Program Requirements
The requirements for the MBS certificate program include successful completion of seven courses plus one non-credit summer research experience. The required courses include:
- MBS 100S (Introduction to Modeling Biological Systems)
- MBS 200S (Capstone)
- BIO 117 (Structure-Function Relationships in Biology)
OR
BIO 118 (Genetics & Molecular Biology) - Mathematics 104 (Linear Algebra and Application)
OR
Mathematics 107 (Linear Algebra and Differential Equation) - Semester-long independent study
- Elective 1#
- Elective 2#
#From the list of approved Elective Courses or by approval of the Program Director
Students are strongly encouraged to take the introductory course (MBS 100S) before the end their Sophomore year. A capstone course (MBS 200S) is also required and will be typically taken during the Senior year.
Biological Science majors should take two elective courses in quantitative methods. Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science majors should take as their two electives two biological science course with a lab/experimental component, at least one of which should be at the 200-level. Students should make their elective choices in consultation with the program director with an eye toward their background and research interests. Some sample course sequences are available here.
In addition to coursework, this certificate has two required research components. First, students must complete a non-credit summer research experience. Assistance with summer funding and establishing an appropriate research project is available. Next, students must enroll in a one-semester independent study course meant to expand their summer research experience. Typically, both of these components should involve a faculty member from outside the student’s major department.