Bioinformatics

• M.Sc. Biology with Specialization in Bioinformatics
• M.Sc. Mathematics with Specialization in Bioinformatics
• M.C.S. with Specialization in Bioinformatics

M.Sc. Biology, M.Sc. Mathematics, M.C.S. with Specialization in Bioinformatics

About the Program

Bioinformatics is an emerging and increasingly important scientific discipline dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental questions about the structure, function and evolution of biological entities through the design and application of computational approaches. Fundamental research in these areas is expected to increase our understanding of human health and disease which will translate to innovation in industry (i.e. drug discovery). As a field of research, it crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries such as computer science, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, engineering and the medical sciences. While individual researchers usually specialize in a particular area, bioinformaticians today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines. To meet this challenge Carleton University and the University of Ottawa offer a collaborative program leading to a Master of Science degree with Specialization in Bioinformatics or Master of Computer Science degree with Specialization in Bioinformatics.

Academic Regulations

See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

Admission Requirements

Application to the Program

Applications should be directed to the primary participating unit which is the most appropriate to the student's research interests. Once accepted into one of the participating graduate programs, students must then be sponsored into the collaborative program in Bioinformatics by a faculty member. This is normally the student's supervisor. This faculty member must be appointed, cross-appointed or stand as an adjunct at one or more of the participating units.

Application forms and further information can be obtained by writing directly to any of the participating institutes or departments, or the program coordinator.

Requirements

The requirements for admission to the master's in the Collaborative Program in Bioinformatics are as follows:

• prior admission to the master's program in one of the supporting units participating in the program.
• a letter of recommendation from the participating faculty member of the Collaborative Program, which both recommends admission and indicates the willingness of the faculty member to supervise the candidate's research program in Bioinformatics.

Program Requirements

The student is responsible for fulfilling both the participating unit requirements for the Master's degree, and the requirements of the Collaborative Program. Consult the individual programs for detailed program requirements.

The minimum requirements of the collaborative program include successful completion of two required courses, and a master's thesis on an approved bioinformatics topic.

Required courses:

• 0.5 credit in BIOL 5515 Bioinformatics
• 0.5 credit in BIOL 5517 Bioinformatics Seminar
• Thesis - candidates must successful complete a research thesis on a topic in bioinformatics supervised by a faculty member of the Collaborative Program in Bioinformatics.

Notes:

1. Students in programs in Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics may use BIOL 5515 Bioinformatics to count towards degree requirements; BIOL 5517 Bioinformatics Seminar must be taken in addition to the regular seminar course.
2. In addition, the student's thesis committee or advisory committee may direct the student to take or audit further courses to complement the student's background and research program.

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