Lewis-Clark State College

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree blends foundational coursework in mathematics and computer science with molecular and cellular biology, emphasising practical skills in data analysis and modelling. The programme typically spans four years and includes a mix of core modules, laboratory classes, computational practicum and a capstone research or internship experience.

• Mathematics and statistics: calculus sequence, linear algebra, probability and mathematical statistics, differential equations, numerical analysis and mathematical modelling.
• Computer science and data skills: programming (Python and/or R), algorithms and data structures, databases, high‑performance computing basics, data visualisation, and introductory machine learning for biological data.
• Biological sciences: general biology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology and laboratory techniques relevant to genomics and molecular research.
• Core computational biology modules: bioinformatics methods (sequence alignment, genome assembly, variant calling), structural bioinformatics, systems biology, population genetics modelling, and omics data analysis.
• Practical experience: wet‑lab practicums to understand experimental workflows; computational projects using real datasets; use of common bioinformatics tools and pipelines; and a senior capstone project or supervised undergraduate research that integrates theory and application.
• Electives and concentrations: students can choose electives in areas such as ecological modelling, health informatics, synthetic biology, or advanced statistics depending on career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong preparation in mathematics (including algebra and calculus) and one or more sciences (biology and/or chemistry) is expected. Experience or coursework in computer science or programming is recommended but not always required; students without programming background are typically admitted into introductory computing modules.

Admissions consider overall academic record, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement demonstrating interest in quantitative biology. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or research experience are encouraged to apply and may be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis. Placement testing or preparatory coursework may be advised for students lacking prerequisite mathematics.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of roles where quantitative and biological skills intersect. Common pathways include:

• Bioinformatics analyst or computational biologist in biotechnology, pharmaceutical companies, clinical laboratories and research institutes.
• Data scientist or data analyst roles in healthcare, public health agencies, agricultural biotechnology and environmental consultancies.
• Laboratory technician positions with a computational emphasis, supporting genomics or molecular diagnostics labs.
• Further study: strong preparation for graduate programmes in bioinformatics, computational biology, biostatistics, applied mathematics or related disciplines.
• Software development for scientific applications, scientific consulting, or roles in regulatory and policy organisations that require technical expertise in biological data.

Why study at Lewis‑Clark State College

Lewis‑Clark State College provides a small‑college environment with close faculty mentoring and significant opportunities for undergraduate research and hands‑on learning. The programme emphasises applied skills, giving students access to computing resources, collaborative projects and locally relevant internships through regional partners.

Students benefit from personalised advising to tailor the degree toward graduate study or direct entry into the workforce, and from opportunities to present research and participate in multidisciplinary teams. The college’s focus on teaching and experiential learning helps students build a practical portfolio of projects and skills attractive to employers and graduate schools.