| Requirements of the Major Convener's Page*
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Convener: Paramjeet S. Bagga Faculty: Lawrence D'Antonio Arthur Felix Amruth Kumar |
William Mitchell Edward Saiff Robert Shine Ash Stuart (*disclaimer below) |
About the Major
Bioinformatics is a modern interdisciplinary science that uses computational techniques to help frame and resolve biological problems. Its purpose is to manage biological information and solve biological problems with the help of computer science based technology. The management involves gathering, storing, analyzing and interpreting biological data that can then be used for molecular modeling, gene discovery, assignment of functions to newly discovered genes, and studying relationships like structure and function of proteins. The information obtained by the application of this powerful new technology can be applied to prevent, diagnose and treat inherited and other diseases, design new drugs and vaccines, shorten the development cycle of new medicines and much more.
There is an unprecedented demand for Bioinformaticians to join
the forefront of research areas in industry as well as academic
institutions. Northern New Jersey is a hub for pharmaceutical
industry and one of the largest centers of biotechnology. Several
institutions of higher education are located in and around this
area as well. Ramapo College is well suited for a Bioinformatics
program since it is located within a short distance from institutions
for higher education and companies that have high priority programs
in Bioinformatics.
Ramapo College is one of the first primarily undergraduate colleges in the United States to offer a baccalaureate degree in Bioinformatics. The curriculum for this program has been designed to lay a solid multidisciplinary foundation in modern life sciences, chemistry, mathematics, as well as cutting-edge computer technology 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. This career-oriented program prepares the students to obtain employment in industry and academia, pursue graduate education, careers in medicine and related disciplines, or engage in research in this technological field of great demand.
Highly qualified and experienced educators teach the courses
of Bioinformatics curriculum. The faculty members are actively
engaged in research and typically involve undergraduate students
in their projects. Students are also encouraged to present their
findings at research conferences and publish their accomplishments in peer reviewed scientific journals.
Supporting academic programs with the technology necessary for
their success is top priority at Ramapo College. The College
has well-maintained modern laboratories for biology, molecular
biology, biochemistry, genetics, chemistry and physics that
are used for the Bioinformatics program. Most of these laboratories
are equipped with modern computers with Internet connections.
In addition, two ultramodern labs have been specially designed to teach Bioinformatics courses. The college also boasts over forty different PC and Mac based computer labs across the campus, with over 700 PCs and Macs for student use. In addition to email and web page space for students, a high end Sun System supports higher end computing needs for faculty and students. A Sun Server is dedicated to Bioinformatics teaching and research.
The Major is offered by the School of Theoretical and Applied
Science and leads to a B.S. degree in Bioinformatics
Curriculum for the Bioinformatics Major:
In order to graduate with a B.S. in Bioinformatics from Ramapo College, a student will have to earn a total of 128 credits. In addition to 72 credits of the core subjects, students pick 12 credits from two sets of specialized electives. Additionally, Fundamentals of Physics I and II courses are highly recommended for Bioinformatics majors. There is also provision for students to opt for Bioinformatics research that can be performed under the guidance of one of the faculty members of the program, or taken as Co-op/Internship in a suitable industry in the area.
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