Systems biology is a rapidly emerging area of research activity at the interface of mathematics, computer science, and the biological sciences. Many modern areas of biology research (e.g., biochemical, neural, behavioral, and ecosystem networks) require the mastery of advanced quantitative and computational skills. The systems biology Bachelor of Sscience degree program is intended to provide the quantitative and multidisciplinary understanding that is necessary for work in these areas. This skill set is different from that produced by traditional undergraduate programs in biology. Consequently, the Systems Biology BS program includes a specialized five-course core curriculum* (different from the three-course core used in the Biology BA and BS programs), as well as foundation courses from computer science and advanced mathematics.
Click here for an up-to-date checksheet of Systems Biology requirements: Systems Biology Checksheet
Undergraduate research is recommended (as BIOL 388S Undergraduate Research – SAGES Capstone and BIOL 390 Advanced Undergraduate Research), but is not required.
| Systems Biology core courses | ||
| BIOL 214 | Genes, Evolution, and Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 215 | Cells and Proteins | 3 |
| BIOL 216 | Development and Physiology | |
| BIOL 300 | Dynamics of Biological Systems: A Quantitative Introduction to Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 306 | Dynamics of Biological Systems II: Tools for Mathematical Biology | 3 |
Additional requirements:
6 hrs in one sub-specialty track.
6 hrs. of Systems Biology Electives
9 hrs. of BIOL electives
Any upper-level, letter-graded BIOL course can count as a biology elective (except 214, 215,
216, 240 or any 100 level course). This includes BIOL 214L, 215L, 216L, 388, 388S, 389,
and 389S.
Although independent research is not a requirement, we recommend that Systems Biology
students take BIOL 388S and 390 (but note that 390 will not count toward the biology
electives since it is graded P/NP).
Mathematics:
MATH 121
MATH 122
MATH 223
MATH 224
Chemistry
CHEM 105
CHEM 113
CHEM 106
Physics
PHYS 121
PYHS 122
Computer Science
ECSE 132
CSDS 302/MATH 304
ECSE 233
Statistics
STAT 312/312R