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C2B2 Graduate Program

Computational Biology Specialization of the Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies

Goal of the Computational Biology Specialization

The aim of the Computational Biology Specialization is for students to learn to apply computational methods to solve biological problems. This is accomplished through courses in both the life sciences and in computational and related sciences, mentored research, and immersion in a community devoted to solving important biological problems using computational methods.

Requirements for Admission to the Computational Biology Specialization

  1. A science Bachelors Degree
  2. The Graduate Record Examination General Test and one Subject Test in one of the following subjects:

    Biology
    Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology
    Chemistry
    Physics
    Mathematics
    Computer Science .

  3. Letters of recommendation
  4. Personal interview

Degree requirements

Summary

Students are expected to complete the courses described below in the areas of biology, quantitative subjects, and computational biology, within the first year. In certain cases additional time can be granted. Any deficiencies in the student's background may be made up by remedial courses that do not count towards the degree. Students are expected to complete two additional courses from a list of electives offered by participating departments during their second and third years. In addition to coursework, students take part in three laboratory rotations with participating sponsors of their choice. Students are required to pass a qualifying examination. At this point, students identify a sponsor and initiate their doctoral research.

Courses

  1. 2 semesters of Computational Biology
  2. 2 semesters of Biology: specifically, all students must take Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes I and II
  3. 2 semesters of courses in a quantitative subject (e.g. computer science, statistics, physics, mathematics, or engineering)
  4. 2 electives drawn from any of the above areas

Additional requirements

  1. 3 lab rotations
  2. Demonstration of competence in a programming language as demonstrated by a rotation project or coursework
  3. Seminar and Discussion: Responsible Conduct of Research (CMBS G4010) and Responsible Conduct of Research Discussion Session (CMBS G4011)

Suggested course schedule

Fall first year

  1. Computational biology course
  2. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I
  3. One elective or quantitative course
  4. Rotation 1

Spring first year

  1. Computational biology course
  2. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II
  3. Rotation 2
  4. Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
  5. Responsible Conduct of Research Discussion Session (1 credit)

Summer first year

  1. Rotation 3I

Second year and beyond

  1. Quantitative courses and electives
  2. Qualifiers
  3. Begin doctoral research

Application to the Computational Biology specialization follows the same procedure as application to the Integrated Program as a whole, except that applicants should specify that they have an interest in computation in their personal statements. For information of the application procedure click here.

For questions on educational aspects of the computational biology specialization, contact: Richard Friedman (friedman cancercenter.columbia.edu)

For questions on the mechanics of applying to the computational biology specialization, contact: Zaia Sivo (ns2072 columbia.edu)

For information on the Coordinated Graduate Program as a whole.

For information on other programs in computational biology and bioinformatics at Columbia.

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