Dr. Matthew Hayes, Computer Science and Bioinformatics faculty member
What is Bioinformatics?
Bioinformatics is a field that combines biology, computer science, and mathematics to solve biological problems. It addresses these problems by leveraging the knowledge of natural sciences, computing, and mathematics.
With a B.S. in bioinformatics, degree holders can work in the following sectors:
- Hospitals
- Medical research centers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Biotechnology companies
- University research labs
- Government research labs
Specifically, these sectors employ degree holders as bioinformatics programmers, bioinformatics engineers, and bioinformatics analysts. Students will also be prepared for graduate school. The major also develop skillsets important for analyzing neuroscience datasets applicable to analyses in both Computational and Network Neuroscience (neuroinformatics).
Here at Xavier, the Bioinformatics major prepares students for bioinformatics careers by requiring courses in computer science, biology, statistics, mathematics, and chemistry. Students also must complete a senior capstone project.
There are several Xavier faculty members who conduct research in bioinformatics and computational biology.
- Dr. Matthew Hayes
- Dr. Kun (Karen) Zhang
- Dr. Andrea Edwards
B.S. in Neuroscience curriculum
Computational Neuroscience (also known as theoretical neuroscience or mathematical neuroscience) is a branch of neuroscience that employs mathematical models, theoretical analysis, and abstractions of the brain to understand the principles that govern the development, structure, physiology, and cognitive abilities of the nervous system. Computational neuroscience employs computational simulations to validate and solve mathematical models of the brain.
Network Neuroscience seeks to improve our understanding of the principles and mechanisms underlying complex brain function and cognition. Approaching brain structure and function from an explicitly integrative perspective, network neuroscience pursues new ways to map, record, analyze and model the elements and interactions of neurobiological systems. Two parallel trends drive the approach: the availability of new empirical tools to create comprehensive maps and record dynamic patterns among molecules, neurons, brain areas, and social systems; and the theoretical framework and computational tools of modern network science. The convergence of empirical and computational advances opens new frontiers of scientific inquiry, including network dynamics, manipulation and control of brain networks, and integration of network processes across spatiotemporal domains.
For more information about the Neuroscience programs, please contact Dr. Jeremy Cohen, at jcohen@xula.edu.
Contact Us
Bioinformatics
Questions about the Bioinformatics major? Contact the program advisor, Dr. Matthew Hayes, at mhayes5@xula.edu