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

Adam Norton
Adam Norton ’10
Graphic Design

Adam Norton’s experience at the UMass Lowell robotics lab and Revolving Museum allowed him to work with iRobot on educational school visits to get the next generation hooked on robotics.

I may not know a person, but if I find out they’re from UMass Lowell, we automatically have a connection.
Read More About Adam Norton 
Jacob Solomon in lab
Jacob Solomon ’18
English & Mathematics

Jacob Solomon is as well-rounded as they come. The honors English and math major is assisting with research in a biology lab.

As a college student, I don’t just want to do such-and-such professional task. I want to learn and convince myself that the world is accessible to me.
Read More About Jacob Solomon 
Sam Colby is standing next to the Kennedy of Science sign
Sam Colby '23
Mathematics

Between the mathematics and UTeach programs, UMass Lowell was a perfect fit for aspiring math teacher Sam Colby.

I’ve had a great experience at UMass Lowell. This place has everything that you’d ever need.
Read More About Sam Colby