Curriculum overview
ms Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics (MSQBB): 2-semester program (90 units):
- 03-701-A1 (6 units): Data Analysis for Biological Sciences (Fall, first half-semester)
- 03-702-A2 (6 units): Statistical Computing for Biological Sciences (Fall, second half-semester)
- 03-604 (3 units): Professional Skills (Fall)
- 02-601 (12 units): Programming for Scientists or 15-110 (10 units): Principles of Computing (Fall or possibly Spring) or 03-709: Applied Cell & Molecular Biology (12 units)
- 02-604 (12 units): Modeling Evolution or Fundamental Bioinformatics (Spring)
- 03-708-A3 (6 units: Practical Computing for Biological Sciences (Spring, first half-semester)
- 03-713-A4 (6 units): Bioinformatics Data Integration Practicum (Spring, second half-semester)
- Electives:
- Please watch this 2 minute video for how to view electives: https://youtu.be/B_4if2U8SSk
- Students must take 39-41 units of Biological Sciences graduate course work (03-6xx or 03-7xx classes). Typically most or all of these are Biological Sciences courses, but up to 24 units units of graduate electives from the Computational Biology Department Graduate Courses may count towards the degree, subject to availability and pre-requisite requirements.
ms Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics, Advanced study (MSQBBAs): 3-semester program (114 units):
- 03-701-A1 (6 units): Data Analysis for Biological Sciences (first Fall, first half-semester)
- 03-702-A2 (6 units): Statistical Computing for Biological Sciences (first Fall, second half-semester)
- 03-604 (3 units): Professional Skills (first Fall)
- 02-601 (12 units): Programming for Scientists or 15-110 (10 units): Principles of Computing (Fall or possibly Spring)
- 02-604 (12 units): Modeling Evolution or Fundamental Bioinformatics (Spring)
- 03-708-A3 (6 units: Practical Computing for Biological Sciences (Spring, first half-semester)
- 03-713-A4 (6 units): Bioinformatics Data Integration Practicum (Spring, second half-semester)
- 03-711 (12 units): Computational Genomics and Molecular Biology or Computational Modeling, Statistical Analysis and Machine Learning in Science (Second Fall)
- Electives:
- Please watch this 2 minute video for how to view electives: https://youtu.be/B_4if2U8SSk
- Students must take 51-53 units of Biological Sciences graduate course work (03-6xx or 03-7xx classes). Typically most or all of these are Biological Sciences courses, but up to 36 units units of graduate electives from the Computational Biology Department Graduate Courses may count towards the degree, subject to availability and pre-requisite requirements.
To see a 2-minute tutorial on how to view course offerings and descriptions, please go here (YouTube): https://youtu.be/B_4if2U8SSk
Before planning to take any courses from any department other than Biological Sciences, please consult with the academic advisor to discuss the pre-requisite knowledge required to take those courses.
Also note: classes from other departments, including the Computational Biology Department, are subject to availability of space for MSQBB and MSQBBAS students and also have pre-requisites. Unfortunately, pre-requisites are not always listed or are occasionally incorrect in the listings, please talk to the MSQBB/MSQBBAS academic advisor before planning to take courses from any department other than Biological Sciences.
Admitted students will choose either the MSQBB or MSQBBAS program in March/April for August start date. Inter-program transfer after matriculation requires special approval from program administration.
Additional Curriculum Notes
Seminars
Each semester, all students are encouraged to and attend some or all of the weekly Department of Biological Sciences Research Seminars. Graduate students are strongly urged to meet the speakers to broaden their knowledge of cutting-edge biological science and to make useful contacts; the faculty host can arrange individual or small group meetings for interested students. Students may also count up to 3 units of seminar (typically 1 semester) as depth coursework.
Research
Research is not required, but is allowed. Certain projects funded by or related to defense research or other sensitive US government areas (as determined by the Office of the General Counsel) are NOT permitted. At this time, no research ongoing in Biological Sciences, Computational Biology, or Chemical Engineering Departments falls under such restrictions, but some research in other departments in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Machine Learning, and some other departments does. Every mentor is required to verify with the CMU General Counsel that no sensitive topics are being researched in their lab before taking a student researcher; such verification is required in all departments (even those listed above as not currently involving sensitive topics.)
Students who are interested in research for credit may take M.S. Thesis Research (03-699). The number of credits for this course will be determined by the faculty mentor. Students may take as many units of research as they want (up to 12 units per semester). However, only 12 units total may count toward depth electives. If the student plans to write an honors thesis, they may enroll in up to 12 units of M.S. Honors Thesis Research in the final semester, these 12 units may also count toward graduation.
Students should contact faculty from biology directly to learn about available research opportunities (or talk to the academic advisor). M.S. students are not eligible for research assistantships, but students can work or do research for an hourly pay within the limitations of number of hours and pay range. Students can not get course credit and an hourly wage for the same work.
Internships (only available to students in MSQBB - Advanced Study)
Students who are interested in doing an optional internship in industry or at a research lab not at CMU can take 03-600, Biology Internship, for 3 units of credit.
International students who secure paid internships outside of Carnegie Mellon must register for both 03-600 and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The Office of International Education (OIE) oversees CPT registration. Students will need the offer letter spelling out dates of employment, hours to be worked, and wages or stipend (if any).
It is advisable to contact the Assistant Department Head for Graduate Affairs during the fall semester to begin seeking and preparing for an internship (i.e. resumes, cover letters and making contacts) to improve your chances of finding an internship.