M.S. in Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics
Carnegie Mellon University - Mellon College of Science
Key Information
Campus location
Pittsburgh, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 - 3 semesters
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 46,000 / per year
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
The study of Biology is undergoing a revolution driven by new technologies that enable scientists to generate extensive amounts of data. For example, the costs of sequencing nucleic acids have dropped dramatically, resulting in unprecedented amounts of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Advances in imaging extend from the nano to the macro scale to probe function and generate enormous amounts of data that describe behaviors of cells from subcellular to organ levels. The new datasets cut across all subdisciplines in biology and enable scientists to ask questions in new ways to reveal the fundamental rules of life.
The M.S. in Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics (MS-QBB) will prepare students for new careers in bioinformatics and related fields. Our mission is to provide students who have a background in life sciences skills to prepare for careers in bioinformatics. This program allows students to choose a 2-semester or a 3-semester program of study.
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Curriculum
2-semester M.S. in QBB
Our 2-semester option allows students to quickly gain the most relevant skills in bioinformatics. Students will begin studying in late August and graduate in late May.
Fall semester (48 units):
- 03-701-A1 (6 units): Statistical Computing for Biological Sciences (half-semester)
- 03-702-A2 (6 units): Data Analysis for Biological Sciences (half-semester)
- 02-601 (12 units): Programming for Scientists
- 03-727 (12 units): Evolutionary Bioinformatics
- Biological Sciences graduate-level elective (12 units) or one of the following (subject to pre-requisites and availability):
- 02-604 (12 units): Bioinformatics
- 02-680 (9 units): Essential Mathematics and Statistics for Scientists
- 02-719 (12 units): Genomics & Epigenetics of the Brain
Spring semester (42-51 units):
- 03-708-A3 (6 units): Practical Computing for Biologists (half-semester)
- 03-713-A4 (6 units): Bioinformatics Data Integration Practicum (half-semester)
- Biological Sciences graduate-level electives (30-39 units)
- Additionally, 09-563 Quantitative Chemistry (9 units) can fill an elective (subject to availability of space)
- Up to 12 units of research credit may also be done, interested students should work with program advisors to find a lab
3-semester M.S. in QBB - Advanced Study
The 3-semester option allows students to spend a third-semester gaining additional experience and some more advanced coursework. Students will begin study in late August, have the option to earn course credit with summer internships (interested students may apply to these in the first year), then students will complete their third semester in the following Fall and graduate in late December.
Students are encouraged to seek external internships after their first year and pursue this degree full-time, completing the program in 3 semesters.
Fall semester of year 1 (36 units):
- 03-701-A1 (6 units): Statistical Computing for Biological Sciences (half-semester)
- 03-702-A2 (6 units): Data Analysis for Biological Sciences (half-semester)
- 02-601 (12 units): Programming for Scientists
- 03-727 (12 units): Evolutionary Bioinformatics
- Optional: Biological Sciences graduate-level elective (0-12 units) or one of the following (subject to pre-requisites and availability):
- 02-604 (12 units): Bioinformatics
- 02-680 (9 units): Essential Mathematics and Statistics for Scientists
- 02-719 (12 units): Genomics & Epigenetics of the Brain
Spring semester of year 1 (36 units):
- 03-708-A3 (6 units): Practical Computing for Biologists (half-semester)
- 03-713-A4 (6 units): Bioinformatics Data Integration Practicum (half-semester)
- Biological Sciences graduate-level electives (24 units)
- Additionally, 09-563 Quantitative Chemistry (9 units) can fill an elective (subject to availability of space)
- Up to 12 units of research credit may also be done, interested students should work with program advisors to find a lab
Fall semester of year 2 (42 units):
- 03-711 (12 units): Computational Genomics and Molecular Biology
- Optional: Biological Sciences graduate-level elective (30 units) or one of the following (subject to pre-requisites and availability):
- 02-604 (12 units): Bioinformatics
- 02-680 (9 units): Essential Mathematics and Statistics for Scientists
- 02-719 (12 units): Genomics & Epigenetics of the Brain
- Up to 12 units of research credit may also be done, interested students should work with program advisors to find a lab
Career Opportunities
Bioinformatics is increasingly used by researchers and private companies to analyze data in genomics and other large-data fields in biology and health.
During the academic year, opportunities for networking with representatives of the company will be available. Students are highly encouraged and given several opportunities to meet with the CMU Career & Professional Development Center and with the MSQBB steering committee to discuss their career plans and to get guidance and assistance in all aspects of their job search.