Science Informatics at Montclair State University
Katherine G. Herbert, Department of Computer Science
James H. Dyer, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey
Abstract:
Bioinformatics and Bio-Math represent new and exciting ways to teach
students about the practical applications within science.
Research Projects in Science Informatics
Currently, with wide-spread
media coverage of bioinformatics projects such as the human genome project and drug
discovery
projects,
students
are
energized
to
investigate
Ronald works with Dr. Jeff Toney (Chemistry and
Biochemistry and Dr. Andreas Koeller (Computer
Science) on developing methods for a molecular
docking tool. Last Semester, Ron worked with Dr.
James Dyer (Chemistry and Biochemsitry) in a wet lab
research experience concerning
plant energy
metabolism in sunflowers.
Tazeen works with Dr. Katherine Herbert
(Computer Science) on discovering patterns
in Phylogenetic data using Data Mining.
Jonathan designs a database to help with
aquaporin research for his mentors Dr.
Charles Du and Dr. John Gaynor (Biology).
multi-discipline
projects. Montclair State University is answering this call by students for scientific multidiscipline studies through its Science Informatics Program. The Science Informatics Major
combines Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Mathematics to instruct students in
the problem-solving techniques for both Bioinformatics and Cheminformatics. Students
complete a core set of courses in each of the subject concentrations. They next complete
advanced courses within the concentration of their choice. Finally, they fulfill a ten credit
research sequence to practice problem-solving skills combining their knowledge from the
four primary subject areas, with an emphasis on developing computer science skills. This
poster discussion will present the Science Informatics Major and the successes and
challenges it has faced during its creation. It will highlight the unique and significant
problem-solving
component
of
the
major
which
is
a
four
course
Each student in the Science Informatics Program must complete 10 credits of research experience. First, in their Sophomore Year, they work with faculty
mentors to integrate their knowledge from the Computational Courses with Biology, Chemistry or both. During their junior year, they have a similar experience,
this time with a mentor from Industry. Finally, as a Capstone Experience, each student participates in a 6 credit research sequence where they develop a
problem with faculty guidance and then implement a solution.
research
Mathematics
sequence. Finally, it will discuss future directions for the program.
Ron and Jonathan work on a project together
in Web Tools – a class specifically designed
to help students better understand website
development.
∫
∂
∑
Rojita presents her research on
Bioperl. Rojita also participated in
a Freshman research experience
with Dr. Dyer concerning an
introduction to protein purification
and biotechnology.
The thing I like about Science Informatics
and Bioinformatics is that it is so new. The
combination of all the sciences makes you
feel like you will be able to contribute more
and that you have accomplished more after
you have completed your studies.
Tazeen Fatima
Science Informatics has brought four
different fields of science together: Biology,
Chemistry,
Computer
Science
and
Mathematics. For someone like me who
want to be a research scientist, Science
Informatics is a very good field.
Rojita Sharma
Jason Caronna
Science Informatics is a great program. The
blending of Biology, chemistry, Computer
Science and Math puts the Student a step
forward in this competitive world. Who
knows, maybe the excellence of the
program will one day develop a drug for
cancer.
Concentration in Computer Science (17)
CMPT 280 Assembly Language and Computer Architecture (3)
CMPT 350 Parallel and Distributed Processing (3)
CMPT 371 Software Engineering I (4)
CMPT 372 Software Engineering II (4)
CMPT 483 Data Base Systems (3)
Chemistry and
Biochemistry
Biology
Ronald Realubit
Jonathan Marra
Science Informatics is a great program
which provides the student with invaluable
experience in four core subject.
The
integration of Chemistry, Biology, Computer
Science and Mathematics in this major is a
perfect solution for organizing and handling
the exponential growth of information in the
medical field.
Concentration in Biochemisty (17)
CHEM 232 Experimental Organic Chemistry I (2)
CHEM 450 Computational Chemistry (3)
CHEM 471 Biochemistry II (3)
CHEM 472 Experimental Biochemistry I (2)
CHEM 473 Instrumental Biochemistry Lab (3)
CMPT 371 Software Engineering I (4)
Computer
Science
Science
Informatics
Core Curriculum:
Required Science Informatics Courses (16)
SCIF 151 Colloquium in Science Informatics I (1)
SCIF 152 Colloquium in Science Informatics II (1)
SCIF 253 Colloquium in Science Informatics III (1)
SCIF 254 Colloquium in Science Informatics IV (1)
SCIF 250 SCIF Sophomore Summer Internship (2)
SCIF 350 SCIF Junior Summer Internship (2)
SCIF 475 Ethics in Science Informatics (2)
SCIF 491 Research Experience in Science Informatics I (3)
SCIF 492 Research Experience in Science Informatics II (3)
Required Biology and Molecular Biology Courses (11)
BIOL 230 Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
BIOL 380 Genetics (4)
BIOL 434 Introduction to Molecular Biology (3)
Required Chemistry and Biochemistry Courses (17)
CHEM 120 General Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 121 General Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 230 Organic Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry II (3)
CHEM 470 Biochemistry I (3)
Required Computer Science Courses (13)
CMPT 183 Foundations of Computer Science I (3)
CMPT 184 Foundations of Computer Science II (3)
CMPT 250 Web Tools: Perl, XML & JavaScript (2)
CMPT 287 Data Structures, Algorithms & File Structures (4)
CMPT 300 Introduction to Science Data Bases (1)
Required Mathematical Sciences Courses (10)
MATH 122 Calculus I (4)
CMPT 285 Discrete Mathematics (3)
STAT 440 Fundamentals of Modern Statistics (3)
Courses in one of the three Concentrations (17 - 18)
Dr. Koeller instructs Ron on
molecular docking during one
of their research sessions.
Total Core Credits in the major (67)
Scientists spent years decoding and mapping the Human
Genome. All of their hard work and dedication gave us
the chance to bring about about untold benefits to
humankind. The amount of information generated is
unimaginable. They opened the door for us so to say. To
show appreciation for what they did, I as a Science
Informatics student, want to walk through that door.
Science Informatics is the future and is a
part of our futures. Its in our defense
systems, helps us defend from bio-terrorism
attacks can help us in our medical fields.
Georgiy Shchegolev
Concentration in Molecular Biology (18)
BIOL 112 Principles of Biology I (4)
BIOL 113 Principles of Biology II (4)
BIOL 350 Microbiology (4)
BIOL 435 Experimental Molecular Biology (3)
BIOL (Molecular Biology Elective)1 (3)
For more information, please contact:
Science Informatics
College of Science and Mathematics
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ, 07043
http://www.csam.montclair.edu/sci_info/
Science Informatics Coordinating Committee:
Dr. Charles Du, duc@mail.montclair.edu (coordinator)
Dr. Dorothy Deremer, deremerd@mail.montclair.edu
Dr. James H. Dyer, dyerj@mail.montclair.edu
Dr. Katherine G. Herbert, herbertk@mail.montclair.edu
Dr. Aihua Li, lia@mail.montclair.edu