Bioinformatics Minor
The Microbiology & Cell Science Department is pleased to offer an undergraduate minor in Bioinformatics. This minor is offered to students majoring in any biology-related subject, including, but not limited to, Microbiology, Biology or Biochemistry. Bioinformatics - which we define broadly as the use of computers to answer biological questions - has become a major component of modern biological science. So integrated is bioinformatics with biology that it is difficult to find an active research program that does not rely on bioinformatic analysis to achieve results. Unfortunately, the integration of bioinformatic and traditional methods is not stressed in many undergraduate programs, leaving the next generation of biologists without the skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s research environment. We created the undergraduate minor in Bioinformatics to provide this critical training to future professionals in the biological disciplines.
In the Bioinformatics Minor, you will gain:
- Advanced coursework in bioinformatics to learn new skills
- Practical experience applying bioinformatics skills to solve real-world research problems
- Mentorship and guidance for career development
- A community of colleagues working to learn and apply bioinformatics skills
Your training will help position you as a future leader in your chosen biological discipline and provide you with the integrative technical skills necessary to excel.
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How To Apply
To apply for the minor, you will need to submit the Minor Application Paperwork to the UF Registrar's office. Please contact your academic advisor if you have any questions about how to apply for this minor.
To apply for the capstone course, please view the Capstone Course Information/Application dropdown below.
- It is strongly advised that students begin planning for the required capstone experience at least 1 semester before they plan to register for the course.
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Course of Study (15-16 Credits Total)
Required Courses (9 credits)
Course Course Name Credits; Term Offered BSC 2891
CAP 5510
Python Programming for Biologists
OR
Bioinformatics
3 Credits; Spring
3 Credits; Fall
BSC 4434C Introduction to Bioinformatics 3 Credits; Fall MCB 4320C The Microbiome 3 Credits; Spring Required Capstone Experience (3 Credits)
Course Course Name Credits; Term Offered BSC 4913 Independent Research in Bioinformatics 3 Credits; Fall/Spring It is strongly advised that students begin planning for the required capstone experience at least 1 semester before they plan to register for the course. Please view the Capstone Information dropdown to learn more about the required capstone course.
Elective Requirement (choose one 3-4 credit course)
Course Course Name Credits; Term Offered HOS 3305 Introduction to Plant Molecular Biology 3 Credits; Fall MAP 4484 Modeling in Mathematical Biology 3 Credits; Spring PCB 3063 Genetics 4 Credits; Fall,Spring PCB 4674 Evolution 4 Credits; Fall,Spring,Summer PCB 5065 Advanced Genetics 3 Credits; Fall BSC 4325C R for Functional Genomics 3 Credits; Fall MCB 4934 Advanced Bioinformatics 3 Credits; Spring BSC 4914 Advanced Independent Research in Bioinformatics 3 Credits; Fall,Spring Students wishing to substitute a particular course for the Bioinformatics elective requirement should contact their academic advisor to discuss the substitution. Any course being substituted for the Bioinformatics elective requirement must have a strong quantitative or bioinformatics focus.
For more course information, please visit the Bioinformatics Minor catalog website.
You can also view course syllabi on our Course Catalog.
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Capstone Course Information/Application
To prepare for the capstone course, you should:
- Make sure you have completed 2 of the 3 courses required for the Bioinformatics Minor, earning a grade of B or better in each.
- Check the Course of Study dropdown above or the Bioinformatics Minor catalog website for the list of courses required for the minor.
- Identify a faculty research advisor or other suitable mentor within whose lab you will develop a bioinformatics research project that can be completed within 1 semester. Your faculty research advisor can come from any of the diverse research faculty at UF, so long as they are doing research in a biology-related discipline and agree to supervise your project.
- Develop an initial research project plan with your research advisor.
To apply for the capstone course:
- Fill out the following form to apply for the course:
- Bioinformatics Minor Capstone Course Registration
- Applications will be evaluated to ensure that project proposals meet the course requirements and that students meet the course prerequisites. Applications for Spring term are evaluated before the winter break, while applications for Fall term are evaluated before the summer break. You will be contacted about the status of your application after the evaluation period.
Be aware that this capstone experience course is a lot of work. Be prepared to spend at least 10-15 hours/week on your independent research project throughout the duration of the semester.
- Make sure you have completed 2 of the 3 courses required for the Bioinformatics Minor, earning a grade of B or better in each.