Tracks

Bioinformatics

The Bioinformatics track looks at computational approaches to biomedical problems. Students may focus in computational data analysis, systems biology, data mining, simulation and modeling, visualization, or other areas that incorporate computer science and mathematics in biological research. This track requires some undergraduate computer science as a prerequisite (Comp 15 or the equivalent). Students will work with an advisor to design a coherent program including computer science electives as well as courses in computational biology, math and biotechnology.

Track requirements

In addition to the 12 core SHU requirements, students in this track must also take:

Comp 167 Computational Biology (3 SHUs)
Comp 135 Machine Learning (3 SHUs)
Comp160 Algorithms (4 SHUs)
1 Comp systems elective (111, 112, 115, 116, or suitable special topics course)
2 other Comp or Bio electives

Elective Credits in Bioinformatics

As always, please consult the SIS Student Portal website for exact times and dates of all classes offered below. Other relevant Comp electives will be found among the special topics classes offered each term. Recent such offerings include Computational Systems Biology, Advanced Algorithms, Data Structures and Algorithms, Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning, and Information Theory.

Course ID	Name	Time
Comp-111 (3 SHUs)	Operating Systems	Fall: MW, 4:30-5:45
Comp-112 (3 SHUs)	Networks	Spring: MW, 10:30-11:45
Comp-115 (3 SHUs)	Database Systems	Spring: TR, 6:00-7:15
Comp-116 (3 SHUs)	Computer Security	Both: TR 4:30-5:45
Comp-131 (3 SHUs)	Artificial Intelligence	Both: TR, 6:00-7:15
Comp-136 (3 SHUs)	Statistical Pattern Recognition	Fall: MW 1:30-2:45
Comp-163 (3 SHUs)	Computational Geometry	Fall: T, 9-11:30
Comp-170 (3 SHUs)	Computation Theory	Both: TR, 9:00-10:15
Comp-175 (3 SHUs)	Computer Graphics	Spring: MW, 3:00-4:15
Comp-177 (3 SHUs)	Visualization	Both: TR, 1:30-2:45
Comp-293/294 (0-6 SHUs)	Master's Project	n/a
Comp-295/296 (0-6 SHUs)	Master's Thesis	n/a
Bio-102 (3 SHUs)	Human Genetics	Fall: MW, 10:30-11:45
Bio-103 (3 SHUs)	Developmental Biology	Fall: TR, 12:00-1:15
Bio-105 (3 SHUs)	Molecular Biology	Spring: TR, 10:30-11:45

Sample Program

This program assumes undergraduate-level experience in Computer Science (or comparable industry expertise developing software in C, C++, or Java, including data structures and algorithm analysis), along with fundamental knowledge of biology and chemistry. If you are interested in the program but do not have the computer science background, we recommend that you apply first to Tufts’ postbac program in computer science, which provides excellent preparation for this Master’s program.

Year 1
Fall	Spring
BioE 291 - Bioengineering Seminar	Bio E292 - Bioengineering Seminar
*Comp 167 - Introduction to Computational Biology	BME 162 - Molecular Biotechnology
EE 104 - Probability	†Systems elective: Comp 115 - Database Systems
Year 2
Fall	Spring
‡ChBE 167 - Metabolic and Cell Engineering	†Comp 177 - Visualization
*Comp 160 - Algorithms	*Comp 135 - Machine Learning
†Comp 150-04 - Reinforcement Learning	†Comp 150-02 - Computational Systems Biology

^*Track requirement
^†Track elective
^‡Breadth elective (fulfills core requirement)