Description: Honors computational genetics is a computer-based laboratory course that introduces students to the use of computers in biological research. This course is for students who are thinking of careers at the intersection of life sciences, statistics, and/or computer science, particularly students who are considering majoring in Genetics. The course fulfills the laboratory requirement for the Genetics major. In the first half of the course, students will receive instruction in introductory computer programming (Python). In the second half of the course, students will practice writing code in Python via in-depth computational projects in genetics and genomics. Each class consists of a mixture of lecture and computer-based demos and/or exercises, as well as time for students to work on assignments. The course provides the introductory skills needed to conduct basic computational research in the life sciences, including many aspects of computer programming and genomic data analysis. Prior experience with computer programming is neither necessary nor is it expected for students who enroll in this course.

 This course is for freshman or sophomore Honors students who are thinking of careers at the intersection of life sciences, statistics, and/or computer science, particularly students who are considering majoring in Genetics.  The course fulfills the laboratory requirement for the Genetics major.

The course catalog indicates this class is from 8:30-11:30 AM, however, it actually is from 9:00-11:30 AM.  

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

Students must be in their first or second year at Rutgers in an approved Honors program (e.g., the Honors College or the SAS Honors Program).  General Biology I (01:119:115) and be at least co-registered for General Biology II (01:119:116) or have placed out of these two courses (e.g., through AP credit or approved transfer credit).

Students cannot receive credit for both 01:447:203 and 01:447:302.