The Master of Science in Computational Biology and Quantitative Genetics provides students with the rigorous quantitative training and essential skills needed to successfully meet the challenges presented by large-scale public health data — “Big Data” — in biomedical research.
This new 80-credit program, offered jointly by the Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, is designed to provide students with:
1. The biological background needed to understand and interpret data
2. A bioinformatics background providing familiarity with essential tools and data resources
3. Computational skills used to for analyze and manage “Big Data”
4. Statistical skills required to appropriately analyze large quantitative datasets
5. Epidemiological skills necessary for the design, conduct, and analysis of experiments
The SM in Computational Biology and Quantitative Genetics is intended as a terminal professional degree which will enable you to launch your career in bioinformatics. It can also provide the foundation for further doctoral studies in biostatistics, epidemiology, computational biology, and other related fields.
Prerequisites:
Candidates for admission to the SM in Computational Biology and Quantitative Genetics program should have successfully completed the following:
1. An undergraduate degree in mathematical sciences or allied fields (e.g. biology, psychology, economics)
2. Calculus through partial differentiation and multivariable integration
3. One semester of linear algebra or matrix methods
4. Either a two-semester sequence in probability and statistics or a two-semester sequence in applied statistics
5. At least one semester of training in biology, with some familiarity with molecular biology and genetics.
Test Scores:
GRE: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants.
TOEFL: The Harvard Chan School requires a minimum of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, and 100 on the Internet-based 4-part test (we prefer individual section scores of 23 or better). Official scores from TOEFL may be reported to the School at code number 3456. If you have already started your SOPHAS application, please report your scores to code 5688.
IELTS: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will also be accepted with a score of 7.0 or greater. Please have an official score report sent directly to the Harvard Chan School.