| BIOINFORMATICS |
(BINF) |
| 1101 Introduction to Bioinformatics |
1 hour |
| Bioinformatics employs mathematical, statistical and computational methods to process large amounts of biologically-derived information. This course will introduce the major sub-disciplines and technologies of bioinformatics such as genomics, proteomics, comparative genomics, structural genomics, phylogenomics, large-scale ecological and evolutionary studies and DNA microarrays. (Offered on sufficient demand) |
| 3307 Mathematical Modeling in Biology |
3 hours |
| An introduction to ordinary differential equations and their applications to biology. Topics include: first order differential equations, first order systems, linear systems, non-linear systems, forcing and resonance, numerical methods, and dynamical systems, as time permits. Biological modeling and examples drawn from research articles in biology will be incorporated throughout the course. Same as MATH 3307. Prerequisite: MATH 2314, BIOL 1307/1107 and 1308/1108. SPRING |
| 3322 Biostatistics |
3 hours |
| An introduction to statistical methods and their application to biology. Topics include: multiple regression, 2-way ANOVA, non-parametric tests, experimental design, Markov chains and Hidden Markov models. Biological examples will be emphasized throughout. Same as MATH 3322. Prerequisite: MATH 3320, BIOL 1307/1107 and 1308/1108. SPRING |
| 3325 Biological Programming |
3 hours |
| Introduces students to the principles and tools necessary to manipulate and analyze biological data. With an emphasis on data acquisition and analysis, topics may include: computational techniques used in the study of genomes and proteomes, ecological data analysis and mathematical modeling of biological systems. Prerequisite: BIOL 2334 or COSC 2325. (Spring) |
| 3338 Numerical & Scientific Methods |
3 hours |
| A survey of standard techniques used to solve numerical and other science-based problems. Topics include roots of equations, systems of linear equations, curve fitting, numerical integration and differentiation, error analysis, number representation, and data visualization. Problems will be solved using programs written in appropriate languages and operating systems. Same as COSC and MATH 3338. Pre-requisites: MATH 2314 and COSC 2323. SPRING, odd-numbered years |
| 4410 Bioinformatics |
4 hours |
| Focuses on the development and application of computational approaches to ask and answer biological questions. Material will be drawn from specific, relevant biological problems including biological sequence analysis, genome sequencing and assembly, biological pattern recognition, analysis of DNA microarray data and biological networks. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 2334, COSC 3327, MATH 3320. (Spring) |
| 4147 Research Methods |
1 hour |
| An introduction to research methods in bioinformatics and the research of relevant literature. Course activities include an overview of research methodology in bioinformatics, computer database searches and the preparation of research proposals. Each student will identify a research problem, and write a complete paper or research proposal in consultation with a faculty member. Course emphasis is placed on written and oral presentation of the student’s research proposal. Co- or pre-requisite: BINF 4310, junior or senior standing. FALL. |
| 4148 Undergraduate Research |
1 hour |
| With faculty guidance, a student selects a research question and conducts an independent investigation in order to examine the question. Research projects are divided into modules that can be reasonably completed in one semester. Students are encouraged and facilitated in presentation of their findings at a scientific meeting and publication in a scholarly journal. Prerequisite: BINF 4310 and the consent of the instructor. SPRING, FALL, SUMMER. |
| 4149 Senior Seminar |
1 hour |
| A seminar presentation based on the student’s own undergraduate research results. The course also requires a written presentation of the seminar according to scholarly standards. Students will be required to take one of the Major Field Achievement Tests as part of this course. Prerequisite: BINF 4147, BINF 4148, and the consent of the instructor, and senior standing. SPRING. |
| 4150, 4250, 4350 Internship in Bioinformatics |
1-3 hours |
| An internship in a cooperating industrial, medical, or research laboratory. Prior approval of both faculty supervisor and cooperating lab must be obtained. 60 work hours required per semester hour of credit. Prerequisites: Twenty hours Bioinformatics, junior or senior standing, and consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring, Summer) |