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

Duc Vu doing a chemistry experiment in his bathroom
Duc Vu '23
Chemistry, UTeach

Duc Vu discovered his ability to teach in high school, so he signed up for the UTeach program in STEM education.

I have a knack for presenting a lesson or a project, so I thought I’d try UTeach and see where it takes me.
Read More About Duc Vu 
Tom Heywosz writes formulas on a white board
Thomas Heywosz '18, '19
Math and UTeach

Thomas Heywosz’s experiences in the UTeach program and in Haiti have made him a successful high school math teacher.

You just know when it’s a good fit, like when I toured UMass Lowell: I just knew it was the right choice.
Read More About Thomas Heywosz 
Shanice Kelly works in a lab with another student
Shanice Kelly '21
Physics and Mechanical Engineering

Shanice Kelly is a leader in multiple campus clubs because she wants to get more students of color involved in STEM, especially space science programs.

If I want to see certain things happen, it doesn’t seem right to leave it to other people to do them.
Read More About Shanice Kelly