M.S. in Bioinformatics
Academic Advisor: https://computing.njit.edu/advising
Master of Science in Bioinformatics
The M.S. in Bioinformatics addresses the growing need for professionals with an educational background that blends biology with computer science and mathematics. This combination of skills is needed both in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as in biomedical research.
Prerequisites
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited University, in Biology or Computing/STEM. Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be accepted. Further information can be found in the program's webpage.
Degree Requirements
The program requires the completion of 30 credits. The requirement is satisfied by taking 10 courses.
Students who want to pursue research can earn up to 6 of the 30 required credits by taking the CS 700B Master's Project possibly followed by CS 701B Master's Thesis. These have special requirements described in the section 'Master's Project and Thesis Policies'.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| Data Analytics with R Program | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | ||
| Core Electives | ||
| At least three courses from this list: | ||
| Foundations of Computer Science &1 | ||
| Python and Mathematics for Machine Learning &1 | ||
| Introduction to Big Data | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| Approaches to Quantitative Analysis in the Life Sciences | ||
| Statistical Methods in Data Science | ||
| Advanced Statistical Learning | ||
| Prin of Bioscience Processing | ||
| Critical Thinking for the Life Sciences | ||
| Cell Biology: Methods & Appl | ||
| Molecular Bio Of Eukaryotes | ||
| Cell Molec Dev | ||
| Other NJIT Electives | ||
| Computational Systems Biology | ||
| Neural Engineering | ||
| Biomechanics of Human Structure and Motion | ||
| Advanced Physical Chemistry | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| Data Management System Design | ||
| Advanced Database System Design | ||
| Image Processing and Analysis | ||
| Data Mining | ||
| Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Deep Learning | ||
| Computer Vision | ||
| Applications of Database Systems | ||
| Advanced Machine Learning | ||
| Data Mining and Management in Bioinformatics | ||
| Pattern Recognition and Applications | ||
| Information Retrieval | ||
| Digital Signal and Data Processing | ||
| Random Signal Analysis | ||
| Analytical Computational Neuroscience | ||
| Systems Computational Neuroscience | ||
| Foundations of Mathematical Biology | ||
| Regression Analysis Methods | ||
| Clinical Trials Design and Analysis | ||
| Survival Analysis | ||
| Probability Distributions | ||
| Statistical Inference | ||
| Graduate Capstone Project &2 | ||
| Rutgers-Newark Electives | ||
| Cell Biology: Methods & Appl | ||
| Molecular Bio Of Eukaryotes | ||
| Microbial Ecology | ||
| Topics in Cell Biology | ||
| Biology Of Cancer | ||
| Pharmacology | ||
| Genom Proteomics & Bioinformat | ||
| Intro To Biomedical Sciences | ||
| MS Project and Thesis | ||
| Master's Project | ||
| Master's Thesis | ||
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1. CS 506 and DS 637 are introductory-level graduate courses recommended to students who want to build background in fundamental topics and introductory programming.
2. Counting YWCC 691 towards the elective credits requires the program director’s prior approval. In addition, it needs to be completed either with an external partner (industry, lab, or government), or with a faculty only if the same faculty is not the student’s MS project or MS thesis advisor.
Master's Project and Thesis Policies
The contents of this section apply only to students who elect to do a Master's Project (CS 700B) or a Master's Thesis (CS 701B).
Students must first identify a research advisor holding an appointment at the ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, or Distinguished Professor.
In order to identify a research advisor, students are encouraged to directly contact professors. Professors may not always have availability for conducting an MS project/thesis. Students are therefore encouraged to start looking for an advisor as early as possible, especially if they are considering pursuing a Master’s Thesis that takes two semesters.
The students must be in close coordination with their research advisor who will determine the topic of the Project/Thesis and guide them to take specific elective courses that will prepare them for the research.
The Project or Thesis must be related to Bioinformatics.
Registration
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Master’s Project: With permission of their research advisor students must register in the CS 700BMaster's Project course. To register for a Master's Project, students must have completed at least 9 credits and must be in good standing.
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Master’s Thesis: With permission of their research advisor, students must first register in the CS 700B Master's Project course. They must receive a satisfactory (S) grade in CS 700B before CS 701B Master's Thesis registration in the immediately following semester, with the same advisor. The MS topic should be continuation of the work done in CS 700B.
Thesis Requirements
- An MS Thesis Committee must be formed, according to these requirements set forth by the Office of Graduate Studies.
- A written thesis must be submitted. The thesis must adhere to the style requirements set forth by the Office of Graduate Studies.
- An oral defense is required. The defense must take place before the last day of the Examination period.
