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

Jose Archila Quezada in front of Emergency Room doors
José Archila Quezada '22
Applied Biomedical Sciences

José Archila Quezada found support and a network of friends in the MAGIC program, which helps students from underrepresented groups pursue medical school.

Through MAGIC, I saw that we could help each other. That’s where I got a community.
Read More About José Archila Quezada 
UMass Lowell student Ginika Okoli smiles while holding two candy bars.
Ginika Okoli '24
Mathematics

A data analytics summer internship at candy giant Mars Inc. gave Ginika Okoli a new perspective on her mathematics degree.

I did not expect myself to be where I am right now, but UMass Lowell has held my hand the whole way.
Read More About Ginika Okoli 
Megan Salsinha playing field hockey at UMass Lowell
Megan Salsinha '23
Biological Sciences

Student-athlete Megan Salsinha credits her honors research project and academic coursework for preparing her for medical school.

UMass Lowell is setting me up to be successful in medical school.
Read More About Megan Salsinha