Mar 28, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2022-2023 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2022-2023 [Archived Catalog]

Computational Biology


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Computational biology is the study of biological systems through computational and statistical modeling of large data sets. Through this program, students gain knowledge in biology, computer science, and information technology. This degree program is designed to prepare students for admission to graduate or professional school. The philosophy behind it is to leave as many options as possible to the student. This flexibility is essential for those students who have specific interests and goals other than those spelled out in more traditional curricula. This curriculum requires a minimum of 128 credit hours.

First Year


Fall


  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 2 below)

Second Year


Fall


  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 2 below)

Spring


  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 2 below)

Third Year


Please note: The third and fourth year of the program vary depending upon which semester students choose to take away following The Arch Summer Semester. Please note the following differences in curriculum:

  • If students are going to be away during the Fall semester of their junior year, they should take the listed courses for each term and any courses under the Fall Away Track for years three and four of their program.
  • If students are going to be away during the Spring semester of their junior year, they should take the listed courses for each term and any courses under the Spring Away Track for years three and four of their program.

The Arch Summer Semester*


*For students who have applied for and been granted an exception, The Arch Summer courses will be taken during the fall semester. For listing of the exception process go to: http://info.rpi.edu/arch/students/#ExceptionProcess.

  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 2 below)
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Fall or Spring


  • Focus Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)
  • Focus Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)

Fall Away Track


  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring Away Track


  • Advanced Laboratory Option Credit Hours: 6
    (See footnote 4 below)
  • Elective Credit Hours: 2

Fourth Year


Fall


  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 2 below)
  • Focus Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)

Fall Away Track


  • Advanced Laboratory Option Credit Hours: 6
    (See footnote 4 below)
  • Elective Credit Hours: 2

Spring Away Track


  • Focus Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • Senior Research Thesis Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 6 below)
  • Focus Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Fall Away Track


  • Focus Elective Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)

Spring Away Track


  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4

Focus I: Biomolecular Systems


Focus II: Ecological Systems


Footnotes


  1. Students may substitute CHEM 1100  for CHEM 1110 .
  2. Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) Core Electives: A total of 24 credits of HASS Core Electives should be taken. Students should take an Inquiry course during their first year. For a listing of HASS Inquiry courses go to: https://info.rpi.edu/hass-inquiry. In addition, students should take a HASS Communications Intensive course during their first three semesters.
  3. May be taken in another semester depending on individual student schedule
  4. Advanced Lab option: BIOL 4720  Molecular Biology Laboratory or BIOL 4320 : Microbiology Laboratory. The Advanced Lab Option fulfills the Communication Intensive and Culminating Experience requirements.
  5. Focus courses. Students must choose a focus, among 1. Biomolecular Systems or 2. Ecological Systems and must complete 20 credits of course work within the focus, including required and elective courses (see below).
  6. Senior Research Thesis (BCBP 4990  or BIOL 4990 ) is recommended; however, students may substitute any additional 4000-level elective course from either focus (see below).

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