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Students pursuing Computational and Systems Biology can choose from three specialized pathways: bioinformatics, biological data sciences, or dynamical modeling. These interconnected tracks all center on applying systems thinking, information theory, and computational modeling to biological challenges. The curriculum strongly emphasizes quantitative methods, as these analytical skills form the foundation for interdisciplinary biological research. While each pathway highlights distinct biological systems and computational techniques, all share this quantitative core. Majors select their preferred track upon declaration, though faculty may approve thoughtfully designed alternative tracks with proper justification.
Bioinformatics Specialization
This pathway prepares students for computational analysis and management of biological datasets, particularly genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic information. The bioinformatics curriculum develops expertise in computational algorithms, statistical methods, and mathematical modeling for processing and interpreting large-scale biological data. Potential research applications include identifying evolutionary patterns in genomic data, deciphering gene regulation mechanisms, or exploring connections between genome structure and cognitive functions.