Turn Data Into Discovery with the Bioinformatics Minor
The Microbiology & Cell Science Department offers an undergraduate minor in Bioinformatics for students majoring in any biology-related discipline, including Microbiology, Biology, and Biochemistry. Bioinformatics, broadly defined as the use of computational tools to answer biological questions, has become essential to modern biological research. Today, nearly every active research program relies on bioinformatic analysis to interpret data and achieve meaningful results. Yet many undergraduate programs do not integrate these methods, leaving students without the technical skills needed to excel in cutting-edge biology and microbiology research. The Bioinformatics Minor addresses this gap by providing critical training for the next generation of biological scientists.
What You Will Gain in the Bioinformatics Minor
- Advanced coursework to develop practical bioinformatics skills
- Hands-on experience applying computational tools to solve real-world research problems
- Mentorship and career guidance tailored to the biological sciences
- A collaborative community of peers learning and applying bioinformatics in diverse research areas
This minor equips students with the integrative technical expertise necessary to excel in graduate programs, professional school, or careers in microbiology, biotechnology, computational biology, and life sciences. Completing the Bioinformatics Minor positions you as a future leader capable of bridging traditional biology with modern computational methods.
Course of Study (15-16 Credits) - Pending UCC Approval
Required Courses (12 credits)
| Course | Course Name | Credits; Term Offered |
|---|---|---|
| BSC 4434C | Introduction to Bioinformatics1 | 3 Credits; Fall |
| BSC4913 | Independent Research in Bioinformatics (Capstone Experience Course) | 3 Credits; Fall/Spring |
| BSC 2891 MCB4794 ALS3200C CGS4144 |
Python Programming for Biologists OR Analysis, Interpretation, and Visualization of Microbiological Data1,2 OR AI in the Agricultural and Life Sciences OR Introduction to Bioinformatic Algorithms1 |
3 Credits; Spring 3 Credits; Fall 3 Credits; Fall 3 Credits; Fall |
| MCB4324 MCB4794 |
Computational Genomics and Epigenomics OR Analysis, Interpretation, and Visualization of Microbiological Data1,2 |
3 Credits; Spring 3 Credits; Fall |
- This course has prerequisites that are not part of the minor; please research course selection carefully.
- Only if not used for the first core option.
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 |
| AGR 3033 | Genetics | 3 Credits; Fall/Spring |
| PCB 4674 | Evolution | 4 Credits; Fall, Spring, Summer |
| MCB 4794 | Analysis, Interpretation, and Visualization of Microbiological Data* | 3 Credits; Fall |
| PCB 4666 | Human Genomics | 3 Credits; Spring |
| MCB 4934 | Microbial Comparative Genomics | 3 Credits; Spring |
| ALS 3200C | AI in Agricultural and Life Sciences* | 3 Credits; Fall |
| BSC 3891 | Python Programming for Biology* | 3 Credits; Spring |
| EEL 3872 | Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals and Applications | 3 Credits; Fall/Spring |
| MCB 4324 | Computational Genomics and Epigenomics* | 3 Credits; Spring |
| MCB 4320C | The Microbiome | 3 Credits; Spring |
| BSC 4892 | AI in Biology | 3 Credits; Spring |
*Elective courses may have prerequisite requirements that are not part of the minor; please research your course choices accordingly.
Electives with an asterisk (*) may only count as electives if they were not used to satisfy core minor requirements (i.e., these courses do not "double count").
Remember the UF rule that any minor must have at least 6 unique credits, i.e., they do not overlap with another part of your declared academic plan. Plan accordingly if many of these classes can overlap with your major.
It is strongly advised that students begin planning for the required capstone experience (BSC4913) 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.
For more course information, please visit the Bioinformatics Minor on the official UF catalog website.
You can also view course syllabi and past semester offerings on our Course Catalogue page.
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How To Declare the Minor
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 BSC4913/14 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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BSC 4913 - 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.