Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Minor

The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences departments of biological sciences and mathematics and the Viterbi School of Engineering departments of computer science and biomedical engineering jointly offer the cross-departmental minor in computational biology and bioinformatics. This minor provides essential training in using quantitative skills to solve fundamental biological problems as well as problems related to public health, neuroscience and environment. The minor includes four tracks according to the background of the students in biology, mathematics, computer science and engineering.

As with all minors, students must include at least four upper-division courses (16 units) and four courses (16 units) dedicated exclusively to this minor (they can overlap). Four courses (16 units) taken outside the major department are required. The courses are designed for students in biology, mathematics, computer science or biomedical engineering. Other students may need more units to receive the minor. The CHEM 105bL  or CHEM 115bL  prerequisite for BISC 320  may be waived if the students have the necessary background determined by the faculty adviser for the minor. Students who waive these prerequisites cannot retake CHEM 105bL  or CHEM 115bL  for credit.

Please see the minor adviser for specific program requirements.