Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

Minor

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Entry to the lodge area of the Biology Field Station in California, Kentucky.

​In modern biology, the ability to manage and analyze massive datasets is every bit as important as the ability to perform field or laboratory research.

The bioinformatics and computational biology (BCB) minor is the newest program in the Department of Biological Sciences and aims to produce, along with a major in biology or computer information systems, graduates with strong backgrounds in both realms. These graduates will be well positioned to analyze data by combining these two fields, whether in a traditional biological or computational career, or in the rapidly growing and in-demand field of bioinformatics (specialized biological data analysis and method development).

The BCB minor is an interdisciplinary program housed within the Department of Biological Sciences, featuring classes offered by that department and the departments of Information Systems and Mathematics and Physics. As such, students will benefit from a vibrant peer and faculty community of scientists and have many opportunities available.

​The BCB minor is one of the first such programs in the area, and the first at a private four-year university in Greater Cincinnati. Students can learn about bioinformatics while completing a degree in biology or computer information systems and exploring the many benefits of these degree programs, including:

  • Diverse & specialized curriculum taught by expert faculty
  • Excellent lab facilities & research opportunities on site and with partners in the Greater Cincinnati area
  • Thomas More Biology Field Station for Ohio River research
  • Active student organizations including Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society, the Biology Club, and the Marine Biology Club
  • A fast track for admissions to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine through the Early Assurance Program for qualified students.
  • A large network of successful graduates.

Interdisciplinary Study in Biology (BIO) and Computer Information Systems (CIS).

Students’ curriculum as a BCB minor will include courses such as genetics, biochemistry, computer programming, big data, and bioinformatics. Many of the required courses overlap with major-required courses in biology, so a typical BIO major will need 3-4 courses (depending on specific options) in computer programming and computational biology to round out the minor. A CIS major will need 3-4 courses in biological topics.

This minor is a great choice for any biology student who is interested in graduate studies in biology and will augment, not limit, the opportunities that will be available. The minor will take only two years to complete, so it can easily be added in your second year of study towards a degree, when you have a solid foundation in your major.

​Thomas More University’s faculty is trained in diverse areas of expertise and this is shared with students through research and teaching excellence. Students will gain their training from faculty who are experts in research methods and data analysis in biochemistry, immunology, molecular and population genetics, botany, ichthyology, microbiology, marine biology, terrestrial plant ecology, animal behavior, and freshwater biology, as well as in computer programming, database management, and process improvement.

​Thomas More is very excited to announce this new program, which is available for students as of 2018. Students can be one of the first classes to participate in this program and join peers from the participating departments of biological sciences, computer information systems, and mathematics. All of these programs have long histories at Thomas More and have produced hundreds of graduates between them. Recent biology graduates have attended graduate programs (pursuing a wide variety of research interests) including: Miami University (OH), University of Florida, Rutgers University, Johns Hopkins University, Eastern Kentucky University, and the University of Cincinnati or professional programs (e.g., medical, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy) at the University of Louisville, University of Pennsylvania, Washington University (St. Louis), Ohio State University, University of Kentucky, and more.

​The BCB minor program is designed to (1) provide biology majors with computational skills that will make them better biologists; (2) provide computer information systems majors with a basis in biology and computational problems in biology; and (3) open doors to further study and exciting careers in bioinformatics.

​Thomas More maintains an extensive network of related resources & agencies for developing research experiences, collaborations, and career opportunities, including the Newport Aquarium, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Cincinnati Museum Center, Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, SD1, KY Fish & Wildlife, Boone County Parks, and many more.

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