Bioinformatics: Animal Sciences, MS
Overview
for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Animal Sciences Concentration
Research Areas
The Department of Animal Sciences offers graduate studies with a focus on bioinformatics, quantitative and computational biology, leading to the Master of Bioinformatics. Fields of bioinformatics application and specialization include:
- animal breeding, genetics, and bioinformatics
- animal behavior
- environmental, lactation, and reproductive physiology
- immunobiology
- meat science and muscle biology
- microbiology
- nutrition
- systems of animal management and production, precision management
Beef and dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, and companion and laboratory animals are available for study. Experience in teaching, extension, or outreach is encouraged as part of the academic work.
Admission
Candidates for admission to the M.Sc. in Bioinformatics program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution equivalent to those from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher (A = 4.0) during the last 60 credit hours or approximately the last two years of undergraduate study, and for any graduate study is required for admission. Candidates for admission who have a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 can request special consideration of the application materials submitted. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for admission. English proficiency requirements for admission follow Graduate College requirements. Application materials include baccalaureate degree transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants who do not have a bioinformatics, animal sciences, biology, chemistry, or related STEM degree or directly relevant formal extra-curricular experiences listed in the transcripts must include in their personal statement a detailed rationale or explanation supporting their likelihood of successfully meeting the degree requirements. Admission is possible for fall (mid-August start), spring (mid-January start), and summer (mid-June start) semesters. Candidates for admission are encouraged to submit the complete application package no later than 2 months before the start of the desired admission semester.
Degree Requirements
for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Animal Sciences Concentration
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology (choose one) | 4 | |
| Human Genetics | ||
| Applied Animal Genetics | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Introduction to Biophysics | ||
| Biomolecular Physics | ||
| Advanced Plant Genetics | ||
| Genomics for Plant Improvement | ||
| Chromosomes | ||
| Plant Gene Regulation | ||
| Cancer Cell Biology | ||
| Introductory Biochemistry | ||
| Advanced Biochemistry | ||
| Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology | ||
| Fundamental Bioinformatics (choose one) | 4 | |
| Applied Bioinformatics | ||
ANSC 545 | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Bioinformatics & Systems Biol | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | ||
| Principles of Systematics | ||
| Computing in Molecular Biology | ||
| Computer Science and Informatics (choose one) | 4 | |
| Database Systems | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | ||
| Algorithms | ||
CPSC 565 | ||
| Database Design and Prototyping | ||
| Data, Statistical Models and Information | ||
| Statistical Computing | ||
| Statistical Data Management | ||
| Advanced Data Analysis | ||
| Big Data Analytics | ||
| Topics in Computational Statistics | ||
| Graduate seminar (ANSC 590) enrollment is required every semester (max 2 hours can be applied to the degree) | 2 | |
| ANSC 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 8 |
| Electives | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Other Requirements
| Other Requirements and conditions may overlap |
| A concentration is required. |
| Minimum Hours Overall Required Within the Unit: 8 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: 12 |
| A comprehensive oral examination concerning the thesis and other areas of Bioinformatics and Animal Sciences is required. |
| Thesis Deposit Required: Yes |
| Minimum GPA: 3.0 |
Learning Outcomes
for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Animal Sciences Concentration
- Graduate-level understanding of essential concepts and approaches in the area of bioinformatics with application to animal sciences. The essential bioinformatics concepts will enable the graduate to secure a mid-management position in industry or federal agencies or pursue Ph.D. studies and to advance throughout the professional ranks.
- Capacity to execute supervised thesis research including:
- understanding of the scientific method, research objectives, materials and methods, advanced data analysis, and appreciation of the findings; and
- leadership on the implementation of essential research activities.
- Ability to effectively communicate essential bioinformatics and animal sciences knowledge and thesis research findings in oral and written formats.
- Aptitude to advocate for interdisciplinary research and education efforts to advance food security, food safety, animals and human health and wellbeing or environmental stewardship.
Contact Information
for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Animal Sciences Concentration
Department of Animal Sciences
Director of Graduate Studies: Sandra Rodriguez Zas (rodrgzzs@illinois.edu)
Program website
Department faculty
110 Animal Sciences Laboratory
1207 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3131
ansc-gradprog@illinois.edu