Overview

Computational biology unites the fields of biology, computer science, mathematics, and information technology. The ultimate goal of this emerging discipline is the discovery of new biological insights and the creation of a global perspective from which to discover unifying principles in biology, pharmacology, and medicine.

Clark Scholars Program

Scholarships are available for qualified students via the Clark Scholars Program in Computational Biology. Follow the links to the left for a program description and an application.

Bioinformatics

Samford Students interested in this field of study can elect to obtain a minor in Bioinformatics (one of the sub-disciplines of computational biology). Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary combination of biological and computational approaches to science to gain new insights into complex living systems. Methods developed in this discipline address outstanding questions in medicine, behavior, health, pharmacy, genetics, the environment, and other biologically related areas. Modern exploration at the frontiers of life-science research relies heavily upon computer simulation and analysis of biological systems. Current progress in genetic, medical, environmental, cellular, pharmacological and other related research arenas depends upon identifying, managing, storing, manipulating, and visualizing relevant data. As highly visible efforts such as the human genome project have demonstrated, the importance of such approaches is certain to increase. This track is an interdisciplinary effort between the Computer Science and Biology programs. As such, it introduces students to these new modes of understanding both fields.

Additional information pertaining to the field of bioinformatics can be found at the National Center for Biotechnology and the National Institutes of Health websites.

There are three options for obtaining a minor in Bioinformatics, depending upon one's major:

Computer Science majors
Biology and Biochemistry majors
Majors in other disciplines

The table below shows the requirements for Computer Science majors. Refer to the University catalog for Bioinformatics minor requirements for Biology and Biochemistry majors or for majors in other disciplines.