Are you interested in genomic sciences, bioethics and related fields at Wesleyan?
Q: What is Integrative Genomic Sciences?
A: With the sequencing of the human genome, there is a need to
apply analytical approaches from multiple disciplines to
understand genome function. The biological sciences are being
transformed by these cross-disciplinary efforts -- at Wesleyan,
these efforts are integrated in our new IGS initiative.
Q: What unusual features and strengths characterize the IGS program?
A: Because this is a new field, we think that the best
way for us to learn about and explore the field is to have
team-taught courses in which faculty with deep knowledge in
biology team up with faculty with extensive experience in
informatics -- the resulting courses then have strength in bridge
between these disciplines.
Q: Is there special support for inter-disciplinary research by students?
A: Yes, our Hughes Program
provides funds for term-time and summer inter-disciplinary research -- the funds are for
students with two faculty mentors in complementing fields, e.g.
life science and computer science, or life science and philosophy.
Q: I am an undergraduate at Wesleyan; what opportunities are there in IGS?
A: We have developed a Cluster of new and revised courses in
integrative genomic sciences which form the core of a new Certificate Program
in Informatics and Modeling. There are also new opportunities for term-time and
summer research in IGS. You are encouraged to discuss the IGS program with the
participating faculty.
Q: I am a Wesleyan undergraduate with interests in bioinformatics, but don't
think I have enough time to explore this new field -- is there a solution?
A: The fifth year associated with our BA/MA program offers an
excellent opportunity to enrich your background in Integrative
Genomic Sciences. The BA/MA program provides time for additional
course work alongside your research project. Applications are due
in your junior year.
Q: I am interested in graduate studies at Wesleyan in genomics/bioinformatics
-- what programs do you have?
A: Our Ph.D. programs in the life sciences offer the opportunity
for students to work simultaneously towards an M.S. in computer
science. By building a strong foundation in information and life
sciences, this combined Ph.D./M.A. program opens up exciting
possibilities in the emerging fields of biological and information sciences.
Q: I am a life science major with no computer science background
-- what do you recommend to learn about bioinformatics?
A: Some of our courses in bioinformatics do not assume background
in computer science -- however, it is advantageous to have some
computer science course background; e.g. COMP211 and COMP212.
Q: I am a computer science major with no biology background
-- what do you recommend to learn about bioinformatics?
A: Some of our courses in bioinformatics do not assume
background in biology -- however, it is advantageous to have some
biology course background; e.g. BIO181 and BIO182.
Q: What courses are offered in bioinformatics?
A: We have several current and planned new courses in
bioinformatics covering areas such as functional genomics,
proteomics, and evolutionary genomics -- please see
IGS home page.
Q: What courses address issues in bioethics and the philosophy
of biology as they relate to genomics?
A: Several new courses co-taught by Philosophy and life
science faculty are offered -- please see
IGS home page.
Q: What are the current research projects in Integrative Genomic Sciences?
A: Many of our research projects integrate genomics approaches -- please see
IGS home page.
Q: Who can I talk with for advice?
A: Please contact IGS faculty advisors.