Apr 11, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Data Science Major, BS in Data Science - Bioinformatics Concentration


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The BSDS degree program is a 120-credit, 4-year B.S. program that provides customizable transdisciplinary options including stackable certificates, concentrations and minors. The Bioinformatics concentration is intended to equip students with bioinformatics knowledge and skills necessary in a range of settings, including post-graduate studies and work in industry, research institutions, and some government agencies. 

Campus: Knoxville, Distance Education


uTrack Requirements


Universal Tracking (uTrack) is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA. uTrack requirements only affect full-time, degree-seeking students.

Term 1


Credit Hours 13-15


Term 1 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 2


Credit Hours 16


Term 2 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 3


Credit Hours 15


Term 3 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 4


Credit Hours 13-15


Term 4 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Define TOPS plan

Term 5


Credit Hours 15


Term 5 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 6


  • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
  • Quantitative Reasoning (QR)  Elective 3 Credit Hours * OR Unrestricted Elective 3 Credit Hours

Credit Hours 15


Term 6 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Complete at least two TOPS electives
  • Complete at least one Bioinformatics concentration course

Term 7


  • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
  • 4 Bioinformatics Concentration Elective 3 Credit Hours
  • Quantitative Reasoning (QR)  Elective 3 Credit Hours * OR Unrestricted Elective 3 Credit Hours

Credit Hours 15


Term 7 Milestone Notes


  • Semester GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 8


  • 4 Bioinformatics Concentration Elective 3 Credit Hours
  • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
  • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
  • Unrestricted Elective 3 Credit Hours

Credit Hours 15


Term 8 Milestone Notes


  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above

Total Credit Hours 120


Footnotes


1. Expanded Perspectives Electives must total 6 credit hours from any courses on the approved AH, SS, GCI, or GCUS or AAH lists

2. Engaged Inquiries electives must total 6 credit hours from two or more subjects.

3. See Transdisciplinary Options (TOPS) Electives Requirements below for additional information.

4. Concentration requirement.  See Bioinformatics Concentration Requirements below for additional information.

* Meets Volunteer Core  Requirement.

Transdisciplinary Options (TOPS) Elective Requirements


Students must complete 15 hours of Transdisciplinary Options (TOPS) elective credit by completing any combination of CECS minor(s), CECS certificate(s), and/or program electives as listed below.  

CECS Minors


The CECS Minors listed below are eligible for TOPS elective credit for this program:

CECS Certificates


The CECS Certificates listed below are eligble for TOPS elective credit for this program:

Data Science Program Electives


The program elective courses listed below are eligble for TOPS credit. Please consult course catalog for specific course prerequisite requirements.

Bioinformatics Concentration Requirements


The Bioinformatics Concentration consists of 12 credit hours of required coursework.  To satisfy the Bioinformatics Concentration requirements, students must complete the following courses:

Required Courses (6 Credit Hours)


Elective Courses (6 credit hours)


Select two courses from the list below:

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