Admission to Program
Because bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary program of study, students will be advised to take prerequisite courses in any areas where they do not have the necessary background. For example, introductory courses in calculus, statistics, biochemistry, and molecular genetics are important foundational courses considered necessary for acceptance to this program.
After completing 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, students my apply to the Double Dawgs pathway. Upon acceptance to the pathway, students may take up to 12 credit hours in approved graduate-level courses prior to formal admission into the graduate program. Students who meet the eligibility requirements specified below should arrange to meet with either the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology undergraduate coordinator or the Double Dawgs pathway advisor and should also meet with the Institute of Bioinformatics graduate coordinator early in the semester to discuss program feasibility and to be advised on coursework options.
To be eligible for the BCMB B.S./Bioinformatics M.S. (non-thesis) Double Dawgs pathway, students must:
• Have completed at least 60 credit hours before the start of their junior year.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 at the time they apply to the Double Dawgs pathway.
A 3.5 GPA is required to apply to the pathway and the student must maintain a 3.2 GPA thereafter. Any deviations from the GPA policy will be at the discretion of the program and/or graduate advisor. Admission to the Double Dawgs pathway does not guarantee admission to the graduate degree program.
Curriculum
Graduate-level courses that may be used to satisfy undergraduate and graduate program requirements.
BCMB 4010/6010 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I (4 hrs)
BCMB 4020/6020 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II (3 hrs)
BCMB(CHEM) 4110/6110 Physical Biochemistry (3 hrs)
BCMB 4120/6120 Human Biochemistry and Disease (4 hrs)
BCMB(ENTO)(BTEC) 4200/6200 Biotechnology (3 hrs)
Additional requirements that are unique to this Double Dawgs program:
The Double Dawgs Bioinformatics M.S. is a non-thesis professional degree. Students who wish to pursue a thesis master's degree should contact the Institute of Bioinformatics (IOB) graduate coordinator to discuss that option.
Students are required to fulfill the IOB program requirements for non-thesis graduate degrees. Graduate credit hours must total at least 30 hours. An advisory committee is not required for non-thesis master's students.
Candidates will present the following documentation to apply:
• Double Dawgs pathway application
• Resume or CV
• Statement of purpose
• Letter of support from a faculty member
Admission to Graduate Program
Students will need to apply to the Graduate School in addition to completing the requirements indicated for admittance to the Bioinformatics Double Dawgs program. Students need to have a 3.2 GPA to apply to the M.S. program. After completing 90 hours of undergraduate coursework, students will formally apply to the Bioinformatics M.S. program in the fall of year four and will begin registering as full time M.S. students in the fall of year five.