Bioinformatics

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2021-2022

VCU Life Sciences

Concentration(s):

Biological/Genomic Sciences, Computational Sciences, Quantitative/Statistical Sciences

Program description

The bioinformatics curriculum blends foundational courses in biology, math, chemistry and computer science with a core of hands-on, problem-solving bioinformatics courses. It allows undergraduates an unusual opportunity to learn computational biology and data science by actually doing it--reading scientific papers, doing experiments, creating bioinformatics programs, and designing individual and team research investigations. The program includes general training in biology, computer science, and statistics to create a solid bioinformatics core, as well as focused training in a chosen concentration.

In the biological/genomic sciences concentration, students are primarily motivated by biology and have chosen this concentration to focus on upper-level biology topics such as advanced molecular biology and biochemistry.

In the computational sciences concentration, students are primarily motivated by computer science and have chosen this concentration to focus on upper-level computer science courses designed to improve students’ programming skills and understanding of algorithms.

In the quantitative/Statistical Sciences Concentration, students are primarily motivated by problem-solving using math and statistics and have chosen this concentration to focus on mathematical and statistical theory and methods for quantitative modeling and analysis.

Career opportunities

Our students learn how to use bioinformatics tools to solve scientific problems through project-based, experiential courses. These experiences mimic what doing molecular/computational science is actually like and provide excellent training for technician-level jobs (universities, institutes, biotech, or IT industry), for training in graduate school or in the health professions. Students interested in a health profession usually specialize in the Biological/Genomic Concentration.

Some students are interested in working close to the health system, while others are more interested in the programming/data analyst route. The technical, analytical and communications skills practiced in the program can transfer to other occupations as well.

Students with the Master of Science degree typically have greater opportunities than those with the Bachelor's degree as the Master's allows the student to gain more relevant skills, content knowledge, and project experience. In this case, greater opportunities refers to both roles with higher pay and although Master of Science graduates typically begin their careers in entry-level positions, they are working at a higher technical level and they will have the qualifications for leadership positions in the future.

Change of major requirements

A cumulative GPA greater than 2.0 is strongly encouraged due to the science rigor of the major. Email Lian Currie at lcurrie@vcu.edu to schedule an introductory appointment.

Bachelor-level job titles

Agricultural & Food Technician
Bioinformatics Technician
Biological Data Analyst
Biological Technician
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
Computational Biologist
Computer Programmer
Genomic Data Scientist
Mathematical Technician
Operations Research Analyst

Graduate and professional level job titles

Biostatistician
College Professor
Microbiologist
Software Developer

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Bioinformatics, concentration in biological/genomic sciences

Bioinformatics, concentration in biological/genomic sciences, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Bioinformatics, concentration in computational sciences

Bioinformatics, concentration in computational sciences, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Bioinformatics, concentration in quantitative/statistical sciences

Bioinformatics, concentration in quantitative/statistical sciences, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Plan of study in Bulletin

Bioinformatics, concentration in biological/genomic sciences

Bioinformatics, concentration in biological/genomic Sciences, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Bioinformatics, concentration in computational sciences

Bioinformatics, concentration in computational sciences, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Bioinformatics, concentration in quantitative/statistical sciences

Bioinformatics, concentration in quantitative/statistical sciences, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 200
STAT 314/321

Science required

5+ additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.0+ cumulative GPA, 2.0+ major GPA

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

Contact information

Department name:

Center for the Study of Biological Complexity

Building/room location:

Grace Harris Hall, room 3116a

Phone:

(804) 828-0559

Email:

hsemery@vcu.edu

http://www.csbc.vcu.edu/bioinformatics-programs/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Register for BNFO 101 Introduction to Scientific Computing and Computational Problem Solving.
Register for BNFO 251-252 Phage Discovery Lab for a year-long bioinformatics experience.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
Challenge yourself to reach out and interview a Bioinformatics faculty member or professional in the field to learn more about a career in bioinformatics.
Connect with and support your VCU “Society of Bioinformatics.”

