This bioinformatics program consists of a core curriculum that provides immersion in the field of bioinformatics as well as foundational courses in biology, chemistry, computer science and statistics. The bachelor’s program in bioinformatics requires breadth of training via the VCU ConnectED general education requirements, a bioinformatics core with ancillary scientific course work and focused training in the areas of biological/genomic sciences, computational sciences or quantitative/statistical sciences through the concentration-specific courses.
Students wishing to pursue the bioinformatics major must apply for admission into the program. High school seniors as well as students transferring to VCU should follow the regular VCU admissions process and deadlines, being sure to indicate clearly in their application that they wish to apply to the bioinformatics program. Continuing VCU students wishing to apply to the program may contact the bioinformatics academic adviser at (804) 828-0825.
Transfer students and continuing VCU students with at least 15 college credits should present a suggested college GPA of 3.0 including relevant course work in science, math or computer science.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
- Present scientific results, both orally and in writing, in a way that makes clear to an appropriate target audience the distinction between what is known (and how) and what is merely suspected between an observation and a conclusion in a way that tells a compelling story
- Will have demonstrated fundamental knowledge of the basic concepts of biology (particularly molecular biology), the physical sciences, mathematics, statistics and computational science and the ability to apply that knowledge within the context of bioinformatics
- Will have demonstrated an ability to identify and analyze bioinformatics problems and strategies to solve said problems
- Will possess an appropriate level of technical knowledge and ability necessary to address a scientific problem by exploiting biological software and datasets and creating simple bioinformatics tools
- Will have demonstrated an ability to identify and access relevant scientific literature and draw from it in a meaningful and critical manner
Special requirements
A minimum grade of C in the following courses is required for enrollment in all courses for which they are prerequisites and to successfully complete the B.S. in Bioinformatics with a concentration in quantitative/statistical sciences:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 151 | Introduction to Biological Sciences I | 3 |
| BIOL 152 | Introduction to Biological Sciences II | 3 |
| BIOL 300 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BNFO 101 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 1 |
| BNFO 201 | Computing Skills and Concepts for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BNFO 251 | Phage Discovery I | 2 |
| BNFO 252 | Phage Discovery II | 2 |
| BNFO 301 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BNFO 411 | Ethical Issues in Life Sciences | 2 |
| BNFO 420 | Applications in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEZ 101 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
Degree requirements for Bioinformatics, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in quantitative/statistical sciences
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. 1 | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| BIOL 152 | Introduction to Biological Sciences II | 3 |
| BIOL 300 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 310 | Genetics | 3 |
| BNFO 101 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 1 |
| BNFO 201 | Computing Skills and Concepts for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BNFO 251 | Phage Discovery I | 2 |
| BNFO 252 | Phage Discovery II | 2 |
| BNFO 301 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BNFO 411 | Ethical Issues in Life Sciences | 2 |
| BNFO 420 | Applications in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEZ 102 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CMSC 255 | Introduction to Object-oriented Programming | 4 |
| STAT 321 | Introduction to Statistical Computing for Data Science | 3 |
| • Concentration requirements | ||
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| MATH 307 | Multivariate Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 310 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| STAT 314 | Applications of Statistics | 4 |
| Select concentration electives from list below. | 9 | |
| Ancillary requirements 1 | ||
| BIOL 151 | Introduction to Biological Sciences I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I (satisfies general education AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| CHEZ 101 | General Chemistry Laboratory I (satisfies general education AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 1 |
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| PHYS 207 | University Physics I (either course satisfies general education AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 4-5 |
| or PHYS 201 | General Physics I | |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) | 3 |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 23-24 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The ancillary courses fulfill 12 of the required 30 credits of general education, including fulfillment of the quantitative foundations requirement, the natural sciences breadth of knowledge requirement and the maximum allowable nine credits of scientific and logical reasoning area of inquiry.
