PSM in Bioinformatics
Description
The PSM in Bioinformatics provides an opportunity for advanced training directly relevant to current knowledge for professional careers. The degree is delivered online, and is an interdisciplinary collaboration across the fields of mathematics, computer and information science, and molecular and cell biology. Students entering the program are expected to come from a cell and molecular biology background and require more intensive training in math, computer and information science, or from the mathematics, computer or information sciences disciplines and need training in cell and molecular biology. A total of 17 credits of required courses, seven credits of enrichment courses, and six credits of applied field experience are required. A sample schedule for the course of study is provided below:
Sample Schedule
Fall First Year (6 cr)
- SIE 507: Information Systems Programming (3 cr) or DSE 502: Programming Foundations for Data Science and Engineering (3cr)
- BMS 625: Biostatistics/Computational Biology or Genetics (2 cr)
- INT 601: Responsible Conduct of Research (1 cr)
Spring First Year (6 cr)
- BMB 502: Introduction to Bioinformatics (3 cr)
- SIE 557: Database System Applications (3 cr)
Summer First Year (3 cr)
- DIG 510: Metadata Systems (3 cr)
Fall Second Year (6 cr)
- BMS 625: Biostatistics/Computational Biology or Genetics (2 cr)
- Elective/Plus Element course (4 cr)
Spring Second Year (6 cr)
- Elective/Plus Element course (3 cr)
- Applied Field Research (3 cr)
Summer Second Year (3 cr)
- Applied Field Research (3 cr)
Program Specifics
The applied field experience will be self-directed and will be scheduled at the convenience of the student. With permission, other courses may be substituted for those listed for the Bioinformatics Core or Plus Element courses. In addition, as new courses are developed for online delivery, other courses may be added to the Bioinformatics Core and Plus Element courses as they become available. Prior graduate courses that have been taken by students, including courses considered for transfer will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The 6 credits of applied field experience are a cornerstone of the PSM degree. The applied field experience will integrate computer science, mathematics, biomedical sciences and plus element courses into a project that is relevant to the students’ current or future employment.
- Transfer credit from other universities and programs may be possible
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained for the PSM in Bioinformatics
Suggested PLUS Courses
| Semester | Course | Title | Instructor | Cr |
| Fall | AVS 554 | DNA Sequencing Analysis Lab | Ishaq | 3 |
| Fall | DSE 501 | Statistical Foundations for DSE | Dube | 3 |
| Spring | DSE 510 | Data Science and Engineering Practicum | Dube | 3 |
| Fall | DIG 500 | Introduction to Digital Curation | Ippolito & Bird | 3 |
| Spring | DIG 550 | Digital Preservation | Ippolito & Bird | 3 |
| Spring | SIE 508 | Object Oriented Programming | Nittel | 3 |
| Fall | SIE 509 | Principles of Geographic Information Systems | Wang | 3 |
| Spring | SIE 510 | Geographic Information Systems Applications | Cressey | 3 |
| Fall | SIE 550 | Design of Information Systems | Hahmann | 3 |
| Fall | SIE 555 | Spatial Database Systems | Nittel | 3 |
Related Programs at UMaine
Program fit is incredibly important and we encourage you to explore the breadth of graduate offerings across the University. See a full list of Graduate Programs here: https://umaine.edu/graduate/programs/
Looking for more “Bio”? Explore the programs from the School of Biology and Ecology and the Molecular and Biomedical Sciences departments.
Looking for more “Informatics”? Explore the programs through the Data Science and Engineering, Spatial Computing, and Computer Science departments and the Maine Business School.
Looking for more online options? Explore the multitude of programs supported by UMaine Online.