BIOINFORMATICS (CH37)

The Bioinformatics (CH37) has been discontinued, effective Summer 2017. No students may declare the major after Summer 2017.

Requirements for the B. S. Degree in BIOINFORMATICS in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Bioinformatics major offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary training in the new and rapidly evolving field of bioinformatics with a strong focus on chemistry and biochemistry. Bioinformatics is the field of advanced computational and experimental methods that model the flow of information (genetic, metabolic, and regulatory) in living systems to provide an integrated understanding of the systems properties of model organisms. This is a new and rapidly evolving field in which large volumes of both qualitative and quantitative data will accrue at an increasing pace, and the bioinformatician must have a substantial mastery of both the sciences and engineering. This interdisciplinary specialization will be offered jointly with computer science and engineering, bioengineering, and biological sciences, each with its own set of requirements and electives. The program offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is aimed at a student interested in applying and developing tools of bioinformatics for the study of chemical processes in biological systems.

We recommend all students meet with an advisor from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry prior to officially declaring this major.

The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Lower-Division Requirements

1. Calculus and  linear  algebra (MATH 20A-20C, 20F)
2. General  chemistry including laboratory  (CHEM 6A-C or 6AH-6CH, and 7L)
3. Physics (PHYS 2A-B)
4. Biology (BILD 1-2 )
5. Computer  programming (CSE 11-12)
6. Mathematics for  algorithm and  systems (CSE 21/Math. 15B)
7. Bioinformatics seminar (BILD 94)

The department recommends that students complete an introductory C programming course before taking CSE 11 and CSE 12, either in their first year or during the summer between their first and second years.

Upper-Division Requirements

1. Two quarters of  organic  chemistry (CHEM 140A-140B)
2. Organic  chemistry (CHEM 140C) or structural  biochemistry (CHEM 114A)
3. Metabolic  biochemistry (CHEM 114B)
4. Physical  chemistry (CHEM 127 accepted, CHEM 131 and 132 recommended)
5. Molecular and  cellular  biochemistry (CHEM 114D)
6. Two quarters of  biochemistry  laboratory (CHEM 108-109)
7. Genetics (BICD 100)
8. Cell Biology (BICD 110)
9. Two computer science courses (CSE 100 or MATH 176; and CSE 101 or MATH 188)
10. Two additional upper-division electives offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (each course must be at least four units) with only one quarter of credit allowed for any given course. Recommended courses are CHEM 100A, 118, and 143A.

The bioinformatics series comprising the following courses:

Suggested Program for Bioinformatics in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

(Talk to your college for planning general education courses)

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

* Best time to study abroad. Education Abroad Program deadlines for upcoming year vary by country. See EAP website.  See the Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Advisor for assistance in planning to study abroad.
** Certain prerequisite courses are waived for the bioinformatics majors. See the departmental advisor for more
information.

Bioinformatics Chemistry Major Checklist