Computer Science launches new master's program
in bioinformatics

January 25, 2001 -- The Department of Computer Science is pleased to offer a new Master of Computer Science degree with a concentration in bioinformatics, beginning in fall 2001. The Departments of Bioengineering, Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Computer Science, and Statistics jointly developed the program in response to a rising demand for specialists in the field of bioinformatics. The expected expansion of Houston's biotech industry emphasizes the relevance of the new program.

Bioinformatics integrates mathematical, statistical and computer methods to analyze biological, biochemical and biophysical data. "Biology in the 21st century is rapidly becoming an information science," [Science, March 10, 2000.] According to computer science professor Moshe Vardi, the lack of tools to analyze and correlate biomedical data has created a bottleneck in drug discovery. By developing more effective computer tools, the duration of the drug design process can be shortened, thereby reducing costs.

The application deadline for the MCS-Bioinformatics program is March 1, 2001 for the fall 2001 semester. Degree requirements are available at http://www.cs.rice.edu/Database/bioinfo.sthml. Graduate information and application forms are available on the CS Graduate Application web page: http://www.cs.rice.edu/gradinfo/