Jun 15, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS - Computer Science and Engineering Concentration

Use electronic health records to prevent future pandemics. Help analyze genetic data to develop new cancer drugs. Create advanced computer models that lead to more resilient ecosystems. If these things sound interesting to you-and if you like using science, math, data and statistics-then this program could be exactly what you’re looking for. This program is for students who want a highly interdisciplinary major, with the freedom to focus on biology, computer science or informatics (using data to improve health).

Visit the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Computer Science and Engineering department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria

  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.800 required
  • Matriculated student with academic good standing at the University at Buffalo.
  • Satisfactory performance in a series of core courses (see below). There are two paths to meet this requirement.
    1. Standard: Completion of four core courses with a combined core course grade point average of at least 2.500.
    2. Fast-Track: Completion of at least two of the four core courses (graded on an A-F bases) with a combined core course grade point average of at least 3.000.

Computer Science / Bioinformatics Courses Core Courses:

  1. Calculus 1 (MTH 141 or MTH 153)
  2. Introduction to Computer Science for Majors 1 (CSE 115)
  3. Introduction to Computer Science for Majors 2 (CSE 116)
  4. Discrete Structures (CSE 191 or MTH 191)

Current students wishing to pursue the Computer Science BS or Bioinformatics and Computational Biology - Computer Science and Engineering Concentration must follow the instructions on the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Supplemental Application. See the complete School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Admissions Policies for details.

Major Requirements

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Core (35 credits)

Computer Science and Engineering Concentration Core (66 credits)

Total Credits Required for Major: 101

Additional Degree Requirements Include:

  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 121 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 121

Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Notes

*MTH 438  is an optional additional course.

Academic Requirements

Students seeking an undergraduate degree from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences must have a minimum GPA of 2.000 in technical classes (engineering, math, and science classes). To maintain academic standards and determine eligibility for continued enrollment, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences reviews the academic records of all students in an approved undergraduate SEAS major. This academic review is conducted at the end of each fall and spring semester.

View the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Academic Review Policy.

Curricular Plan

A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum  on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

All students are encouraged to use this plan in conjunction with other academic planning resources such as your academic advisor, the HUB Academic Advisement Report , My Planner and Path Finder tool.

In addition to following this course roadmap, all other admission and academic requirements of this major as listed in the Undergraduate Catalog must be met in order to successfully complete this degree.

YEAR 1

Fall Semester​​

Spring Semester​

YEAR 2

Fall Semester​​​

Spring Semester​​​

YEAR 3

Fall Semester​​​​

Spring Semester​​​

YEAR 4

Fall Semester​​

Spring Semester​​​​​

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 121

Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:

  • Computational skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Practical problem solving and mathematical modeling skills
  • Research skills
  • Communication skills

 

(HEGIS: 04.00 BIOLOGICAL SCI UNCLASSFD, CIP: 26.1103 Bioinformatics)

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