138 Bell Hall

(915) 747-8484

bioinformatics@utep.edu

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Ming-Ying Leung

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics is a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree designed with the concept of training science professionals as part of the national effort in developing PSM degrees to enhance our future economy through promoting innovations in science and technology. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary science that offers unique opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to learn and collaborate with others. There is an increasing demand for well-trained bioinformatics professionals capable of developing computational tools integrated with experimentation for solving complex biological problems. In addition to required coursework, students attend the weekly bioinformatics colloquium series, with research seminars and professional training workshops, and complete an internship at a bioinformatics company or research institution. Training areas include genomics data analysis, molecular modeling, and online database development, preparing graduates for various technical fields in agriculture, biodiversity and environmental science, cancer research, drug design, genetic and infectious diseases, and health data management.

Requirements for Admission

In addition to the general requirements for admission into a graduate program as specified by the Graduate School, applicants must separately submit to the Bioinformatics Admissions Committee via the Program Director: 1) a completed Bioinformatics Program Application, 2) unofficial copies of transcripts, GRE/TOEFL scores, 3) a brief statement summarizing professional goals, and 4) at least two letters of recommendation.

Prior to making a recommendation on acceptance to the Graduate School, the Bioinformatics Admissions Committee will review the academic preparation of applicants. Unconditional admission requires a completed bachelor’s degree that includes satisfactory undergraduate coursework experiences in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and statistics. This foundation is represented by the following UTEP courses and their several underlying prerequisites (or by the equivalent experience at other institutions):

BIOL        3414                       Molecular Cell Biology

CHEM      4330                       Biochemistry: Structure and Function

CS           2402                       Data Structures

MATH      2300                       Discrete Mathematics

STAT       2380-2182               Statistical Methods and its laboratory

Course descriptions and prerequisites of these courses are provided in the UTEP Undergraduate Catalog. Because this suite of foundation courses is seldom met by traditional undergraduate curricula, potential applicants should make early inquiry of the Program Director for consultation on its expeditious completion.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree in Bioinformatics consists of 40-41 graduate hours comprised of required courses and electives drawn from a restricted menu. The program of study is intended to be a course-intensive experience requiring two years of full-time academic work, including a summer internship in the public or private sector between the first and second years. The internship is required of all students in the program and it may be counted as a 3 credit hour elective course. Thesis is an option but not a requirement for this degree.

I.   Internship

The student is responsible for securing an internship offer from an academic, industry, or government institution which is a current or potential employer of bioinformatics professionals. For the internship to count towards the Master of Science degree in Bioinformatics, the student must obtain pre-approval from the Bioinformatics Program Committee before the start of the internship. An evaluation form will be sent to the employer at the end of the internship and the student must receive a grade of “Satisfactory” or better in order to fulfill the internship requirement of this degree.

II.  Courses

1.    Required courses and seminars (28 semester hours):

2.  In addition, students will take a total of 12 or 13 semester hours of coursework and/or project work.

a)  Thesis courses. Six hours of thesis courses BINF 5398 and BINF 5399 may be taken in place of regular elective course in list a) above to count towards the M.S. in Bioinformatics degree. All University requirements for Master’s theses apply.

b   A maximum of up to six credit hours of approved advanced undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or statistics. Only undergraduate courses which are listed as applicable towards graduate degrees by the Graduate School can be counted towards the M.S. in Bioinformatics degree (see Graduate Catalog listings under individual Departments). Approval from the Graduate Advisor is required.

3.  With the approval of the Bioinformatics Program Committee and the Graduate School, up to 6 semester hours of graduate work may be transferred from another accredited institution to replace equivalent courses listed in 1 and 2 a) above. Only credit hours that have not been counted towards a previously awarded degree are allowed to be transferred.

Degree Plans

For a complete degree plan, please click here and select “MS in Bioinformatics.”

For course descriptions, please click here and select Bioinformatics (BINF).