As biological research has become more complex, bioinformatics, which uses computers to crunch biological information, has assumed increasing importance. The Human Genome project relied on computers to unravel the sequence of human DNA and researchers are now using them to analyze the dizzying array of proteins, carbohydrates and fats used by the body to perform genetic functions.

“The bioinformatics field is an increasingly important subdiscipline in computer science,” said Computer Science Chairman Phil Hatcher. “The demand for computer science graduates who can apply their knowledge in the life sciences is large, and is expected to continue to grow.”

Computer Science students choosing the bioinformatics option will take the same core courses as students in the existing Bachelor of Science program, but will also be required to take courses in chemistry, biology, biochemistry and statistics. They must also complete a project in their senior year, providing an opportunity to conduct first-class research at the UNH Hubbard Center for Genome Studies, the UNH Center for Structural Biology or the Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover.

“The biological sciences are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary,” said Jason H. Moore, Frank Lane Research Scholar in Computational Genetics at Dartmouth Medical School. “Computer science students with knowledge and training in biology will find themselves at the center of investigations using cutting-edge technology to study complex biological and biomedical questions.”

UNH has the only computer science program in the state accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In addition to its undergraduate program, the UNH Department of Computer Science also offers Master’s and doctoral degrees. The faculty members have a wide range of interests and research projects, including concentrations in artificial intelligence, computer graphics and scientific visualization, database and knowledge base systems, operating systems and computer networks, parallel computing and compiler design, human-computer interaction and theoretical computer science.

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