UMass Lowell provides an academic and research program where students focus on biology and chemistry, as well as computer science. The net result is the better use of modern computational tools and the development of new tools in all areas of bioinformatics and cheminformatics that are simultaneously more biologically relevant and computationally sophisticated.

To accomplish this goal, we use a three-fold approach:

  1. First, students learn the use and limitations of emerging software tools and technologies (application).
  2. Second, student biologists, chemists, mathematicians and computer scientists are encouraged to discover ways in which various tools can be used to solve complex biological problems (development).
  3. Finally, this new generation of bioinformaticists is trained to develop computational tools with the biological perspective needed to solve evolving biomedical problems.

The Bioinformatics Program at UMass Lowell differs from many other programs in its interdisciplinary approach to the study of bioinformatics and in its emphasis on software tool development rather than solely on tool usage.

Each department provides its own set of requirements for the Bioinformatics Option and each specifies the minimum courses which the student must master in order to work in this interdisciplinary and evolving environment. These provide a strong multidisciplinary background for each student. Although the core curriculum is specific it still allows flexibility for electives supporting the students' selection of a focus for their personalized bioinformatics program.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate students who major in biology or computer science may elect the bioinformatics option. Visit the Bio-Cheminformatics undergraduate page for curriculum and application information.


Graduate

Graduate students work through the existing Master's and Doctoral degree programs in Computer Science and supplement their coursework and research with science-rich courses. 

The program provides even greater flexibility at the doctoral level, where the students can create a Bio/Cheminformatics program tailored to their individual interests and background. 

Read about graduate programs.

Our Students and Faculty

Brooke Sienkiewicz diving in Belize.
Brooke Sienkiewicz
Applied Biology Ph.D.

Brooke Sienkiewicz conducts fieldwork in the Caribbean as part of her Ph.D. program.

I’m so grateful that I get to do field research in the Caribbean.
Read More About Brooke Sienkiewicz 
Mark Micire
Mark Micire ’11
Computer Science

Mark Micire’s unique work experience and education have been able to help people in their darkest hour. He designs robotics systems that help coordinate efforts at search and rescue sites.

The people in Prof. Yanco's lab come out as better scientists and better people
Read More About Mark Micire 
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon poses at the top of Mount Washington.
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon '24
Meteorology

Jamie-Lyn Cavallon won an NSF-funded meteorology internship.

It was a great opportunity.
Read More About Jamie-Lyn Cavallon