Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, B.S.

This program offers comprehensive training in the fields of bioinformatics and computational biology by combining courses in the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and mathematics. Graduates acquire the necessary skills for automated querying and data analysis using complex databases, extraction of essential information from genomic and proteomic data, modeling of biological systems, as well as the design and development of software and algorithms to support these activities. Students also have the opportunity to engage in independent research in the lab, the field, or off-campus, working one-on-one with a faculty mentor. This program is appropriate for any student desiring a rich and multidisciplinary grounding in all the essential elements of bioinformatics, computational, and systems biology.

University Requirements

Completion of Minimum University Requirements for an Undergraduate Baccalaureate Degree .

Minimum 120 credits and minimum GPA of 2.0
Completion of 45 upper-level credits, the residence requirement, the Writing Intensive requirement, and the General Education requirement

Major Requirements

Minimum 85 credits
A minimum grade of ‘C’ in courses applied to the major and prerequisites. Under certain circumstances and after petitioning, students may be able to graduate with a grade of ‘D’ in a single (not retaken) course, provided that they have an overall ‘C’ average in all required courses, upon approval by the program’s undergraduate committee

Course Requirements

Biology (22 credits)

Complete the following. After BIOL 302 is passed, BIOL 140 or BIOL 141 cannot be repeated.

Chemistry (13 credits)

Complete the following:

Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics (19 credits)

Complete the following.

Computer Science (17 credits)

Complete the following:

Bioinformatics Core (8 credits)

Complete the following.

Electives (6-8 credits)

Complete one course from List A (BIOL and CHEM electives) and one course from List B (CMSC, IS, MATH, and STAT electives)

List A: BIOL and CHEM electives

BIOL and CHEM 400-level lecture courses of 3 or 4 credits approved by a BINF advisor.

List B: CMSC, IS, MATH, and STAT electives

CMSC, IS, MATH, and STAT 400-level lecture courses of 3 or 4 credits approved by a BINF advisor.

Four-Year Academic Pathways

The Four-Year Academic Pathways webpage offers helpful sample pathways for students eager to explore their academic options and stay on track for a four-year graduation. These pathways provide a starting point for students to plan how to complete their degree in four years. However, it’s important to remember that these are just samples. In consultation with their academic advisor, each student will create an individualized degree plan that reflects their unique academic background, interests, and career goals.

Students must develop their personalized degree plan by the time they’ve earned 45 credits and regularly update it with their advisor as their goals and academic journey evolve. This approach ensures that students make thoughtful, strategic choices that set them up for success throughout their time at UMBC.

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs

Qualified students may apply to an accelerated program, which allows them to take graduate courses as undergraduate students and later apply those courses to master’s degrees. A student may apply to participate in an accelerated program even if the desired graduate program is in a department other than the one in which they are majoring. More information is available from the Accelerated Program page of the Graduate School website.