Undergraduate Preparation

Qualified applicants will have completed at least a B.S. or B.A. degree, with a major within the biological sciences, computer science, mathematics, or the physical sciences. Expected undergraduate preparations for the program fall into three major categories:

1. Bioinformatics and computational biology major: an increasing number of universities are offering undergraduate majors in bioinformatics and computational biology. (UCLA itself offers undergraduate bioinformatics study via its Computational and Systems Biology major or Bioinformatics minor). This represents an ideal undergraduate preparation for the program, because it demonstrates the applicant’s performance in each of the essential subject areas-biology, mathematics, and computer science.
2. Double major in biology and computer science or mathematics: in our view, the single greatest difficulty of bioinformatics is its interdisciplinary character. Most undergraduates only have strong preparation in one subject area, making it difficult to evaluate their likely performance in other areas that are essential for bioinformatics. Thus, we also encourage applications from students who have double majored in biology plus a quantitative science, preferably computer science or mathematics.
3. Single majors with strong evidence of interdisciplinary skills:  We will also admit exceptionally strong students from a single traditional major with evidence of interdisciplinary skills. In this case the student’s academic record and research experiences must show clear evidence of ability in other areas essential for bioinformatics, outside of his/her major. In particular, non-biology majors must demonstrate some background in biology. Similarly, biology majors must demonstrate strong quantitative skills in computer science and mathematics.

Additionally, the program will place a strong emphasis on applicants’ bioinformatics research experience. Currently, most students entering UCLA via various departments to pursue bioinformatics, have extensive bioinformatics research experience. Success in bioinformatics research, and strong letters of recommendation from bioinformatics faculty advisors, provide the program with clear evidence of a student’s ability to combine the interdisciplinary skills necessary for bioinformatics. This is very important, and will continue to be a vital consideration for admissions.