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Bioinformatics – BS *No new applications are being accepted*

Program Overview:

The College’s Computer Science, Information Technology and Bioinformatics programs are designed to prepare students with the skills to excel in the high-tech industry. Majors will acquire the knowledge to advance into positions such as computer programming, systems analysis, systems design, Internet programming and information systems management. Students will also be prepared for graduate school.

In today’s job market, employers often favor candidates with expertise and/or experience in computing. Regardless of a student’s major at Saint Rose, a minor in Computer Science would be an attractive addition to their resume. Students pursuing a minor have the flexibility to choose a course of study.

Computer Science, Information Technology, Bioinformatics majors and minors are required to maintain a minimum academic index of 2.25 in the major, 2.00 in each course in the major/minor (and all mathematics courses required by the major), and a 2.25 cumulative GPA. Students seeking a certificate must earn a minimum of a 2.00 in each course.

An honors research concentration for the Computer Science, Information Technology and Bioinformatics majors is outlined below, under Program Requirements.

Program Contacts:

Program Requirements:

CSC 202Intro to Programming

4

CSC 302Data Structures

4

CSC 321Database Mgmt Systems

4

CSC 342Artificial Intelligence

3

CSC 431Algorithms

3

CSC 434Software Engineering

3

CSC 414Bioinformatics 1

3

CSC 415Bioinformatics 2

3

CSC 416Bioinformatics Project

3

MAT 190Calculus 1

4

MAT 191Calculus 2

4

MAT 184Elementary Statistics

4

MAT 220Foundations of Mathematics

3

or

MAT 295Discrete Math Str

3

BIO 190Prin of Biology 1

3

BIO 190LPrin of Biology 1 Lab

1

BIO 191Prin of Biology 2

3

BIO 191LPrin of Biology 2 Lab

1

BIO 307Biochemistry

3

BIO 307LBiochemistry Lab

1

BIO 358Genetics

3

BIO 358LGenetics Lab

1

CHM 190Gen Chemistry 1

3

CHM 190LGen Chemistry 1 Lab

1

CHM 191Gen Chemistry 2

3

CHM 191LGen Chemistry 2 Lab

1

CHM 201Organic Chemistry 1

3

CHM 201LOrganic Chemistry 1 Lab

1

CHM 202Organic Chemistry 2

3

CHM 202LOrganic Chemistry 2 Lab

1

2 CSC electives from courses at the 300 level or higher

6

  1. Empirical examination of one or more hypotheses using research protocols and experimental designs appropriate to the student’s discipline. (Criminal Justice, Behavior and Law, Physical and Biological Sciences, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology)
  2. Robust exploratory examination of an advanced Computer Science topic (e.g. programming, design, analysis, simulation) following a traditional research trajectory and/or requiring implementation of a large-scale programming project. (Computer Science)
  3. In depth critical or theoretical examination of the literature on an unresolved issue in the field. (Criminal Justice, Behavior and Law, Social Work, Sociology)
  4. Qualitative examination using research protocols and designs appropriate to the student’s discipline. (Criminal Justice, Behavior and Law, Social Work, Sociology)
  5. Qualitative or deconstructive research that challenges a discipline’s orthodoxy or grand narrative. (Social Work)
  1. Students interested in pursuing research honors and who have achieved at least a B average at Saint Rose, must file an “Intent to Pursue Research Honors Concentration” document with the Dean of Mathematics & Sciences, accompanied by a letter of support from a faculty member within the major, and sign up for Research Honors Concentration Candidacy in Mathematics & Sciences for their major at the academic advising office. This concentration will appear on their academic progress report and academic transcript as “Research Honors in Mathematics and Sciences – Department of Computer Science.”
  2. Students must select a primary research advisor within their major who agrees to oversee the student’s progress toward Research Honors.
  3. Students must complete the research requirements for honors established for their major as indicated in the course catalog, and maintain an average of B or higher in these traditionally graded courses.
  4. At the time of graduation, students must have a minimum overall average of B and must meet or exceed the minimum GPA for research honors within their major as established by their department.
  5. At the conclusion of the research honors requirements, students will submit a thesis in a format appropriate for a scholarly journal within their discipline. Copies of the final thesis will be kept on file in the School of Mathematics & Sciences and in the Neil Hellman Library.
  1. Entry to the research honors concentration is limited to students who have achieved at least a 3.5 GPA in the major and a 3.0 GPA overall after completion of their junior year.
  2. Entry into the program is granted upon submission of an acceptable project proposal. A student must submit his or her proposal to a faculty member of the Computer Science Department; the proposal must describe the intended project and be approved by the faculty member (who becomes the faculty advisor for the project). The proposed project must be a robust exploratory study of a topic not covered in any major course or a deeper examination of a topic covered in a student’s coursework. Programming, design, analysis, or simulation are possible areas of focus.
  3. In addition to the faculty advisor, at least two other faculty members within the department serve on the student’s committee.
  4. Once approved, the student embarks on the project, registering for a 3-credit independent study in the first semester of his or her senior year. Note that such projects may span a student’s entire senior year.
  5. Students must earn at least a B in the independent study.
  6. Students must present their research project to their committee; the committee determines if the project work is acceptable or requires further investigation or revision.
  7. Students must publish their work in a peer-reviewed journal or conference proceedings. Examples include the Journal of Undergraduate Research here at The College of Saint Rose, poster sessions at a computing conference, etc.

Professional Accreditation:

Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:

Minor(s):

Complete minors listing

Admissions and Financial Aid Information:

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