BIOINFORMATICS MINOR

The Microbiology & Cell Science Department is pleased to offer an undergraduate minor in Bioinformatics. This minor is offered to students majoring in any biology-related subject, including, but not limited to, Microbiology, Biology or Biochemistry. Bioinformatics - which we define broadly as the use of computers to answer biological questions - has become a major component of modern biological science. So integrated is bioinformatics with biology that it is difficult to find an active research program that does not rely on bioinformatic analysis to achieve results. Unfortunately, the integration of bioinformatic and traditional methods is not stressed in many undergraduate programs, leaving the next generation of biologists without the skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s research environment. We created the undergraduate minor in Bioinformatics to provide this critical training to future professionals in the biological disciplines.

IN THE BIOINFORMATICS MINOR, YOU WILL GAIN:

Advanced coursework in bioinformatics to learn new skills
Practical experience applying bioinformatics skills to solve real-world research problems
Mentorship and guidance for career development
A community of colleagues working to learn and apply bioinformatics skills

Your training will help position you as a future leader in your chosen biological discipline and provide you with the integrative technical skills necessary to excel.

TO APPLY FOR THE BIOINFORMATICS MINOR

To apply for the minor, you will need to submit the Minor Application Paperworkto the UF Registrar’s office. Please contact your academic advisor if you have any questions about how to apply for this minor.

COURSE OF STUDY (15-16 CREDITS)

Required Courses (9 credits)

BSC 2891

CAP 5510

Python Programming for Biologists OR

Bioinformatics

3 Credits; Spring

3 Credits; Fall

BSC 4434C

Introduction to Bioinformatics

3 Credits; Fall

MCB 4320C

The Microbiome

3 Credits; Spring

Required Capstone Experience (3 credits)

BSC 4913

Independent Research in Bioinformatics

3 Credits; Fall,Spring

Please read this short description about how to register for the required capstone experience course.

It is strongly advised that students begin planning for the required capstone experience at least 1 semester before they plan to register for the course.

Elective Requirement (choose one 3-4 credit course)

HOS 3305	Introduction to Plant Molecular Biology	3 Credits; Fall
MAP 4484	Modeling in Mathematical Biology	3 Credits; Spring
PCB 3063	Genetics	4 Credits; Fall,Spring
PCB 4674	Evolution	4 Credits; Fall,Spring,Summer
PCB 5065	Advanced Genetics	3 Credits; Fall
BSC 4325C	R for Functional Genomics	3 Credits; Fall
MCB 4934	Advanced Bioinformatics	3 Credits; Spring
BSC 4914	Advanced Independent Research in Bioinformatics	3 Credits; Fall,Spring

Students wishing to substitute a particular course for the Bioinformatics elective requirement should contact their academic advisor to discuss the substitution. Any course being substituted for the Bioinformatics elective requirement must have a strong quantitative or bioinformatics focus.