Master of Computer Science Specialization in Bioinformatics

Summary

• Degree offered: Master of Computer Science (MCS)
• Registration status options: Full-time; Part-time
• Language of instruction: English
• Primary program: Computer Science
• Collaborative specialization: Bioinformatics
• Program options (expected duration of the program):
  • within two years of full-time study
• Academic units: Faculty of Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science (OCICS).

Program Description

Students who wish to pursue studies in computer science leading to the degree of Master of Computer Science (MCS) or Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD) can do so in joint programs offered by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at the University of Ottawa and the School of Computer Science at Carleton University under the auspices of the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science (OCICS).

The Institute is responsible for supervising these programs and for providing a framework for interaction between the universities in graduate computer science education.

In addition to the faculty members from the two computer science programs, the Institute also has members with computer science expertise from other departments.

The School of Computer Science is a participating unit in the collaborative program in bioinformatics at the masters level.

Collaborative Program Description

Bioinformatics is an emerging and increasingly important scientific discipline dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental questions about the structure, function and evolution of biological entities through the design and application of computational approaches.

Fundamental research in these areas is expected to increase our understanding of human health and disease which translates into innovation in industry.

Bioinformaticians today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines.

To meet this challenge Carleton University and the University of Ottawa offer a collaborative program leading to a master of science degree in the primary program with specialization in Bioinformatics or, in the case of computer science, a master of computer science degree with specialization in Bioinformatics.

Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area

• Master of Computer Science (MCS)
• Doctorate in Philosophy Computer Science (PhD)

Fees and Funding

• Program fees:

The estimated amount for university fees associated with this program are available under the section Finance your studies.

International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption.

• To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the Awards and financial support section.

Notes

• Programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies and the regulations in effect at Carleton University.
• In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have the right to complete their assignments, examinations, research papers, and theses in French or in English. In addition, research activities can be conducted in either English or French or both depending on the language used by the professor and the members of the research group.
• Students may include courses from both universities in their programs, and may select a supervisor from either university, but they should apply to the university with which their supervisor is associated. Their study program is administered by the university at which they are enrolled and is subject to its regulations.

Program Contact Information

Graduate Studies Office, Faculty of Engineering
STE 1024
800 King Edward Ave.
Ottawa ON Canada
K1N 6N5

Tel.: 613-562-5347
Fax.: 613-562-5129
Email: engineering.grad@uottawa.ca

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For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Have a bachelor of science degree with honours in computer science (or equivalent), with a minimum average of B (70%).

Note: International candidates must check the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.

• Identify at least one professor who is willing to supervise your research and thesis. We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors as soon as possible. The thesis director must be a member of the collaborative program. The choice of supervisor will determine the primary campus location of the student. It will also determine which university awards the degree.
• Be sponsored into the collaborative specialization by a faculty member of the collaborative program, normally the thesis supervisor, who must be appointed, cross-appointed or stand as an adjunct at the primary program.

The accelerated Stream has three additional requirements. Candidates must:

• Complete up to 6 units from the OCICS master’s courses each with 70% (B) or higher grade (taken during their Bachelor’s program in Computer Science or Software Engineering).
• Have an admission average of A- (80%) or higher.
• Have a thesis supervisor.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

Notes

• The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
• Admissions are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• Candidates must apply to the primary program and indicate in their application for admission to the master’s program in computer science that they wish to be accepted into the collaborative specialization in bioinformatics. Students are normally informed about their acceptance into the collaborative program at the same time as being informed about their admission into the primary program.

Applying to the Co-op Option

In order to apply to the co-op option, you must first be admitted to a program that offers co-op. The co-op option is not available to MCS students in the Accelerated Stream.

Your application must be submitted by the end of the first month of enrollment in your primary program, i.e., by the end of September.

Admission to the co-op option occurs on a competitive basis and is managed by the Co-op Office. Enquiries should be directed to that office.

To be admitted to the co-op option, you must:

• Be enrolled as a full-time student in the master’s in computer science;
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 7.0 or 75%;
• Begin the program in the Fall term;
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• Pay the required CO-OP fees.

Qualifying Program

Applicants who lack the required undergraduate preparation may be admitted to a qualifying-year program. The basis for admission to the qualifying year of the Master’s program will normally be an honours degree in a related discipline with a B average (70%), provided that the honours program in question includes the equivalent of three years of an honours computer science program. A major degree holder with superior academic standing may be considered for admission to the qualifying year with suitable background preparation.

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.