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Computational Biology

Computational biology involves the analysis and discovery of biological phenomena using computational tools, and the algorithmic design and analysis of such tools. The field is widely defined and includes foundations in computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, anatomy, neuroscience, and visualization. 

Students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. Students pursuing the ScB have the option of electing a concentration in Computational Biology with one of three focus areas: Computer Sciences, Biological Sciences, or Applied Mathematics & Statistics. Both programs require a senior capstone experience that pairs students and faculty in creative research collaborations.

Standard program for the A.B. degree

Please see the bottom of the page for more information regarding the University Writing Requirement, the Capstone Experience, and the Computational Biology Honors Program. 

Prerequisites:2
Single Variable Calculus, Part II
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
The Foundation of Living Systems
General Core Requirements: Biology2
Genetics
Biochemistry
Cell and Molecular Biology
General Core Requirements: Chemistry1
Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure
Organic Chemistry I
General Core Requirements: Computer Science2-3
Choose one of the following groupings of introductory courses:
Group A
Computing Foundations: Data
and Computing Foundations: Program Organization
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms 1
Group B
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Group C
Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Group D
Accelerated Introduction to Computer Science (and any full-credit computer science course above CSCI 0190)
General Core Requirements: Probability & Statistics1
Statistical Inference I
OR
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
OR
Probability
Comp Bio Core Course Requirements4
Computational Molecular Biology
Inference in Genomics and Molecular Biology
AND two of the following:
Statistical Inference II
Computational Probability and Statistics
Foundations of Population Genetics
Computational Methods for Studying Demographic History with Molecular Data
Human Population Genomics
Methods in Informatics and Data Science for Health
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology
Additional course with Director approval
Capstone Experience
Students enrolled in the computational biology concentration will complete a research project in their senior year under faculty supervision (i.e: BIOL 1950/1960, CSCI 1970, APMA 1970). The themes of such projects evolve with the field and the technology, but should represent a synthesis of the various specialties of the program. The requirements are either one semester of reading and research with a CCMB Faculty member or approved advisor, or a 2000-level Computational Biology course.
Total Credits12-13

Standard program for the Sc.B. degree

Please see the bottom of the page for more information regarding the University Writing Requirement, the Capstone Experience, and the Computational Biology Honors Program.  

Prerequisites2
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (or equivalent)
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
The Foundation of Living Systems (or equivalent)
General Core Course Requirements: Biology2
Genetics (prerequisite BIOL 0200 or equivalent)
Biochemistry
Cell and Molecular Biology
General Core Requirements: Chemisty1
Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure
Organic Chemistry I
General Core Requirements: Computer Science3-4
Introduction to Discrete Structures and Probability
AND complete one of the following groupings of introductory courses:
Group A
Computing Foundations: Data
and Computing Foundations: Program Organization
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms 1
Group B
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Group C
Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Group D
Accelerated Introduction to Computer Science (and any full-credit computer science course above CSCI 0190.)
General Core Requirements: Probability & Statistics1
Statistical Inference I
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
Probability
General Core Requirements: Computational Biology
CSCI 1810Computational Molecular Biology1
APMA 1080Inference in Genomics and Molecular Biology1
Capstone Experience1
Students enrolled in the computational biology concentration will complete a research project in their senior year under faculty supervision (i.e: BIOL 1950/1960, CSCI 1970, APMA 1970). The themes of such projects evolve with the field and the technology, but should represent a synthesis of the various specialties of the program. The requirements are either one semester of reading and research with a CCMB Faculty member or approved advisor, or a 2000-level Computational Biology course.
Six Courses in one of the following 3 tracks6
Computer Science Track:
Three of the following:
Introduction to Computer Graphics
Database Management Systems
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Probabilistic Methods in Computer Science
Design and Analysis of Algorithms
or other Computer Science courses approved by the concentration advisor.
AND three of the following:
Statistical Inference II
Computational Probability and Statistics
Foundations of Population Genetics
Computational Methods for Studying Demographic History with Molecular Data
Human Population Genomics
Introduction to Software Engineering
and Introduction to Computer Systems
Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology
Statistical Methods in Bioinformatics, I
Biological Sciences track
At least four courses comprising a coherent theme in one of the following areas: Biochemistry, Ecology, Evolution, or Neurobiology.
AND two courses from the following:
Statistical Inference II
Computational Probability and Statistics
Foundations of Population Genetics
Computational Methods for Studying Demographic History with Molecular Data
Human Population Genomics
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology
Statistical Methods in Bioinformatics, I
Applied Mathematics & Statistics Track:
At least three courses from the following:
Statistical Inference II
Computational Probability and Statistics
Artificial Intelligence
Methods of Applied Mathematics I
and Methods of Applied Mathematics II
Applied Ordinary Differential Equations
and Applied Partial Differential Equations I
At least three of the following:
Quantitative Models of Biological Systems
Foundations of Population Genetics
Computational Methods for Studying Demographic History with Molecular Data
Human Population Genomics
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology
Statistical Methods in Bioinformatics, I
Total Credits18-19

University Writing Requirement:

As part of Brown’s writing requirement, all students must demonstrate that they have worked on their writing both in their general studies and their concentration. There are a number of ways for Computational Biology concentrators to fulfill these requirements:

Capstone Experience:

Students enrolled in the computational biology concentration will complete a research project in their senior year under faculty supervision.  The themes of such projects evolve with the field and the technology, but should represent a synthesis of the various specialties of the program. The requirements are either one semester of reading and research with a CCMB Faculty member or approved advisor, or a 2000-level Computational Biology course.

Honors:

 In order to be considered a candidate for honors, students will be expected to maintain an outstanding record, with no "C's" in concentration courses and with a minimum of an "A-" average in concentration courses. In addition, students should take at least one semester, and are strongly encouraged to take 2 semesters, of reading and research with a CCMB faculty member or approved advisor. Students must submit to a public defense of their theses to be open to the CCMB community.

  • Students seeking honors are advised to choose a Thesis Advisor prior to the end of their Junior year
  • Students must complete the Registration form for Comp Bio and submit it to CCMB@BROWN.EDU

Any deviation from these rules must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies, in consultation with the student's advisor.