What's Computational & Systems Biology?

The Major is designed primarily for highly motivated students interested in interdisciplinary activities in life sciences, behavioral sciences, and the computational, control, communication and information branches of engineering and computer sciences. Primary emphasis is on integrative computational and systems biology studies.

The Premajor consists of a broad foundation in basic sciences - chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics, plus an introduction to computer science.

The Major itself provides foundations in math modeling, simulation, computational and information analysis, with emphasis on quantitative ideas, integrative systems concepts and methodologies. Mathematical, computational and other analytical skills are central to the Major.

Students have several options for in-depth studies: a coherent integration of courses selected from one of five designated concentrations in Systems Biology, Bioinformatics, Neurosystems, Biomedical Systems or Computer Systems; or from the broader concentration areas of life sciences, behavioral sciences, engineering and applied mathematical sciences, or an integration of courses from these areas