Bioinformatics
The explosion in biological knowledge spawned by various genome
projects has created entirely new fields and industries, and a
need for a new cadre of trained computational biologists who are
familiar with biology, mathematics, chemistry, and computer sciences.
A new interdisciplinary undergraduate major has been created beginning
in fall 2001 leading to B.S. degrees with a major or specialization
in bioinformatics. The major involves the Division of Biology
and the Departments of Bioengineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry,
and Computer Science and Engineering as well as researchers at
the San Diego Supercomputer Center. This major is designed to
provide career opportunities for B.S. graduates, as well as opportunities
for future advanced training at the graduate level. Bioinformatics
will have a tremendous impact upon our understanding of cellular
functions, protein structure and design, evolutionary biology,
regulatory networks, and the molecular basis of disease.
Admissions
Students wishing to pursue a study in bioinformatics may select
from majors offered by the Division of Biology, or the Departments
of Bioengineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Computer Science
and Engineering. A major in bioinformatics is available within
each of the listed departments and divisions. All the participating
departments have a substantially common curriculum, but each has
its own emphasis through its electives, and there are some differences
in the core requirements. There is a limited number of seats available
campuswide and admission into the bioinformatics premajor and
major will be based on academic excellence and preparation as
measured by GPA and a written statement. Currently, the combined
number of premajors is limited to 75 and the number of majors
is limited to 50. These limits may change from time to time. The
major, its specific requirements, and the screening criteria are
listed in the corresponding catalog sections of the Division of
Biology, Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry
and Biochemistry, and Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
|