Bioinformatics @ UCSF: Multidisciplinary graduate study in biological composition, structure, function and evolution at the molecular and systems levels

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NEWS: UCSF wins HHMI Award for its Integrative Program in Complex Biological Systems

Program Overview

The goal of the Bioinformatics program is to train the next generation of bioinformatics researchers for academia and industry. Graduate students will acquire knowledge in applied mathematics, informatics, statistics, computer science, physics, chemistry, and biology to study biological composition, structure, function, and evolution at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. Training will involve all aspects of the gathering, storing, analyzing, predicting, and disseminating the corresponding information. Graduates of the program receive a Ph.D. in Biological and Medical Informatics and are well positioned to contribute to basic and applied biomedical sciences, where future research and job opportunities are excellent.

Opportunities for research within the Bioinformatics group cover a wide spectrum of research projects. Examples of thesis projects include molecular modeling of proteins and their complexes, designing new proteins and protein interfaces, mapping the evolution of proteins and enzymatic function, statistical analysis of genomes to identify transcription factor binding sites, mining protein expression data to reveal drug targets in pathogen genomes, and studying the genetic variation in human membrane transporters. In many cases, several laboratories collaborate to tackle multiple facets of these challenging problems. A growing emphasis is being placed on the interfaces between bioinformatics and biophysics, systems biology, chemical biology, pharmacogenomics, human genetics, and bioengineering. The student has the opportunity of working with many different faculty members and tailoring a program that benefits from their varied research programs. Bioinformatics students in iPQB are expected to take advantage of the wide-ranging interests of our faculty to develop variety and richness in their own educational experiences.

The Bioinformatics program is a founding member of the new Integrative Program in Quantitative Biology (iPQB), which includes the Biophysics Program and a new program in systems biology (awarded an HHMI Interfaces Initiative grant in 2006). The Bioinformatics core curriculum has been enriched by the addition of new courses designed to provide training in the more quantitative aspects of modern biomedical research, including the mathematics fundamental to biology and courses in biophysics. Innovation in cross-training of young computer scientists, physicists and engineers in biology, and biologists and biochemists in quantitative approaches, is aimed at producing top-notch scientists who are equipped for an increasingly interdisciplinary research model. A ‘bootcamp’ prior to entrance in the first year teaches the basics of molecular biology, math tools useful in the modern biomedical research lab, and basic wet lab skills. Interdisciplinary team challenges offered between quarters will challenge students to use their new skills and foster collaborations between students of disparate backgrounds.