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Arizona State University New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences 34 courses 33 total credits
The Master of Science program in biological data science provides you with a foundation in biology and computational methods along with hands-on training through practical projects at the interface of the natural and mathematical sciences. You learn to manipulate big data, including the generation and analysis of data using statistical and computational toolsets. You use your analytical skills in ecological, environmental, toxicological and other biological applications. The program incorporates multiple levels of experiential learning to ensure you gain critical-thinking skills in addition to core competencies.
| Required Core | 9 credits |
| Applied Computing Coursework | 9 credits |
| Restricted Electives | 9 credits |
| Electives | 6 credits |
| Required Core | 9 credits |
| Applied Computing Coursework | 9 credits |
| Restricted Electives | 9 credits |
| Total Credits | 33 credits |
Required Core
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LSC 540 | Foundations of Biostatistics | 3 |
| LSC 541 | Advanced Biostatistics and Machine Learning | 3 |
| MNS 521 | Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies | 3 |
| Total Required Core | 9 credits | |
Applied Computing Coursework
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACO 501 | Database Systems and Cloud Computing | 3 |
| LSC 562 | Applied Mathematics Techniques in Biology | 3 |
| LSC 598 | Data Science for Genomics | 3 |
| LSC 598 | Data Science for Genomics | 3 |
| LSC 519 | Computational Methods in Environmental Health | 3 |
| LSC 547 | Wet Laboratory Experience | 3 |
| Total Applied Computing Coursework | 9 credits | |
Restricted Electives
Select Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science: Select Biological Sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology:
Electives
Required Core
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LSC 540 | Foundations of Biostatistics | 3 |
| LSC 541 | Advanced Biostatistics and Machine Learning | 3 |
| MNS 521 | Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies | 3 |
| Total Required Core | 9 credits | |
Applied Computing Coursework
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACO 501 | Database Systems and Cloud Computing | 3 |
| LSC 562 | Applied Mathematics Techniques in Biology | 3 |
| LSC 598 | Data Science for Genomics | 3 |
| LSC 598 | Data Science for Genomics | 3 |
| LSC 519 | Computational Methods in Environmental Health | 3 |
| LSC 547 | Wet Laboratory Experience | 3 |
| Total Applied Computing Coursework | 9 credits | |
Restricted Electives
Select Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science: Select Biological Sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology:
Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACO 593 | Applied Project | 3-6 |
| BIO 593 | Applied Project | 3-6 |
| LSC 593 | Applied Project | 3-6 |
| MAT 593 | Applied Project | 3-6 |
| MNS 593 | Applied Project | 3-6 |
| ACO 599 | Thesis | 6 |
| BIO 599 | Thesis | 6 |
| LSC 599 | Thesis | 6 |
| MAT 599 | Thesis | 6 |
| MNS 599 | Thesis | 6 |
Additional Curriculum Information
This master's degree offers a course-based option. This option is designed for individuals aiming to deepen their knowledge across various areas of biological data science without the primary emphasis on conducting original research. Although students may fulfill degree requirements through coursework alone, the program also offers a culminating experience, such as a thesis or applied project, that delivers an advanced research opportunity. This option is particularly valuable for those aspiring for careers in research-oriented biological sciences or planning to continue their academic journey at the doctoral level. Students interested in strengthening their research expertise are highly encouraged to pursue either the thesis or the applied project. Restricted electives for this program are offered in two categories: Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, and Biological Sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology. Students are required to complete nine credit hours of restricted elective coursework by taking three courses. These courses may all be selected from a single category or combined from both, depending on the student's academic interests and career goals. Course selection depends on availability and delivery format. Campus students must complete LSC 547, plus two additional Applied Computing courses. Online students must take three Applied Computing courses of their choice. A list of preapproved elective courses is provided in the program handbook, and faculty members may approve other courses on a case-by-case basis. Campus students typically select either an applied project or a thesis, based on their interests and career goals. Students selecting a six-credit-hour experience will not complete elective coursework. Students selecting a three-credit-hour experience will take three credit hours of elective coursework. Online students will pursue coursework only, maximizing flexibility and ensuring course content aligns with their goals.
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