Computational Biology and Biostatistics (CBB) is one of 5 research areas in the Integrated Biological Sciences Summer Research Program (IBS-SRP) (Other area are Neurobiology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, and Environmental Biology. These five research programs are woven together in an interdisciplinary learning community through evolutionary theory and the research process.
The Computational Biology and Biostatistics Summer Research Program (CBB) , gives minority undergraduate students the opportunity to explore a career in biostatistics and bioinformatics by working closely with faculty and staff mentors. Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques to data generated from biological problems. Bioinformatics is the application of computational methods to problems in biological sciences. Both disciplines focus on the development and application of methods to help us understand biological processes. A career in biostatistics and bioinformatics is ideal for students with strength in mathematics and computer sciences who enjoy working with computers and numbers and wish to apply their skills to solving real world problems in biological research. There are approximately 50 faculty members actively involved in a wide variety of biostatistics and bioinformatics research activities, including clinical trials, epidemiology, genetics,experimental design and analysis of laboratory studies.
Goals
The general goals of the CBB are:
- to provide an opportunity for qualified undergraduate students to have
direct research experience in biostatistics and bioinformatics /computational biology
- to provide qualified undergraduate students with tools and skills to successfully gain admission to post-baccalaureate programs
- to give qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to explore a career in biostatistics/bioinformatics/ computational biology
Activities
Students will be involved in various research-related activities. They will:
- work one-on- one with a facult/ staff mentor on a chosen research topic,
and present their work at the end of the summer to other IBS-SRP participants
- participate in a non-credit short course in statistics and informatics, workshops covering statistical methods, research topics of interest, ethics related to scientific research, and professional career opportunities
- learn and become familiar with powerful software tools for statistical analysis. No prior background for the computer software is required.
- attend and participate in scholarly, cultural, and social activities which bring together participants in other summer research programs on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus
- meet weekly with other participants in the Integrated Biological Sciences- SRP to discuss the research process and evolutionary theory.
Check out the following links for more information about the program:
Financial Support
The program offers a stipend of $4000. In addition, we will cover most expenses (travel, housing, a partial food allowance, and health insurance). There are no fees or tuition costs. Students will engage in full-time research and learning and have individual access to computers and all campus libraries and facilities.
Eligibility
Applicants who are:
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an accredited college/university, be majoring in either a quantitative science or in biology, and have successfully completed at least one year of calculus.
- African American, Hispanic, Native American, Southeast Asian, Native Alaskan or Native Pacific Islander, OR students (of any ethnic background) who are McNair scholars, OR students who attend small liberal arts institutions without broad research facilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Preference will be given to students who will have completed their junior year and who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
How to Apply
Apply for the program by submitting an application by February 15, 2007.
Applications are coordinated through the IBS-SRP. |
