The Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science (MBDS) program is a unique opportunity for students with a strong quantitative background to apply computational biology and data science techniques to biomedical problems. The 30-credit program includes successfully completing the following requirements:
Students must select one of two core courses:
BSR1012: Biomedical Sciences – 6 credits – Fall
BSR1706: Neuro Core 1 - 3 credits – Fall BSR1705: Neuro Core 2 - 3 credits - Fall
BDS1005 Computer Systems: UNIX/LINUX Fundamentals – 1 credit – Fall
BDS1006 Computer Systems: Architectures & Applications in Scientific Computing - 1 credit - Fall
BDS1007 Computer Systems: Intro to Scientific Programming in Python 3 - 1 credit - Fall
BSR1021 Responsible Conduct of Research - 0.5 credit – Fall
BSR1022 Rigor and Reproducibility – 0.5 credit – Spring
BDS2005 Introduction to Algorithms – 3 credits – Spring
BDS3002 Machine Learning for Biomedical Data Science - 3 credits - Spring
Electives - Students complete their credit requirements with electives
BDS9001 Biomedical Data Science Capstone Project – 3-9 credits
Electives - Students complete their credit requirements with electives
Selecting a lab – During the first term, research mentors will be invited to present their research to the first year students. As a result students are encouraged to contact the research mentor to discuss joining the lab and work on a capstone project. Students are also encouraged to contact research mentors who did not present. Students are expected to join a lab by the end of the first term.
Research Agreement Form – Once a student and a research mentor has agreed on joining a lab, students will need to submit the Research Agreement Form.
Capstone Document – Students will submit a written document for their capstone project to the program Co-Directors 1 week prior to the capstone presentation
Capstone Presentation – Students will present their capstone project to the MSBDS Co-Directors during their last term before graduating. The members required for attendance will be the MSBDS Co-Directors and the research mentor.
All students will need to meet the following degree requirements in order to successfully earn the MSBDS degree:
Complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits
Complete the Core Curriculum with an average grade of B (3.0) or higher
Must achieve an average GPA of at least a 3.0.
Submit a written capstone project document
Successfully present the capstone project
Complete and submit the
Complete and submit the
This section covers the following program requirements:
It is crucial that students, Advisory Committees, and/or Program Directors monitor the students’ progress throughout the duration of their academic training. Continued financial support is contingent upon maintaining satisfactory progress at all times. Additionally, failure to achieve and maintain satisfactory progress, after counseling is sought from the Program, Advisory Committee and/or Dean of the Graduate School, can result in academic probation and ultimately, dismissal from the Program.
MSBDS students maintain satisfactory progress by:
Maintaining matriculation on a full-time basis unless permission granted by the program co-directors
Maintaining a minimum semester GPA of 3.0
Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the core courses
Meeting with program leadership at least once per term
Actively working with a capstone advisor to develop and complete a capstone project