The undergraduate major in Computational and Integrative Biology (UCIB) is designed for students interested in the collaborative approach to biology, systems biology, integrative biology, biological chemistry, biomathematics, and computer science.  

The Center for Computational and Integrative Biology has set forth the following Learning Goals for students enrolled in the CCIB curriculum:

  1. Students will acquire a productive understanding of the five scientific fields (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics) that comprise CCIB, sufficient to engage in interdisciplinary research.
  2. Students will develop deep understanding in a specific areas of integrative and computational biology, so to be able to perform research activity in the field of integrative and computational biology.
  3. Student will be able to gain basic skills to communicate and deliver information to scientists from different disciplines, as specified on Goal 1.
  4. Students will acquire skills and abilities to pursue STEM careers in academia, government or industry.

Three tracks are set up within the UCIB major and focus on selective areas of study.  Students may choose the Systems Option, the Physical Option, or the Molecular Option.

Requirements of UCIB Major

Every UCIB student is required to complete basic courses, which provide the academic foundation for the major. However, required courses differ among the tracks to allow flexibility for students to pursue in-depth examination of areas of particular individual interest.  More advanced courses provide an opportunity for advanced students to study their primary topic more critically and present results publicly in oral and written form.

Concentration Options

The Molecular Option provides a thorough background in the subject areas involved in Computational and Integrative Biology (CIB) Major, with a stronger emphasis on chemistry and biology.

The Systems Option provides a thorough background in the subject areas involved in Computational and Integrative Biology (CIB) Major, with a stronger emphasis on mathematics and computer science.

The Physical Option provides a thorough background in the subject areas involved in Computational and Integrative Biology (CIB) Major, with a stronger emphasis on biophysics.

Research Capstone

All UCIB majors must complete the following courses before graduating:

  • 50:121:400 Capstone Course I
  • 50:121:401 Capstone Course II

Click here for more information regarding the CCIB Capstone Course details.

Interested in also completing a combined Bachelors and Master’s Degree? Check out our Dual Degree option!

For more information on the program, please contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator Dr. Anthony Geneva