Curriculum (M.S.)	Credits

Core
BNFO 501 Introduction to Physical Implementation of Databases	1
BNFO 508 Introduction to Bioinformatics Research	2
BNFO/BIOL 540 Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics	3
BNFO 600 Basic Scripting Languages	2
BNFO/BIOL 601 Integrated Bioinformatics	3
BNFO 690 Seminars in Bioinformatics	1
BNFO 697 Directed Research in Bioinformatics	6 (minimum)
CMSC 508 Database Theory	3
OVPR 601 Scientific Integrity	1

Total core credits	22

Recommended electives (see below)	12

Program total	34

Recommended electives
BIOS 567 Statistical Methods for Microarray Data	3
BNFO/BIOL 541 Laboratory in Molecular Genetics	2
BNFO 591 Special Topics in Bioinformatics	variable
BNFO 592 Independent Study	variable
BNFO 620 Bioinformatics Practicum	3
BNFO 621 Business and Entrepreneurship for Life Scientists	3
BNFO 637 Networks Biology	3
BNFO/MICR 653 Advanced Molecular Genetics: Bioinformatics	3
BNFO 691 Special Topics in Bioinformatics	variable
BNFO 691 Special Topics in Bioinformatics (Genomics and Phylogenetics )	3
BNFO 692 Independent Study	variable
CLSE 562 Advanced Systems Biology Engineering	3
CMSC 501 Advanced Algorithms	3
MATH 580-581 Methods of Applied Mathematics for the Life Sciences I- II	3
PHYS 591 Topics in Physics (Modeling, Computing and Biocomplexity)	3

Thesis research

Students in the M.S. program must perform a credible original investigation under the supervision of their major adviser and Graduate Advisory Committee. Each student must develop and write a short proposal in consultation with his or her major adviser and GAC. The project must be approved by the student’s GAC, based on a short (10-page) paper submitted by the student. This paper will include background on the project including a review of the literature, the purpose, specific aims and rationale of the project, a statement about the specific hypothesis to be investigated, and proposed methods and statistical analyses.

Research projects will be based on ongoing research in the laboratories of faculty in the CSBC and across both campuses of VCU and the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park. Students in the program may perform research on the broad range of subjects, from molecules to ecosystems, studied by CSBC faculty.

Students shall prepare a written thesis describing the completed research performed during their tenure in the M.S. in Bioinformatics program following the format of the Graduate School. An oral defense, consisting of a public presentation of the thesis and a committee meeting to discuss the thesis, under the direction of the GAC but open to all faculty members, shall be scheduled to examine the student's research, thesis and underlying fundamental knowledge of the discipline's encompassed by the student's research. Announcement of the oral defense, including the candidate's name, thesis title, and the day, place and time of the defense, shall be made at least 10 working days in advance of the defense.