Bioinformatics: Crop Sciences, MS
for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Crop Sciences Concentration
The genomic and proteomic projects are generating large amounts of complex biological data that require effective storage, retrieval, analysis and interpretation. The bioinformatics degree program provides students with the skills necessary to augment the understanding and use of agricultural, biological and medical information and resources through the application of molecular, chemical, physical, computational, statistical, mathematical and informatic techniques. Students interested in this program may come with undergraduate training in one of the following areas:
- biological and agricultural sciences,
- statistical, mathematical and computer sciences,
- informatics and engineering sciences.
Graduates from the bioinformatics program will be able to integrate basic and applied concepts in the three areas and apply them to biotechnology and medical research. For additional information, please see our website.
Admission
Applicants are considered for admission to the Master of Science program if they have a bachelor's or equivalent degree comparable to that granted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Strong letters of reference, evident motivation to undertake graduate study, and good preparation in basic science courses enhance an applicant's credentials. For some programs, greater emphasis is given to previous training in plant sciences, chemistry, or mathematics. A grade point average equivalent to at least a B in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work plus any graduate level work completed is required. All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of the TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency. Official scores are required to be submitted directly from TOEFL/ETS or IELTS to the University. Additional information for international applicants can be found online. Please see our website for additional information.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Faculty Research Interests
Please refer to the following webpage for a detailed listing of our faculty and their areas of interest.
Financial Aid
Fellowships and assistantships are available to outstanding students on a competitive basis. Awards for financial assistance are based principally on a candidate’s academic record, statement of plans, and letters of reference.
for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Crop Sciences Concentration
The Crop Sciences concentration within the M.S. degree in Bioinformatics can be earned with a thesis option or a non-thesis option, which requires optional supervised research experiences.
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 | ||
| Quantitative Genetics and Genomics | ||
| 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 | ||
| Perl & UNIX for Bioinformatics | ||
| Database Design and Prototyping | ||
| Data, Statistical Models and Information | ||
| Statistical Computing | ||
| Statistical Data Management | ||
| Advanced Data Analysis | ||
| Big Data Analytics | ||
| Topics in Computational Statistics | ||
| Seminar (1 per semester) | ||
| Electives | 16 | |
| CPSC 599 | Thesis Research | 4 |
| or PLPA 599 | ||
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Other requirements and conditions may overlap | ||
| A concentration is required | ||
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | 5 | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required overall: | 12 | |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 | |
Non-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 | ||
| Quantitative Genetics and Genomics | ||
| 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 | ||
| Perl & UNIX for Bioinformatics | ||
| Database Design and Prototyping | ||
| Data, Statistical Models and Information | ||
| Statistical Computing | ||
| Statistical Data Management | ||
| Advanced Data Analysis | ||
| Big Data Analytics | ||
| Topics in Computational Statistics | ||
| Seminar (1 per semester) | ||
| Electives | 24 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Other Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Other requirements and conditions may overlap | ||
| A concentration is required | ||
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | 5 | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required overall: | 12 | |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 | |
for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Crop Sciences Concentration
Thesis
- Students will be able to read, understand, knowledgeably discuss and summarize in writing the primary scientific literature of their particular disciplinary research area (bioinformatics and statistics, crop genetic improvement, crop production, plant protection, sustainable food systems, and water quality and environmental systems).
- Students will assume responsibility and ownership in research project development and execution.
- Students will acquire professional scientific writing and communication skills.
- Students will develop the capacity to communicate and collaborate across interdisciplinary boundaries.
- Students will develop the interpersonal skills to be competitive for career opportunities in plant sciences and agriculture.
Non-Thesis
- Students will be able to read, understand, knowledgeably discuss and summarize in writing the primary scientific literature of their particular disciplinary research area (bioinformatics and statistics, crop genetic improvement, crop production, plant protection, sustainable food systems, and water quality and environmental systems).
- Students will acquire professional scientific writing and communication skills.
- Students will develop the capacity to communicate and collaborate across interdisciplinary boundaries.
- Students will develop the interpersonal skills to be competitive for career opportunities in plant sciences and agriculture.
Graduate Degree Programs in Crop Sciences
- Crop Sciences, MS (on campus & online)
- Bioinformatics: Crop Sciences, MS
- Crop Sciences, PhD
for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Crop Sciences Concentration
Department of Crop Sciences
Department Head: Dr. Adam Davis (asdavis1@illinois.edu)
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Tiffany Jamann (tjamann@illinois.edu)
AW-101 Turner Hall
1102 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 244-0396
grad@cropsciences.illinois.edu
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences (ACES)
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences website