The undergraduate program in bioinformatics at Ramapo College builds a solid multidisciplinary foundation in biology, chemistry, computer science and mathematics using informatics as an interdisciplinary cohesive tool. In advanced courses, students are trained to manage biological data, develop computational methods to analyze and interpret data, solve scientific problems and make new discoveries. In addition to the scientific and technical concepts, students are also exposed to the social, business, and ethical aspects of science. The bioinformatics major prepares students for obtaining employment in industry and academia, pursuing graduate education, careers in medicine and related disciplines, or engaging in research in this technological field of great demand.
Program Goals
The bioinformatics program should impart:
Knowledge of fundamental biological processes, especially at cellular and molecular levels. Appreciation of organisms’ relationship to each other, and the processes by which information is coded and transmitted.
Basic understanding of the chemical properties of molecules, especially bio-molecules.
Understanding of computer programming methodology including algorithm design, program development and the ability to apply software tools for biological data analysis.
Basic understanding of database design, and the ability to extract and analyze information from biological databases.
Preparation for rigorous research, quantitative problem solving skills and statistical analysis of data.
Communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, both orally and in writing.
Research Projects: Bioinformatics students are assigned at least three separate Research Projects in succession during their junior and senior years. The projects require multidisciplinary concepts learnt in the prior courses and involve application of bioinformatics skills that the students progressively acquire during the course of the program. Students submit written reports, websites and newly designed bioinformatics software tools. [BIOL 406, BIIN 430, BIIN 450]
TAS Research Honors: Students complete a two semester sequence of independent research with a faculty member and at the end of the year present their findings in several research conferences inside as well as outside the college. Students are also required to write an in depth, journal quality paper on their project.
Journal Club: Bioinformatics majors are encouraged to join the TAS Journal Club. The goal of the club is to enhance awareness of the current research developments in specific scientific disciplines. The club meetings consist of student presentations of the pre-assigned research articles published within the last six months. The club is not only about presentations. The purpose of presentation is, in fact, to initiate scientific discussions. Open discussions are highly encouraged and anticipated.
