Minor in Computational Biology

Our students are well-prepared to tackle complex biological systems and topics such as epidemiology, biotechnology, precision medicine and more.

The undergraduate minor in computational biology provides students with a foundation of mathematical biology, data science and statistics, and computing principles to address biological problems and systems. A partnership between the BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Computer Science, the program welcomes undergraduate students from a diversity of disciplines, such as biology, math, computer science and engineering.

  • Learn to predict and interpret biological phenomena with probabilistic and statistical analyses.
  • Integrate core concepts and skills into your respective computational and biological expertise.
  • Take courses taught by world-class faculty from departments across campus.

CU Boulder’s Department of Computer Science is ranked the No. 16 undergraduate program in computer science in the U.S. 

(U.S. News & World Report, 2023)

CU Boulder’s BioFrontiers Institute core faculty members include a Nobel Prize winner, two Waterman Award winners, three members of the National Academy of Inventors and more.

Connect with many high-tech companies right here in Boulder, many of which sponsor computer science internships or mentorship programs.

Be successful.

Be prepared for a broad range of careers at the intersection of fields like biology, computer science and mathematics.

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor.

 

Microsoft, Google, Seagate Technology, Amazon and Lockheed Martin are common employers of graduates from the Department of Computer Science.

 

91% of computer science students were employed within six months of graduation.

Academic Plan & Requirements

The minor in materials science and engineering is a cross-college minor that welcomes students from a diversity of majors but may best complement biology, math, computer science or engineering backgrounds. 

The minor requires completion of eight courses from three course areas: 

  • Skills 
  • BioElectives 
  • Data & Structure + Bioprocesses

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.