Allows students to analyze DNA sequence data with computer programs
With the rising interest in DNA sequence analysis, the Department of Computer Science at Brigham Young University will offer a new emphasis in bioinformatics beginning fall semester 2006.
The new emphasis, which allows students to analyze DNA sequence data with computer programs, will prepare computer science students with the biology, chemistry and statistics background necessary to develop new applications for DNA sequence analysis.
“Scientists are just beginning to understand the revolutionary changes that will occur in drug development, food production and health care as a result of DNA sequence data,” said Mark Clement, undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Computer Science. “Bioinformatics is becoming increasingly popular as some of these possibilities are being uncovered.”
Professors from both the computer science and integrative biology departments have worked together during the last five years to develop research and curriculum for integration into the emphasis.
Students from these two programs will work together on significant real-world problems, such as the relationships between species, gene finding, three-dimensional protein structure prediction and possible treatments for cancer.
For more information about the bioinformatics emphasis, visit cs.byu.edu/undergraduate or contact Mark Clement at (801) 422-7608.
Writer: Brian Rust
