Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

When a student graduates from Iowa State University with an undergraduate major in bioinformatics and computational biology, it’s like having four different majors – computer science, mathematics, statistics and biology.

Graduates demonstrate an above-average ability to synthesize methods from these different disciplines to solve problems.

The BCBio major focuses on a variety of topics including gene identification, expression, and evolution; RNA, protein and genome structure; and molecular and cellular systems and networks.

A large group of participating faculty in the program will provide you with a multidimensional perspective on BCBio and will present you with a broad range of possibilities to get involved in undergraduate research.

Shalyn - Majoring in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Bio-Math
Zhijun Wu's team applies math to biology

The biological fields have advanced tremendously in recent decades. With all the discoveries and advancements, traditional biological approaches are not enough to tackle arising problems and issues.

That's where Iowa State University mathematics professor Zhijun Wu enters. Wu is among a growing number of mathematicians and other computational scientists who apply their knowledge to the life sciences.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology 4-Year Plan

ISU 2001-2012
B.S. Degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Recommended timeline for successful completion of a degree in four years.

Freshman Year

Semester 1		Semester 2
BCBio 110 - BCB Orientation	0.5	Biology 212, 212L - Principles of Biology and Lab	4
English 150 - Critical Thinking & Communication	3	Chemistry 178 - General Chemistry	3
Biology 211, 211L - Principles of Biology and Lab	4	Math 166 - Calculus II	4
Chemistry 177, 177L - General Chemistry & Lab	5	Social Science choice	3
Math 165 - Calculus I	4	Library Instruction - LIB 160	0.5

	16.5		14.5

Sophomore Year

Semester 3		Semester 4
Math 265 – Calculus III	4	Biology 314 – Principles of Molecular Cell Biology	3
Biology 313, 313L (cross-listed with Gen 313/313L) – Principles of Genetics and Lab	4	Math 307 – Matrices & Linear Algebra	3
Chemistry 331 – Organic Chemistry	3	Computer Science 227 – Intro to Object-orientated Programming	4
Statistics 330 – Probability and Statistics for Computer Science or Statistics 341 - Introduction to the Theory of Probability and Statistics I	3	BCBio 211 - Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology	5
English 250 – Written, Oral, Visual, Electronic Communication	3	Humanities choice	3
	17		16

Junior Year

Semester 5		Semester 6
Computer Science 228 – Introduction to Data Structures	3	Computer Science 363 – Intro to Database Management Systems	3
Genetics 409 – Molecular Genetics	3	Bioinformatics Support Elective **	3
Physics 221 – Intro to Classical Physics	5	Humanities choice	3
Statistics 430 – Empirical Methods for Computer Science	3	Elective*	3
Humanities choice	3	Social Science Choice	3
	17		15

Senior Year

Semester 7		Semester 8
English 312 Biological Communication or English 314 Technical Communication	3	BCBio 490 or BCBio 491 – Independent Study or Team Research	3
Computer Science 330 – Discrete Computational Structures or Computer Engineering 310 – Theoretical Foundations of Computer Engineering	3	BCBio 402 - Fundamentals of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology II	3
BCBio 401 - Fundamentals of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology I	3	Elective*	3
Humanities Choice	3	Social Science Choice	3
	12		12

* LAS majors require a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 32 credits earned in residence at ISU and 45 credits at the 300/400 level. Students must also complete the LAS foreign language requirement. Students who did not complete 3 years of foreign language in high school will need to earn foreign language credit before graduating.
Students in all ISU majors must complete a three-credit course in U.S. diversity and a three-credit course in international perspectives. See list of approved courses. Discuss with adviser how the two courses that you select can be applied to your graduation plan.
** Bioinformatics Support Electives are to be chosen from the following list: BCB 548, 593, 594, 596
Physics 222
BBMB 404, 405
Biology 315, 423, 462, 465, 472
Genetics 340, 410
Statistics 342, 402, 416, 432, 480
Com S and Cpr E courses at the 300 level and above
Math (266 or 267), 304, 314, 385, 481.

Careers with a degree in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

Graduates with a bioinformatics and computational biology major can seek employment in agricultural and medical biotechnology industries, as well as in academia, national laboratories and clinics. Many graduates also continue their education in a graduate program.

Career Services Website

Scholarships for BCBio Majors

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Scholarships