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Concentration electives
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 318 | Evolution | 3 |
| BIOS 524 | Biostatistical Computing | 3 |
| BNFO/MATH 380 | Introduction to Mathematical Biology | 4 |
| BNFO 391 | Special Topics in Bioinformatics (variable) 1,2 | 1-4 |
| BNFO 393 | Special Topics in Bioinformatics (variable) 1,2 | 1-4 |
| BNFO 491 | Special Topics in Bioinformatics (variable) 1,2 | 1-4 |
| BNFO 492 | Independent Study (variable) 1 | 1-4 |
| BNFO 493 | Special Topics in Bioinformatics (variable) 1,2 | 1-4 |
| BNFO 496 | Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship in Bioinformatics (variable) 1 | 1-2 |
| BNFO 497 | Research and Thesis (variable) 1 | 1-4 |
| BNFO/BIOL 540 | Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| BNFO/BIOL 541 | Laboratory in Molecular Genetics | 2 |
| BNFO 591 | Special Topics in Bioinformatics (variable) 1,2 | 1-4 |
| BNFO 593 | Special Topics in Bioinformatics (variable) 1,2 | 1-4 |
| CMSC 256 | Introduction to Data Structures | 4 |
| CMSC 302 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MATH 211 | Mathematical Structures | 3 |
| MATH 356 | Graphs and Algorithms | 3 |
| STAT 309 | Introduction to Probability Theory | 3 |
| STAT 403 | Introduction to Stochastic Processes | 3 |
| STAT 421 | Applied Statistical Computing Using R | 3 |
| STAT 425 | Multivariate Statistics | 3 |
| STAT 441 | Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists | 3 |
May be taken only with adviser’s permission
No more than 8 combined credits of BNFO 391, BNFO 393, BNFO 491, BNFO 493, BNFO 591, and BNFO 593 may apply toward concentration elective requirements.
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| BIOL 151 | Introduction to Biological Sciences I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| BNFO 251 | Phage Discovery I | 2 |
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I (satisfies general education AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| CHEZ 101 | General Chemistry Laboratory I (satisfies general education AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 1 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| BIOL 152 | Introduction to Biological Sciences II | 3 |
| BNFO 101 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 1 |
| BNFO 252 | Phage Discovery II | 2 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| BIOL 300 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BNFO 201 | Computing Skills and Concepts for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHEZ 102 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| BNFO 301 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CMSC 255 | Introduction to Object-oriented Programming | 4 |
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| Open electives | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| BIOL 310 | Genetics | 3 |
| BNFO 411 | Ethical Issues in Life Sciences | 2 |
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| STAT 314 | Applications of Statistics | 4 |
| Open elective | 2 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| MATH 307 | Multivariate Calculus | 4 |
| PHYS 207 | University Physics I (satisfies general education AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 5 |
| STAT 321 | Introduction to Statistical Computing for Data Science | 3 |
| Concentration elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| MATH 310 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Concentration elective | 3 | |
| Open electives | 9 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| BNFO 420 | Applications in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| Concentration elective | 3 | |
| Open electives | 9 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Accelerated B.S. and M.S.
The accelerated B.S. and M.S. program allows qualified students to earn both the B.S. and M.S. in Bioinformatics in a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Students in the program may count up to 12 hours of graduate courses toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 142 credits rather than the 154 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately.
Students holding these degrees will have a head start for pursuing careers in industry or continuing in an academic setting. The M.S. degree provides two tracks: (1) a thesis track with formal research experience and (2) a nonthesis (professional science master’s) track combining business skills with an externship experience. This degree can lead to expanded job opportunities, greater potential for job advancement and higher starting salaries.
Entrance to the accelerated program
Interested undergraduate students should consult with their adviser as early as possible to receive specific information about the accelerated program, determine academic eligibility and submit (no later than two semesters prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the spring semester of their junior year) an Accelerated Program Declaration Form to be approved by the graduate program director. Limited spaces may be available in the accelerated program. Academically qualified students may not receive approval if capacity has been reached.
