Bioinformatics at UTEP: Admission Process

Eligibility and Application Process

Admission to the graduate program for MS in Bioinformatics is through UTEP Graduate School and candidates must meet Graduate School requirements. Graduating seniors or working professionals with bachelor's degrees and backgrounds in biology, chemistry, computer science, health sciences, mathematics, and statistics are especially appropriate for the program.


UTEP has a strong focus on learner-centered and problem-based approaches in education. Bioinformatics faculty mentors are available to discuss and advise interested students on the program coursework, internships, and employment opportunities. Coursework deficiencies will be addressed on an individual basis and leveling courses will be provided if needed.


UTEP Graduate School accepts online application only! Please visit the appropriate webpage below:

(Note: On the webpage, please scroll down to find "Bioinformatics" or further down for "Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate" under "Science" and click the semester you are applying for.)

Domestic/Mexican Applicants: http://www.utep.edu/graduate/apply-now/apply-now-domestic.html#SC
International Applicants: http://www.utep.edu/graduate/apply-now/apply-now-international.html#SC

 

The following items will be required:

1) Graduate Application Form (with application fee)
2) Official GRE Scores
3) Official TOEFL Scores (for most international students)
4) Official Transcripts
5) Statement of Purpose (Essay on Background, Interests, and Goals)
6) Two Letters of Recommendation

 
For help with application procedures and questions, please contact:
Bioinformatics Office, Bell Hall 138
The University of Texas at El Paso
500 West University Avenue
El Paso, TX 79968-0766
Phone: (915)747-8484
Fax: (915)747-6502
Email: bioinformatics@utep.edu
UTEP Bioinformatics: Research Themes

Biomolecular Sequence Analysis
Mathematical models, statistical methods, computational algorithms, machine learning approaches are developed for nucleic acid and protein sequence analyses with the aim of predicting functional sites (e.g., replication origins, transcription factor binding sites, glycosylation sites).

 Ecoinformatics and Phylogenetic Analysis
Ecological and evolutionary questions are addressed by molecular and bioinformatics techniques. Projects include studying the molecular phylogeny of the major families of Rotifera, assessing population differentiation using specific gene regions, and modeling fitness landscape by dynamical systems.

Enhancement of Bioinformatics Curriculum
Emphasis on designing a well-balanced bioinformatics curriculum for graduate students with diverse backgrounds to acquire new knowledge and skills in a cooperative learning environment. Development of interdisciplinary approaches for enhancing undergraduate engineering and science education.

Genomics and Proteomics Data Analysis
Classification and clustering techniques, Bayesian variable selection approaches, probabilistic Boolean network models, and wavelet methods are developed for analyzing genomics and proteomics data, with special interest in their applications to classification of diseases and modeling genetic regulatory networks.


Molecular Structure and Dynamics
Various mathematical optimization techniques, sequence segment sampling strategies, multi-scale algorithmic adaptations, and heterogeneous grid computing technology to predict structures for proteins and RNA molecules, as well as the molecular dynamics of protein-ligand docking.

 

Research Opportunities at UTEP: Please visit the websites for UPBiT, BEAS, and BCL.