Programs - Graduate

M.S. Computer Science Bio/cheminformatics Option

ScD Computer Science Bio/cheminformatics Option
 

M.S. Computer Science Bio/cheminformatics Option
Students are admitted through the existing M.S. Program in Computer Science at UMass Lowell and fulfill its requirements as their major area of study. Students will receive an M.S. in Computer Science with an option in Bio/Cheminformatics.

Admissions Criteria and Requirements
Applicants for admission to the Master of Science Program with a Bio/Cheminformatics option typically have an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related discipline such as mathematics, physics, biochemistry or engineering. Students wishing to enroll in the Master's program in Computer Science with Bio/Cheminformatics option must demonstrate competency in the knowledge areas listed below. Competency in these areas is usually demonstrated by producing a transcript of previous academic experience which contains related courses passed with a B or better, or by earning a B or better in the courses listed below. Competency in the biology and chemistry area may be demonstrated by successfully passing a CLEP exam. Additional information regarding these exams may be obtained at the CollegeBoard website. The following are the knowledge areas in which competency must be demonstrated:

The following are the Core Courses required for all students pursuing the M.S. in Computer Science  (check with Graduate School website for schedule times)

Total 9 Credits      

Course Pairs:

The following course pairs are selected from the approved list of Computer Science pairs, these courses have been chosen because they complement the goals of the bio/cheminformatics option. 
 

Total 12 Credits (Two pairs of courses from the approved list of CS pairs.)         

Electives

Total 9 credits

Three additional courses will be taken from the list of approved bio/cheminformatics approved courses. The list below is for example only and it  includes the current approved courses. This list will be updated as new courses are added to the program.    

Although Organic Chemistry is not required as a prerequisite, some of the courses offered as part of this degree rely on knowledge of this subject.

Students should be aware that the above courses may only be used toward the Bio/Cheminformatics option.  If the entire requirements of the option are not completed then these courses cannot be applied in isolation toward the M.S. in Computer Science.

Program Total: 30 credits  (assuming prerequisites have been filled)

An optional master's thesis can be substituted for at most 6 credits, and may be used to substitute for one pair of related courses.

Application forms and additional information may be obtained at the Graduate School website.

If you require further assistance, please, do not hesitate to contact Prof. Georges Grinstein or any other faculty member.
 

Doctor of Science Degree, Computer Science, Bio/cheminformatics Option
Students who are interested in pursuing the Bioinformatics option within the Doctor of Science Degree in the Department of Computer Science are admitted through the Computer Science Department and must adhere to the department's Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures along with Graduate School requirements.

ScD Candidacy Requirements
In addition to acceptance into the program, in order to be admitted to candidacy, a student must:

Complete the degree requirements for the MS in CS (Bio/cheminformatics option)

Pass the departmental qualifying exams which may include the addition of a fourth qualifying exam in an area covering Bio/Cheminformatics.

ScD Course Requirements

   Major and Minor Area Courses:  (12 credits, 4 courses)

The major and minor area course requirements for the ScD. degree are in addition to the Masters degree.  The primary purpose of these major and minor courses is to provide breadth of knowledge. Therefore, students are encouraged to select courses from a variety of areas which for Bioinformatics students will help build a high level of biomedical computing expertise.  Database I is required for all Doctorate students in the Bio/Cheminformatics option.  This course may be taken as one of a course pair (or prior to a student’s matriculation in the program).

   Electives (Bio/Cheminformatics Courses, 6 credits, 2 courses)

Bio/cheminformatics students are required to take 2 courses (6 credits) in the approved Bio/Cheminformatics elective list.  These courses will be in addition to the three courses (9 credits) taken at the Master’s Degree level. These electives will be chosen under the direction of an advisor, from the approved list of courses.

Total Course Credits:  18

Dissertation
IThe dissertation will be supervised by faculty from the Computer Science Department along with appropriate multidisciplinary faculty (which may include Biological Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Chemistry). 

ScD Thesis:  24

Program total:  42 credits

Sample Program

91.541 Data Visualization (or Algorithm 1)

91.580 Computational Methods in Molecular Biology or (Data Mining or AI)

91.504 Algorithms 2

91.553 Parallel Processing

84.551 Biochemistry 2

84.570 Advanced Protein Chemistry

(This sample program presumes that student has taken Database I)

Students should be aware that the above courses may only be used toward the Bio/Cheminformatics option.  If the entire requirements of the option are not completed then these courses cannot be applied in isolation toward the degree in Computer Science.

Application forms and additional information may be obtained at the Graduate School website.

If you require further assistance, please, do not hesitate to contact  Prof. Georges Grinstein.

Contact us - University of Massachusetts Lowell
Introduction - Programs - Research - Calendar - Publications - Personnel

Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics
This is an Official Page/Publication of the University of Massachusetts Lowell