Minimum qualifications for entrance to this accelerated program include completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours; an overall GPA of 3.0; and a GPA of 3.0 in bioinformatics degree course work. Applicants should have completed a substantial amount of course work toward the B.S. degree and maintained a strong academic record. Students who are interested in the accelerated program should consult with the program director to the M.S. in Bioinformatics program during their junior year after they have completed 75 credits and before they have completed 90 credits toward the B.S. degree. Applicants to this accelerated program must have junior or senior status in VCU’s B.S. in Bioinformatics program. Successful applicants would enter the accelerated program in the first semester of their senior year.
Once enrolled in the accelerated program, students must meet the standards of performance applicable to graduate students as described in the “Satisfactory academic progress” section of the Graduate Bulletin, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Guidance to students admitted to the accelerated program is provided by both the undergraduate bioinformatics adviser and the program director of the bioinformatics graduate program.
Admission to the graduate program
Entrance to the accelerated program enables the student to take the approved shared courses that will apply to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, entry into an accelerated program via an approved Accelerated Program Declaration Form does not constitute application or admission into the graduate program. Admission to the graduate program requires a separate step that occurs through a formal application to the master’s program, which is submitted through Graduate Admissions no later than a semester prior to graduation with the baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the first semester of the senior year. In order to continue pursuing the master’s degree after the baccalaureate degree is conferred, accelerated students must follow the admission to graduate study requirements outlined in the VCU Bulletin. Two reference letters (at least one from a bioinformatics faculty member) must accompany the application.
Degree requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics degree will be awarded upon completion of a minimum of 120 credits and the satisfactory completion of all undergraduate degree requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
A maximum of 12 graduate credits may be taken prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree. These graduate credits may substitute for bioinformatics requirements for the undergraduate degree, and are planned in consultation with the undergraduate academic adviser and the graduate program director. These courses are shared credits with the graduate program, meaning that they will be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. For best alignment of these credits, students must plan ahead.
Examples of bioinformatics degree courses that may be taken as an undergraduate, once a student is admitted to the program, are:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOS 543 | Graduate Research Methods I | 3 |
| BNFO 540 | Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| BNFO 541 | Laboratory in Molecular Genetics | 2 |
| BNFO 592 | Independent Study | 1-9 |
| BNFO 620 | Bioinformatics Practicum | 3 |
| BNFO 621 | Business and Entrepreneurship Essentials for Life Scientists | 3 |
| BNFO 653 | Advanced Molecular Genetics: Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BNFO 692 | Independent Study | 1-9 |
| CMSC 508 | Database Theory | 3 |
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
What follows is the recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the junior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| BIOL 300 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BNFO 411 | Ethical Issues in Life Sciences | 2 |
| Required B.S. course work | 10 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| BNFO 541 | Laboratory in Molecular Genetics | 2 |
| PHYS 207 | University Physics I | 5 |
| STAT 321 | Introduction to Statistical Computing for Data Science | 3 |
| Required B.S. course work | 5 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| BNFO 540 | Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| CMSC 256 | Introduction to Data Structures | 4 |
| Required B.S. course work | 8 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required B.S. course work | 5 | |
| BNFO 601 | Integrated Bioinformatics | 4 |
| BNFO 620 | Bioinformatics Practicum | 3 |
| BNFO 621 | Business and Entrepreneurship Essentials for Life Scientists | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| BNFO 531 | Quantitative Methods in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BNFO 690 | Seminars in Bioinformatics | 1 |
| OVPR 601 | Scientific Integrity | 1 |
| Graduate electives (500 and 600 level) 1 | 5 | |
| Term Hours: | 11 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| BNFO 653 | Advanced Molecular Genetics: Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BNFO 700 | Externship in Bioinformatics | 2 |
| Graduate electives (500 and 600 level) 1 | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 11 | |
For example: 500-level (or higher) BIOL, BIOC, BIOS, BNFO, CMSC, ENVS, HGEN, LFSC, STAT courses
Students interested in the accelerated B.S. and M.S. program can contact the individuals listed below who will explain the program and coordinate the curriculum.
Undergraduate adviser
Lian Currie
lcurrie@vcu.edu
Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 3116a
Graduate program director
Allison Johnson
aajohnson@vcu.edu
Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 3115