Major in Bioinformatics

The major in Bioinformatics provides an opportunity for students to focus their studies on the interdisciplinary connections between biology, computer science and mathematics while preparing them for careers in health care, graduate work, industry and technology.

Students will obtain a strong foundation in core life and natural sciences, complemented with courses in mathematics and computer science, to provide broad collaborative training across fields, allowing students to be prepared for future careers and keeping up with the forefront of the biological sciences.

Major Requirements

Bioinformatics majors must complete courses in the Biology Core, Bioinformatics Core plus two elective biology courses at the 300/400 level from the list below.

Biology Core (required)

BIO 200 General Biology I
BIO 201 General Biology II
BIO 315 Genetics
BIO 498 Capstone Seminar
CHM 211 Principles of Chemistry I
CHM 212 Principles of Chemistry II
MTH 151 Calculus I
PSY 355 Statistics for Scientific Research or MTH345 Elementary Statistics or MTH346 Statistics for Scientists

Bioinformatics Core (required)

BIO 410 Bioinformatics
CS 220 Computer Science I
MTH 301 Discrete Mathematics I
CS/MTH 302 Discrete Mathematics II: Structures and Algorithms
CS 205 Linux

Biology Electives (two required)

BIO 331 Developmental Biology
BIO 341 Immunology
BIO 342 Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer
BIO 351 Conservation Biology
BIO 355 Evolution of Vertebrates
BIO 356 Evolution and Population Genetics
BIO 413 Molecular Genetics
BIO 444 Neurobiology
BIO 453 Systematics and Phylogeny

All students must earn a minimum grade of C- and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 across all courses that are required for the major in order to successfully complete the degree.

Bioinformatics students are allowed to repeat any major-required course taken at Elmhurst University in which they received a grade of D, F, P, NP, W or Audit no more than one time for each course.

Minor in Bioinformatics

A minor in bioinformatics provides a strong foundation for a career in graduate work, industry, or technology for students interested in learning how technology can be used to answer biological questions.

Required Courses

The minor consists of six courses with a grade of C- or better in each course:

BIO 200 General Biology I
BIO 201 General Biology II
BIO 315 Genetics
BIO 410 Bioinformatics
CS 220 Computer Science I
CS 205 Linux