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
Explore funding for international opportunities.
Explore funding for international opportunities.
Find an opportunity to expand your understanding of the identities or experiences of others by engaging with events, literature, and other modalities of exploration.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Explore different career paths and discuss your interests with a career advisor.
Meet with your academic advisor to discuss research interests and opportunities.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Join the VCU Bioinformatics Students and Alumni LinkedIn Group to get connected with students, alumni, faculty, and staff and learn about opportunities in this field.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
Meet with your academic advisor to incorporate teaching assistantships and independent studies into your degree plan: these courses offer the chance to gain experiential skills outside the classroom.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
Explore professional associations related to bioinformatics and see if there are opportunities for students to get involved in conferences, publications, or online resources.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
Meet with your academic advisor to plan a course timeline to include study abroad.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Participate in a hackathon, such as BNFOhacks or HealthHacks, in order to practice problem-solving skills.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Meet with the bioinformatics graduate student advisor, a graduate student, or the Bioinformatics Graduate Student Organization to learn more about attending a graduate program after completing your undergraduate degree and how to plan for that now.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Complete BNFO 301: Introduction to Bioinformatics during this academic year to be prepared for your capstone course in your senior year.
If you are considering an MS in Bioinformatics, discuss with your advisor the department's BS-MS program.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Design a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Attend 2-3 public talks or other events advertised by the Bioinformatics program and challenge yourself to ask a question at a research talk.
Consider a leadership role in the Society of Bioinformatics or as a teaching assistant in a Bioinformatics course.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
Commit to understanding intersectional social identities by volunteering and working on issues outside of your comfort zone.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Expand your understanding of ethical challenges that occur in Life Sciences research and practice identifying these issues and concerns by taking BNFO 411: Ethical Issues in Life Sciences.
Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and other summer research programs.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Practice communication and interpersonal skills that embrace cultural differences, particularly in professional settings.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
If admitted to the accelerated BS-MS program, take up to 12 graduate credits replacing 12 required credits in the BS program.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Join professional associations related to bioinformatics or your chosen career path by researching student and recent graduate rates in bioinformatics organizations.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation
Seek out opportunities to work with a multicultural team on a group project, such as in BNFO 420 Bioinformatics Capstone, a Hackathon, or similar REAL experience.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
Present your research at a local conference/meeting such as the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors like peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, or recent professionals.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Apply for graduate or professional school no later than fall of your final year.
Attend career fairs that offer opportunities to engage with employers in your career path.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2021-2022

Bioinformatics

VCU Life Sciences

Concentration(s):

Biological/Genomic Sciences, Computational Sciences, Quantitative/Statistical Sciences

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Register for BNFO 101 Introduction to Scientific Computing and Computational Problem Solving. Register for BNFO 251-252 Phage Discovery Lab for a year-long bioinformatics experience.	Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council. Consider applying to the Honors College. Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community. Challenge yourself to reach out and interview a Bioinformatics faculty member or professional in the field to learn more about a career in bioinformatics. Connect with and support your VCU “Society of Bioinformatics.”	Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU. Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa. Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate. Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101. Explore funding for international opportunities. Explore funding for international opportunities. Find an opportunity to expand your understanding of the identities or experiences of others by engaging with events, literature, and other modalities of exploration.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Explore different career paths and discuss your interests with a career advisor. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss research interests and opportunities.	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor. Join the VCU Bioinformatics Students and Alumni LinkedIn Group to get connected with students, alumni, faculty, and staff and learn about opportunities in this field.
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center. Meet with your academic advisor to incorporate teaching assistantships and independent studies into your degree plan: these courses offer the chance to gain experiential skills outside the classroom.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere. If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association. Explore professional associations related to bioinformatics and see if there are opportunities for students to get involved in conferences, publications, or online resources.	Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization. Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty. Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Meet with your academic advisor to plan a course timeline to include study abroad.	Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job. Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio. Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Participate in a hackathon, such as BNFOhacks or HealthHacks, in order to practice problem-solving skills.	Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Meet with the bioinformatics graduate student advisor, a graduate student, or the Bioinformatics Graduate Student Organization to learn more about attending a graduate program after completing your undergraduate degree and how to plan for that now.
Experience	Year 3	See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Complete BNFO 301: Introduction to Bioinformatics during this academic year to be prepared for your capstone course in your senior year. If you are considering an MS in Bioinformatics, discuss with your advisor the department's BS-MS program.	Design a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Attend 2-3 public talks or other events advertised by the Bioinformatics program and challenge yourself to ask a question at a research talk. Consider a leadership role in the Society of Bioinformatics or as a teaching assistant in a Bioinformatics course.	Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume. Commit to understanding intersectional social identities by volunteering and working on issues outside of your comfort zone.	Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Expand your understanding of ethical challenges that occur in Life Sciences research and practice identifying these issues and concerns by taking BNFO 411: Ethical Issues in Life Sciences. Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and other summer research programs.	Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Practice communication and interpersonal skills that embrace cultural differences, particularly in professional settings.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. If admitted to the accelerated BS-MS program, take up to 12 graduate credits replacing 12 required credits in the BS program.	Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Join professional associations related to bioinformatics or your chosen career path by researching student and recent graduate rates in bioinformatics organizations.	Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations. Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation. Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation Seek out opportunities to work with a multicultural team on a group project, such as in BNFO 420 Bioinformatics Capstone, a Hackathon, or similar REAL experience.	Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools. Present your research at a local conference/meeting such as the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors like peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, or recent professionals.	Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Apply for graduate or professional school no later than fall of your final year. Attend career fairs that offer opportunities to engage with employers in your career path.