You're logged in as |

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

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
Computing Foundations: Data
and Computing Foundations: Program Organization
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
OR
Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
and Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science
and Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction
OR
Accelerated Introduction to Computer Science
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
and Introduction to Software Engineering
and Introduction to Computer Systems
and Theory of Computation
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:
Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology
Deep Learning
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
Computational Probability and Statistics
Statistical Inference II
Additional course with Director approval
Total Credits12

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.

Standard program for the Sc.B. degree

Prerequisites
MATH 0100Single Variable Calculus, Part II (or equivalent)1
or MATH 0170 Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
BIOL 0200The Foundation of Living Systems (or equivalent)1
General Core Course Requirements: Biology
BIOL 0470Genetics (prerequisite BIOL 0200 or equivalent)1
BIOL 0280Biochemistry1
or BIOL 0500 Cell and Molecular Biology
General Core Requirements: Chemisty
CHEM 0330Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure1
or CHEM 0350 Organic Chemistry I
General Core Requirements: Computer Science2-4
Computing Foundations: Data
and Computing Foundations: Program Organization
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
OR
Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
and Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science
and Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction
OR
Accelerated Introduction to Computer Science
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
and Introduction to Software Engineering
and Introduction to Computer Systems
and Theory of Computation
CSCI 0220Introduction to Discrete Structures and Probability1
General Core Requirements: Probability & Statistics
APMA 1650Statistical Inference I1
or CSCI 1450 Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
or MATH 1610 Probability
General Core Requirements: Computational Biology
CSCI 1810Computational Molecular Biology1
APMA 1080Inference in Genomics and Molecular Biology1
Capstone Experience1
Directed Research/Independent Study
Individual Independent Study
Six courses in one of the following three tracks:6
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
Three of the following:
Introduction to Computer Systems
Introduction to Software Engineering
Introduction to Software Engineering
Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology
Statistical Methods in Bioinformatics, I
Statistical Inference II
Foundations of Population Genetics
Computational Methods for Studying Demographic History with Molecular Data
Human Population Genomics
Computational Probability and Statistics
Biological Sciences track
At least four courses comprising a coherent theme in one of the following areas: Biochemistry, Ecology, Evolution, or Neurobiology.
AND select 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 II
and Methods of Applied Mathematics I
OR
Applied Partial Differential Equations I
and Applied Ordinary Differential Equations
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 Credits18-20

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.