University Catalog

Master of Science in Applied Data Science (Biology)

About This Program

The Master of Science in Applied Data Science with an emphasis in Biology prepares students to analyze and interpret large-scale biological data using modern computational tools. Through coursework in areas such as bioinformatics, genomics, microbiology, immunology, neurobiology, and developmental biology, students gain the knowledge necessary to apply data science techniques to complex questions in the life sciences. This emphasis enables students to leverage large "-omics" datasets to uncover patterns, test hypotheses, and generate meaningful biological insights. A 3-semester credit hour (SCH) capstone project or professional internship provides hands-on experience applying analytical methods to real-world biological challenges. The program can be completed in 18 months (full-time students may complete it in 12 months).

Competencies

  1. Upon completion, students will be able to apply statistical methodologies to real-world data from diverse applications.
  2. Upon completion, students will be able to understand computational aspects of big data analytics.
  3. Upon completion, students will understand modern life sciences data collection and analysis methods and be able to use computational approaches to answer complex biological questions.

Admissions Criteria

All applicants for the Applied Data Science MS must meet UT Arlington’s graduate admission requirements. The program does not consider GRE scores in evaluating candidates for admission.

To be considered for admission, applicants must demonstrate undergraduate preparation equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in natural, physical, or social sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, or related fields. To apply for a specific track, applicants must demonstrate sufficient background in that concentration with a relevant bachelor’s degree.

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from evaluators who can assess the candidate’s potential for academic success.

Unconditional Admission

Applicants who demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 and strong support from references will be considered for unconditional admission. Applicants with a GPA of 2.7 or higher (but less than 3.0) who demonstrate relevant work experience and/or certification may be offered unconditional admission upon review.

All admitted students must complete the program’s self-paced, non-credit online review, “Math Foundation of Machine Learning,” prior to enrolling in classes.

Curriculum

Foundations
ASDS 5301STATISTICAL THEORY AND APPLICATIONS3
ASDS 5302PRINCIPLE OF DATA SCIENCE3
ASDS 5303STATISTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING I3
ASDS 6306INTERNSHIP/CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECT3
Biology Specialization
BIOL 5340BIOINFORMATICS3
Select three from the following 9
MICROBIOMES: HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
VIROLOGY
NEUROBIOLOGY
IMMUNOLOGY
EVOLUTION
BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS
HUMAN GENETICS
ESSENTIALS OF GENOMICS
MOLECULAR EVOLUTION
HISTOLOGY
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
FUNDAMENTAL MEDICAL MYCOLOGY
LIMNOLOGY
TOXICOLOGY
MEDICAL MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Applied Data Science Electives6
Select 6 hourse from the following:
DEEP LEARNING AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
SPECIAL TOPICS
ADVANCE REGRESSION ANALYSIS
MACHINE LEARNING WITH APPLICATIONS
DATA MINING WITH INFORMATION VISUALIZATION
OPTIMIZATION AND BIG DATA ANALYTICS
STATISTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING II
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Total Hours30

Advising Resources

Undergraduate and Graduate Advising

Location:

Life Science Building Room 206A and 206B

Email:

data.advising@uta.edu

Phone:

817-272-1512

Web:

Speak to an advisor in the Division of Data Science or schedule an appointment.