Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Location: Goldberg Computer Science Bldg. Halifax, NS, B3H 5W1
Telephone: (902) 494-2740
Fax: (902) 494-1517
Website:
http://gr.cal.dal.ca/compbiol.htm
Graduate Coordinator
Blouin, C., PhD (Dalhousie)
Being interdisciplinary in nature and structure, the program draws on a selection of faculty who teach and research in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. The following is a list of faculty who actively contribute to the program. To identify potential supervisors, you are encouraged to contact any Dalhousie faculty with interest in this area. The graduate coordinator can be of assistance to find faculty with specific research interests.
Faculty
Archibald, J.M. (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Beiko, R. (Computer Science)
Bielawski, J.P. (Biology, Mathematics and Statistics)
Blouin, C. (Computer Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Field, C. (Emeritus, Mathematics and Statistics)
Gu, H. (Mathematics and Statistics)
Herbinger, C.M. (Biology, Mathematics and Statistics)
Roger, A.J. (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Susko, E. (Mathematics and Statistics)
I. Master of Science
The program is an interdisciplinary master's degree with an emphasis on thesis work which focuses on tackling problems in biology, molecular biology and health-related fields through significant research contributions in mathematics, statistics and computer science.
This program is set within the framework of current interdisciplinary research conducted within Dalhousie. Students in this program will join a community of researchers in the fields of computational biology and bioinformatics. Resources from the Faculty of Computer Science, Medicine and Science are coordinated to offer a flexible program, with a limited class load and an emphasis on research activities. Students from a broad selection of backgrounds are invited to consider the program. Each candidate is supervised within the research group of their supervisor from the beginning of their tenure.
The program is available on a full-time basis. The only pre-specified class requirement is the program seminar series; however, a selection of specialized classes is usually required by the Admission committee. The specifics of class selection are made on an individual basis in coordination with the candidate, the supervisor(s), and the admission committee.
An admissible research topic must include relevant work on a current biological problem through innovative methodology in Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science.
A. Application and Admission
Candidates for admission to the masters of computational biology and bioinformatics should hold an honours degree, or equivalent, from a university of recognized standing in any relevant discipline. Relevant disciplines are typically: Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics. Students from any background will be considered on an individual basis. All candidates must meet the requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Prior to applying, a candidate must find a suitable supervisor or co-supervisors. A statement of research interests must be submitted with the application forms that can be obtained from the Registrar's office. The statement may be prepared in conjunction with the supervisor(s) and should include a general statement of the biological areas of interest, possible computational methodologies relevant to the problem, and a statement on the candidate's background. This document is used to evaluate whether suitable academic activities will allow the candidate to meet the program requirements.
All material should be submitted by the strict deadline of April 1st for overseas applicants and June 1st for North-American applicants.
Candidates from outside Canada whose native language is not English must demonstrate their capacity to pursue a master's program in English. Results of a TOEFL or other Standard English competency test should be submitted at the time of application. The minimum TOEFL score required is 580 (computerized TOEFL score required is 237).
B. Program Requirements
Candidates for the Master's degree in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics are expected to complete four 0.5 credit classes and two credited seminar classes. The class selection must be made to further the candidate's existing strengths, and to provide the necessary background to successfully meet the thesis requirements.
The thesis must be reviewed by the supervisor(s) and up to two readers to meet the breadth requirement. These requirement states that: 1) at least one of the readers evaluate the biological aspect of the research project and hails from a biological background (including, but not limited to, Biology and Biochemistry). 2) at least one of the readers evaluate the contribution of the thesis in either Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science.
The candidate also must demonstrate a general grasp of current bioinformatics issues and methodologies.
C. Administration
The Executive committee is comprised of at least one representative from the following academic units:
1. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
2. Biology and Marine Biology
3. Computer Science
4. Mathematics and Statistics
The Executive committee also acts as Admission committee while administrative support will be provided by the Faculty of Computer Science. All communication with the program should be done directly to the Graduate Coordinator.
II. Classes offered
The class selection will be determined on an individual basis. Any acceptable graduate classes can be selected, as explained in section B. The following classes are specific to the program and are designed to bring students from different backgrounds to a common level. Contact the Graduate Coordinator for further details.
A. Computer Science
CSCI 6801.03: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics.
CSCI 6802.03: Algorithms in Bioinformatics.
B. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
BIOC 5010.03: Bioinformatics.
C. Mathematics and Statistics
STAT 5620.03: Statistical Issues in Molecular Evolution.
