Computer Science and Biology

Program Overview

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The joint major in Computer Science and Biology equips students with a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines, emphasizing molecular biology, computational skills, and their interconnected applications. Through a combination of coursework, research projects, and seminars, graduates gain the knowledge and abilities to pursue multidisciplinary careers in fields such as computational genomics, bioinformatics, and computational neuroscience. The program prepares students for employment in research institutions, biotechnology companies, and other organizations that leverage both computer science and biology.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The joint major in Computer Science and Biology provides students with a comprehensive foundation in both disciplines, enabling them to understand the intricacies of their interconnected applications.
The program emphasizes molecular biology, computational and mathematical skills, preparing graduates for multidisciplinary careers in fields such as computational genomics, bioinformatics, computational neuroscience, biomodelling, and computational anatomy.
• Objectives:
• Gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of biology, with a focus on molecular biology.
• Develop computational and mathematical skills for managing, analyzing, and modeling large biological datasets.
• Appreciate the interplay between computer science and biology and their joint applications.
• Acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for pursuing a multidisciplinary career in fields that leverage both computer science and biology.

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Outline:

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Computer Science Courses:

• Introductory Computer Science: Object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, complexity analysis.
• Data Structures and Algorithms: Advanced data structures, algorithm design and analysis techniques.
• Computer Architecture: Hardware organization, instruction set architecture, memory management.
• Operating Systems: Principles of operating systems, process management, memory management, file systems.
• Software Engineering: Software design, development, testing, and maintenance.
• Biochemistry: Chemical reactions in living organisms, metabolism, enzyme catalysis.
• Cell Biology: Cell structure, function, and regulation.
• Genetics: Principles of inheritance, gene mapping, genetic disorders.

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Integrative Courses:

• Joint Independent Studies Course (3 credits): Students work on a research project that integrates concepts from both computer science and biology.
• Seminar (1 credit): Students present their research findings and discuss current topics in computer science and biology.

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Assessment:

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Coursework:

• Assignments (problem sets, coding exercises, lab reports)
• Midterm exams
• Final exams

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Projects:

• Joint Independent Studies Course project

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Other:

• Class participation
• Presentation skills

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, tutorials, labs, research projects, seminars.
• Faculty: Interdisciplinary team of computer science and biology professors.
• Unique Approaches:
• Joint Independent Studies Course:
Provides students with hands-on experience in integrating concepts from both disciplines.
• Seminar: Encourages students to present their research findings and engage in critical discussions.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Computational Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Computational Neuroscience
• Biomodelling
• Computational Anatomy
• Opportunities:
• Employment in research institutions, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and software development firms.
• Further education in graduate programs in computer science, biology, or related fields.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in multidisciplinary careers that leverage both computer science and biology.