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Applied Computing (Bioinformatics)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - View all program options
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
Computing is permeating modern life and data is the new resource that industries around the world are chasing. However, data analytics or applied computing cannot be taught in isolation. When applied to a particular problem or domain, knowledge of computing and the domain itself are required to effectively achieve insight. A degree in applied computing will give graduates knowledge in both computing and domains of application.
Bioinformatics is the interdisciplinary meeting point for computer science and molecular biology. It requires understanding of the knowledge domains of biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and probability and statistics.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying applied computing at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
BIOL 120.3 | The Nature of Life
BIOL 121.3 | The Diversity of Life
CHEM 112.3 | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials
CMPT 141.3 | Introduction to Computer Science
CMPT 145.3 | Principles of Computer Science
MATH 163.3 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
MATH 164.3 | Introduction to Linear Algebra
You choose
- One course (3 c.u.) from either MATH 110.3 Calculus I, OR MATH 133.4 Engineering Mathematics I (only open to student in the College of Engineering), OR MATH 176.3 Advanced Calculus I
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Explore information about your program in the course and program catalogue and the Department of Computer Science undergrad programs page
- Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
What will I learn?
- Learn the role of DNA and its associated biomolecules in encoding and regulating cellular processes which eventually manifest as heritable traits
- Use sophisticated computing techniques to model genetic behavior
- Discover aspects of biological processes as computing mechanisms
- Learn to accurately predict organism-level characteristics from genomic information
- Explore the characterization of very complex systems, from atomic to cellular and organism levels
Gain relevant experience
- Familiarize yourself with study abroad programs to make informed decisions in your later years of study
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning course
- Join the Computer Science Student Society and attend their start-of-term bootcamps
Create local and global connections
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
Get career ready
- Explore career pathways related to computer science
- Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
Featured courses
- BINF 351.3 Introduction to Bioinformatics
- BMIS 340.3 Introductory Molecular Biology
- CMPT 270.3 Developing Object-Oriented Systems
- CMPT 394.3 Simulation Principles
- CMPT 423.3 Machine Learning
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
BINF 351.3 | Introduction to Bioinformatics
BMSC 200.3 | Biomolecules
CHEM 250.3 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry
CMPT 270.3 | Developing Object-Oriented Systems
CMPT 280.3 | Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithms
CMPT 318.3 | Data Analytics
CMPT 353.3 | Full Stack Web Programming
CMPT 360.3 | Algorithm Design Analysis and Correctness
PHIL 232.3 | Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Computer Science
You choose
- One course (3 c.u.) from either BMSC 240.3 Laboratory Techniques OR BIOL 226.3 Genes to Genomics
- One course (3 c.u.) from either BMIS 340.3 Introductory Molecular Biology OR BIOL 316.3 Genetic Analysis of Eukaryotes
- One course (3 c.u.) from either STAT 242.3 Statistical Theory and Methodology, OR STAT 245.3 Introduction to Statistical Methods, OR STAT 246.3 Introduction to Biostatistics
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks and meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
- Declare your major in PAWS
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of options to complement your major.
- Advanced Studio Art (certificate)
- Business (certificate)
- Entrepreneurship (certificate)
- Geomatics (certificate)
- Mathematical Modelling (certificate)
- Precision Agriculture (certificate)
- Economics (minor)
- Mathematics (minor)
Gain relevant experience
- Gain work experience through the Computer Science Professional Internship Program (CSPIP)
- Explore study abroad options or gain support as an international student through the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC)
- Become a peer mentor through the College of Arts and Science, University Library, or Peer Health
- Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Participate in the annual International Collegiate Programming Competition, with local qualifying competitions in Fall and Winter terms
- Participate in free global comp-sci competitions, hackathons, and code-jams with Google, Amazon, Facebook/Meta, and others through HackerEarth
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and Global Connections
- Join the Computer Science Student Society (CSSS) to connect with fellow USask Computer Science students
- Consider joining the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) where a discounted student membership is offered
- Consider joining the IEEE, he world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity
Get career ready
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
- Attend the Computer Science Career Fair
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
- Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
CMPT 451.3 | Modelling and Algorithms for Biological Systems
You choose
- Two courses (6 c.u.) from any of the following areas listed: Simulation, Artificial Intelligence, Theory, or Visualization
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
- Consider applying to the Honours program
Consider applying to a graduate program
- Applied Computing (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Computer Science (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
Gain relevant experience
- Consider running for a leadership position with the Arts and Science Student Union (ASSU) or the USask Students' Union (USSU)
Create local and global connections
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
Get career ready
- Update your résumé, cover letter or CV to apply for jobs
- Attend Careers Day to meet with employers and make connections
- Book a Mock Interview appointment with Career Services to prepare for your interview
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Possible destinations
People with an applied computing degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Note that some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Career paths
- Aerospace Engineer
- Applications Programmer
- Business Analyst
- Chief Information Officer
- Clinical Data Analyst
- Cloud Infrastructure Architect
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Service Technician
- Cyber Security Specialist
- Data Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Database Marketing Analyst
- Developer
- Financial Analyst
- Graphic Designer
- Information Systems Designer
- Inventory Control Specialist
- IT Analyst
- Network Engineer
- Programmer Analyst
- Records Manager
- Researcher
- Robotics Technologist
- Software Engineer
- Statistician
- Systems Administrator
- Transportation Planner
- Video Game Developer
- Web Application Developer
- Web Designer
At Vendasta, we pride ourselves on employing the best and brightest talents, ensuring a dynamic and forward-thinking environment for our technological pursuits. Over the years, we've had the pleasure of bringing on board several graduates from USask's Computer Science program. Their inclusion in our workforce has been nothing short of noteworthy, both in terms of the value they bring and the standards they set.
The competencies exhibited by these graduates are immediately noticeable. They arrive with a palpable hunger to learn and grow, showing an innate curiosity and a passion for their craft. Notably, a significant number of our most senior engineers are proud alumni of USask's Computer Science program, which stands testament to the program's caliber and its alignment with our aspirations.
—Hemant, Director of Engineering, Vendasta, B.Comm. (Computer Science) '99
Where do USask alumni work?
- 7Shifts
- Amazon
- Andgo Systems
- Calian, Advanced Technologies
- Canadian Light Source Inc.
- City of Saskatoon
- Government of Canada
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Microsoft
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Siemens Digital Industries Software
- University of Calgary
- University of Regina
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Waterloo
- Vecima Networks Inc.
- Vendasta
Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool
"I chose computer science because I wanted to solve real world problems using the tools that software and programming offers. The skills I learned in the Computer Science program at USask are broadly applicable to so many different sectors and jobs. Technology encompasses everything around us, and learning to understand and master it is a key skill."
—Harris, fourth-year computer science student
"I have always been fascinated by technology and problem-solving, but taking the introductory computer science course cemented my passion for the Computer Science program at USask. There is always more to learn in this program, and I love that this major pushes me to continuously build on my skills."
—Tanmay, fourth-year computer science student
"I pursued computer science to embrace mental challenges. I've learned that I love to take complex problems and combine creativity and logic to create solutions. As well, participating in the internship program gave me valuable industry knowledge and kick-started my career."
—Cassidy, fourth-year computer science student