The bioinformatics field is an increasingly important sub-discipline in computer science. The demand for computer science graduates who can apply their knowledge in the life sciences is large, and is expected to continue to grow. Students who choose this path are still computer science majors but have a concentration in the life sciences. The option has the same core as the B.S. program but requires appropriate coursework in chemistry, biology, biochemistry and statistics.

Computer science: bioinformatics majors must maintain an overall grade-point average (GPA) of 2.00 or better in all required computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, biology, and biochemistry courses in order to graduate. If at the end of any semester, including the first, a student's cumulative GPA in these courses falls below 2.00, the student may not be allowed to continue as a CS: bioinformatics major. In order to be able to take a CS or MATH course with prerequisites, the prerequisite course(s) must be passed with a grade of a C- or better.

If a student wishing to transfer into the computer science: bioinformatics major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in computer science. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.00 or better in all courses taken at UNH.

The B.S. in computer science: bioinformatics program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012. Phone: (410) 347-7700.

The broad objectives for B.S. in computer science: bioinformatics graduates are:

• To be competent in formulating and solving computer science problems, including the development of non-trivial software systems;
• To understand computer science fundamentals along with supporting mathematics and science so they will be prepared for a wide range of jobs in the biomedical industry and the pursuit of advanced degrees in both computer science and bioinformatics;
• To be able to function in the workplace with the necessary technical skills and with appropriate oral and written communication skills; and
• To have a broad education that promotes professional advancement, lifelong personal development, and social responsibility.

The following is a sample schedule depicting the necessary requirements and the layout of the curriculum. Students must consult with their advisers in order to come up with the proper schedule for themselves.  A detailed checklist for the program requirements is available here.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

*Statistics requirement can be fulfilled by MATH 539, Introduction to Statistical Analysis, or MATH 644, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists.

Senior Year

*This requirement can be fulfilled by the following courses: MATH 739, Applied Regression Analysis; MATH 742, Multivariate Statistical Methods; or MATH 755, Probability and Stochastic Processes with Applications.