Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Science
Virginia Commonwealth University
Program Details
Bioinformatics with concentration in Quantitative/Statistical Sciences, Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceBioinformatics with concentration in Quantitative/Statistical Sciences, Bachelor of Science
Virginia Commonwealth University
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.
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
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | This degree is quantitative-intensive and expects students to develop basic programming and analytical skills. Bioinformatics students typically enjoy the process of problem-solving, often finding themselves confronted with something new and challenging. Successful bioinformatics students work to find solutions by collaborating with peers and professors, seeking out and utilizing resources, and being willing to try again. The required program capstone course is centered around a group research project. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes A minimum grade of C is required for all prerequisites for Bioinformatics courses and to successfully complete the B.S. in Bioinformatics with a concentration in quantitative/statistical sciences. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students should focus on completing lower-level biology, chemistry, and math coursework before transferring to VCU. These subjects are often key to having all the necessary prerequisites to complete upper-level coursework and to be successful in bioinformatics classes. Students who complete introductory biology classes and labs will still want to complete the BNFO 252: Phage Discovery II course after transferring to VCU for an introduction to bioinformatics.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Bioinformatics majors can select one of three concentrations: Biological/Genomic Sciences, Computational Sciences, or Mathematical/Quantitative Sciences. Many students choose to double major, frequently with a second major which aligns with their concentration, although others choose a second major from a broader array across the university. Bioinformatics students also have the opportunity to pursue an accelerated pathway toward both a B.S. and M.S. in bioinformatics, allowing students to gain experience in graduate-level coursework by taking a maximum of 12 overlap credits that could be applied both to the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Bioinformatics students often participate in undergraduate research while enrolled at VCU; frequently blending their unique skill set that combines biological knowledge with wet lab and computational skills. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Bioinformatics undergraduates frequently participate in research and regularly represent a larger proportion of presentations and authors at the annual undergraduate research and creative inquiry symposium than expected based on their population within the student body. Bioinformatics students organize an annual Hackathon to promote collaboration among students and to combine computational problem-solving with timely prompts written by VCU faculty. They also organize programming skills workshops, alumni guest speaker events, and opportunities for students to engage with and learn about faculty research. |
Program Credit Requirements
Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Science or the Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science are the recommended associate degrees for this major. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Science or the Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science are the recommended associate degrees for this major. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
1902
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
VCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their pre...see moreVCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their previous institution. Some degree programs like Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Engineering have more competitive GPA requirements. Admission to programs in VCU Arts is also based on an evaluation of additional application materials and may be more competitive. Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 earned semester (36 quarter) hours will also be reviewed based on their high school GPA.
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19-4021.00 | Biological Technicians | Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 15-1299.07 | Blockchain Engineers | Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-2051.01 | Business Intelligence Analysts | Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-2051.02 | Clinical Data Managers | Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.00 | Computer Occupations, All Other | All computer occupations not listed separately. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.08 | Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1221.00 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-2051.00 | Data Scientists | Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.06 | Digital Forensics Analysts | Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.03 | Document Management Specialists | Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.02 | Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.05 | Information Security Engineers | Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.09 | Information Technology Project Managers | Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.04 | Penetration Testers | Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1299.01 | Web Administrators | Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
Cost To Complete