences Departmental Honors Program. The following courses, or acceptable transfer equivalents thereof, will have been completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.5: BIOL 100, 100L, 302, 303, 302L or 303L; CHEM 101, 102, 102L, 351; MATH 151 and STAT 355. Additionally, the student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major and 3.25 overall.

This program, in addition to the regular requirements for the major, includes the following nine credits of coursework:

BIOL 499H
Honors Independent
Research
(Two semesters for a minimum total of six credits)
BIOL 497H
Honors Capstone
One semester

Special Opportunities

Talented upper-class undergraduates committed to performing quality independent research are encouraged to apply for a variety of research opportunities offered by UMBC’s outstanding faculty. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, student research assistants work on their own lab research projects and help their mentors with important research. These unique, intensive experiences allow students to sharpen their critical thinking skills, learn how to write and read scientific papers, and expand their scientific understanding of computational biology concepts.

Tutorial Center

Bioinformatics students are invited to use the facilities of the Biological Sciences Tutorial Center, located in room 011 of the Biological Sciences Building. The center has 12 computer workstations for student use and two work- stations for faculty. The center is open for students to study in groups and to access course Web pages and other information on the Web. Tutors are available for the biology core courses (Concepts of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Molecular and General Genetics, Cell Biology, Plant Biology and Animal Physiology).

Student Organizations

Biology Council of Majors (BIO/COM)

All bioinformatics majors are welcome to join the Biology Council of Majors (BIO/COM). This very active student organization strives to “promote the achievement of the professional ambitions of its members and to serve as a means of social contact among them.”

There are also on-campus clubs for students pursuing various health-related professions.