Information for Applicants to the Bioinformatics Program

The Bioinformatics IDP has been approved at the UCLA campus level, and is now undergoing review at the UCOP system-wide level. The IDP proposal was approved by the UCLA Faculty Executive Committee at its Apr. 6, 2007 meeting. The UCLA Graduate Council approved the proposal at its Dec. 14, 2007 meeting. The proposal was approved by the UCLA Executive Vice-Chancellor on Jan. 23, 2008, and transmitted to the UC Office of the President. It is currently under review by the UC Coordinating Council on Graduate Affairs. No student inquiries can be considered until final approval is received.

Expected undergraduate preparations for the program fall into three major categories:

• Bioinformatics and computational biology major: an increasing number of universities are offering undergraduate majors in bioinformatics and computational biology. (UCLA itself offers undergraduate bioinformatics study via its Computational and Systems Biology major). This represents an ideal undergraduate preparation for the program, because it demonstrates the applicant's performance in each of the essential subject areas-biology, mathematics, and computer science.


• Double major in biology and computer science or mathematics: in our view, the single greatest difficulty of bioinformatics is its interdisciplinary character. Most undergraduates only have strong preparation in one subject area, making it difficult to evaluate their likely performance in other areas that are essential for bioinformatics. Thus, we also encourage applications from students who have double majored in biology plus a quantitative science, preferably computer science or mathematics.


• Single majors with strong evidence of interdisciplinary skills: in some cases we will admit exceptionally strong students from a single traditional major. In this case the student's academic record and research experiences must show clear evidence of ability in other areas essential for bioinformatics, outside of his/her major. In particular, non-biology majors must demonstrate strong performance in relevant biology coursework. Similarly, biology majors must demonstrate strong quantitative skills in computer science and mathematics.

Example: The UCLA Computational and Systems Biology major with Specialization in Bioinformatics provides an example template of appropriate undergraduate preparation for the program, albeit with a strongly engineering background.

http://www.cs.ucla.edu/~cyber/bioinformatics.htm

Other undergraduate preparations that are more biology-oriented are equally valid. During this period of rapid change in bioinformatics and the early development of bioinformatics curricula, no fixed formula for appropriate preparation can be enforced. Flexibility and case-by-case evaluation of a student's demonstrated skills and interests are essential.

Additionally, the program will place a strong emphasis on applicants' bioinformatics research experience. Currently, most students entering UCLA via various departments to pursue bioinformatics, have extensive bioinformatics research experience. Success in bioinformatics research, and strong letters of recommendation from bioinformatics faculty advisors, provide the program with clear evidence of a student's ability to combine the interdisciplinary skills necessary for bioinformatics. This is very important, and will continue to be a vital consideration for admissions."