Standard Program for the ScB in Computational Biology
Computational biology involves the analysis and discovery of biological phenomena using computational tools, and the algorithmic design and analysis of such tools. The field is widely defined and includes foundations in computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, anatomy, neuroscience and visualization.
Our program provides a liberal education in these fields that builds on a foundation of coursework and allows students to focus on several possible tracks. The program offers four possible tracks: computational genomics, biological sciences, molecular modeling and applied mathematics and statistical genomics. The program requires a senior capstone experience that pairs students and faculty in creative research collaborations.
Computational Biology graduates are candidates for competitive positions in industry or for training in academic science.
Prerequisites (or equivalent placement):
General Core Course Requirements:
-
Chemistry:
CHEM 0330 (Equilibrium, Rate, Structure)
- Biology:
BIOL 0470 (Genetics) Prerequisite BIOL 200 or equivalent
and, one of the following:
BIOL 0280 (Introduction to Biochemistry)
BIOL 0500 (Molecular Cell Biology)
Computer Science:
-
CSCI 0150 (Introduction to Object-Oriented Programmin and Computer Science) No Prerequisite
-
CSCI 0160 (Algorithms and Data Structures) Prerequisite CSCI 0150
or
CSCI 0170 (Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction Part I) No Prerequisite
CSCI 0180 (Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction Part I) Prerequisite
or
CSCI 0190 (Programming with Data Structures and Algorithms)
All students must take:
CSCI 0220 (Instroduction to Discrete Sstructures and Probability) No Prerequisite
- Probability and Statistics:
APMA 1650 (Statistical Inference)
Computational Biology Core Course Requirements:
- CSCI 1810 (Computational Molecular Biology) Prerequisite (CSCI 0160 or 0180) and (CSCI 0220)
- APMA 1080 (Statistical Inference in Molecular Biology and Genomics)
Capstone Experience: Students enrolled in the computational biology concentration will complete a research project in their senior year under faculty supervision. The themes of such projects evolve with the field and the technology, but should represent a synthesis of the various specialties of the program. A minimum of one semester of independent study is required (such as BIOL 1950 or CSCI 1970), although many students may conduct a full year of independent study.
Honors: To be a candidate for honors, a student must have a course record judged to be excellent by the concentration advisor and must complete a thesis judged to be outstanding by the faculty member supervising the work.
TRACKS:
Students must complete six courses in one of the following four tracks, as specified below:
Computational Genomics Track:
This track is designed for students whose interests lie in the development of algorithms and high-quality software (tools and systems) for biological applications. Advisor: Sorin Istrail, Sorin_Istrail@brown.edu, Computer Science.
*Three of the following:
- CSCI 1230 (Introduction to Computer Graphics)
- CSCI 1270 (Database Management Systems)
- CSCI 1410 (Introduction to Artificial Intelligence)
- CSCI 1550 (Probabilistic Methods in Computer Science)
- CSCI 1570 (Design and Analysis of Algorithms)
or other Computer Science courses approved by the concentration advisor
*Three of the following:
- CSCI 0310 (Introduction to Computer Systems)
- CSCI 0320 (Introduction to Software Engineering) or CSCI 0360 (Introduction to Systems Programming)
- CSCI 1950L (Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology)
- PHP 2620 (Statistical Methods in Bioinformics)
- APMA 1660 (Statistical Inference II)
- BIOL 1430 (Computational Theory of Molecular Evolution)
Biological Sciences Track:
This track is designed for students whose interests lean more towards biological questions. Advisor: David Rand, David_Rand@brown.edu, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
*Four courses comprising a coherent theme in one of the following areas:
-
Biochemistry
-
Ecology
-
Evolution/Genetics
- Neurobiology
*Two courses from the following:
- CSCI 1950L (Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology)
- PHP 2620 (Statistical Methods in Bioinformics)
- APMA 1660 (Statistical Inference II)
- BIOL 1430 (Computational Theory of Molecular Evolution)
Molecular Modeling Track:
This track is designed for students who wish to gain competence in the field of molecular modeling and drug design. Advisor: William Suggs, J_Suggs@brown.edu, Chemistry.
*At least three of the following:
- CHEM 1150 (Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics)
- CHEM 1230 (Bioorganic Chemistry), CHEM 1240 (Biochemistry), or BIOL 1270 (Advvanced Biochemistry)
- BIOL 0530 (Immunology)
- BIOL 1260 (Physiological Pharmacology)
- BIOL 1540 (Molecular Genetics)
*Two courses from the following:
- CSCI 1950L (Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology)
- PHP 2620 (Statistical Methods in Bioinformics)
- APMA 1660 (Statistical Inference II)
- BIOL 1430 (Computational Theory of Molecular Evolution)
Applied Mathematics and Statistical Genomics Track:
This track is designed for students whose interest focuses on extracting information from genomic and molecular biology data, and modeling the dynamics of these systems. Substitution of more advanced courses with consent of the advisor is permitted. Advisor: Charles Lawrence, Charles_Lawrence@brown.edu, Applied Mathematics.
*Three courses from the following:
- APMA 1660 (Statistical Inference II)
- APMA 1690 (Computational Probability and Statistics)
- CSCI 1410 (Introduction to Artificial Intelligence)
- APMA 0340 (Methods of Applied Mathematics I) {or APMA 0330}
- APMA 0360 (Methods of Applied Mathematics II) {or APMA 0350}
*At least three of the following:
- BIOL 1430 (Computational Theory of Molecular Evolution)
- CSCI 1950L (Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology)
- PHP 2620 (Statistical Methods in Bioinformics)
- APMA 1070 (Quantitative Models in Biological Systems)
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