Director, Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Programs   John C. Salerno
Department Home Page
http://www.rpi.edu/dept/science/www/Ugrad_options/Bioinformatics/

Revolutions in biotechnology and information technology are changing the world as we enter the 21st century. Advances in molecular genetics, coupled with improved capability in robotics, computer science, and other technologies, have made mass sequencing of genetic material a part of the scientific landscape. Previously, growing sequence databases had been compiled one gene at a time by individual research laboratories; this cottage industry approach is still part of the effort, but numerous genome sequencing projects have produced the entire sequences of viruses, bacteria, and increasingly complex eukaryotic organisms. The complete human genome, with its 109 base pairs, is now complete.

The enormous treasure trove of information represented by the sequence databases and their smaller structural counterparts represents a priceless resource. Applications include the identification of targets for drug discovery, the study of structural and functional relationships, and work on molecular evolution. Timely advances in computer science have made the storage, organization, and utilization of these very large data collections possible.

Bioinformatics approaches incorporate expertise from the biological sciences, computer science, and mathematics. Allied computational approaches using chemical and physical methods are also of widespread interest. Rensselaer’s bioinformatics and molecular biology undergraduate curriculum includes training in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. At the core of the program are courses in the theory and practice of bioinformatics, dealing with topics such as database design and search algorithms, sequence alignment, sequence analysis, and molecular modeling. The core includes a molecular biology sequence and training in drug discovery.

The curriculum is extremely flexible, allowing for dual majors with several other disciplines, including computer science. Advanced courses are available through the biology program and the biochemistry and biophysics program, including a strong set of advanced laboratory courses. Choice of electives can adapt the program to the needs of those students who intend to function primarily as molecular biologists with a computational background or those who intend to be fully trained computer scientists with a knowledge of biological sciences.

Extensive opportunities are available to pursue undergraduate research in faculty laboratories. The bioinformatics and molecular biology program can be readily used as a premedical curriculum.

Faculty

Faculty members from the Biology, Chemistry, and Computer Science Departments listed below provide a variety of research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Bioinfomatics degree programs.

Biology
S.A.Nierzwicki-Bauer, C. Bystroff, J.L. Collier, D. Crone, J. Diwan, J.F. Koretz, J.C. Salerno , S.M.E. Smith

Chemistry
C.M. Breneman, W. Colon, J.T. Warden, M. Wentland

Computer Science
B.K. Szymanski

Mathematical Sciences
J.R. McLaughlin, M. Zuker

Areas of Advanced Research and Study

Bioinformatics research at Rensselaer includes the design and application of algorithms for sequence database searching, sequence alignment, and sequence analysis, molecular modeling, and allied areas in computational chemistry and simulation of biological processes. Closely related research in molecular genetics and biochemistry provides concrete applications for graduate and undergraduate students. Work is funded by a diverse group of agencies and foundations including NIH, NSF, the American Diabetes Association, and NASA. These range from projects in drug discovery, enzymology, signal transduction, protein structure, and protein folding to studies on environmental adaptations of microorganisms.

Undergraduate Program

Bioinformatics & Molecular Biology Undergraduate Curriculum

Elective Recommendations

*Required if lacking computer science skills.

Graduate Program

The master’s degree program has as its primary goal the education of students for jobs in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related industry sectors. The professional Master of Science in Applied Science program with a concentration in bioinformatics is intended for those students who wish to upgrade their skills while employed in industry. The Master of Science in Biology with a concentration in bioinformatics may be attractive to those who wish to obtain an M.S. degree before proceeding to professional study in medicine or an allied health field or to those students who have a B.S. Degree in biological sciences and who wish to prepare for eventual entry into a doctoral program at Rensselaer or elsewhere. It is possible to enter the doctoral program in Biology with a concentration in bioinformatics.