Biology, Computing Science

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Applied Bioinformatics certificate

The Applied Bioinformatics certificate is a 28-credit program designed to be completed concurrently by students completing a Bachelor of Science with a Biology major. Students completing a Computing Science major may also be interested in the program, and if so, should consider taking the Biology minor. In most cases, completion of the certificate will require a minimum of one additional semester of course work.

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field with a central focus on using large datasets, together with an array of computational and statistical methods, to gain insight into biological questions. The rapid increase in available data and advances in computing power will mean an increased demand for people with the skills to process data, perform analysis, and interpret results in biological terms.

The program is designed to provide students with a strong background in genomics, including the study of methods to obtain, assemble, and annotate genomic sequences. Students will also gain the skills necessary to create advanced databases, algorithms, and computational and statistical techniques to allow for the efficient study of large sets of biosequences, and functional, structural, and evolutionary relatedness of genes or species.

Entrance requirements

Applicants must meet the following before admission to the program:

• Enrolment in the Bachelor of Science and completion of 45 credits with a minimum CGPA of 2.33.
• Prerequisites for BIO 202.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
2. Upon admission to the program applicants will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Books and additional supplies will normally cost $75 to $150 per course. There may be some additional recommended and mandatory costs in Computing Science courses, above tuition and textbook costs. These may include training manuals, software, and hardware costs. These expenses will vary from year to year. Students are responsible for costs associated with travel to and from Field Placement sites.

Program duration

The certificate requires 28 credits. 14 of these credits can be completed as part of a BSc program. The remaining credits can usually be completed within one semester, although some students may need two semesters to complete all requirements.

Location

All courses are offered in Abbotsford. Some courses may be offered in the evening for people working full-time who wish to take courses on a part-time basis.

Program outline

The Bioinformatics certificate requires a total of 28 credits from the courses shown below, and is designed to be taken alongside the Bachelor of Science. At least 50% of the credits for the certificate (14 credits) must be from courses not used to satisfy requirements for the BSc, as per UFV's Credentials policy (64).

Note: Students taking the Bioinformatics certificate should ensure they complete any additional
prerequisites needed for the courses above as part of their Bachelor of Science program.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Residency

At least 14 credits used towards the certificate requirements must be completed at UFV.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.