Quantitative and Computational Biology

Introduction

The Program in Quantitative and Computational Biology is offered by the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics and its affiliated departments. The program is designed to instruct students in the theory and practice of using big data sets to achieve a quantitative understanding of complex biological processes. 

Examples of ongoing research include organizational principles of metabolic networks, quantitative modeling of cell biological processes, the genetic basis of complex behavior, comparative genomics of regulatory networks, quantitative analysis of gene-environment interactions, evolution of gene regulation, and circuitry driving aging. 

At the core of the curriculum is independent research initiated in the fall of sophomore or junior year, in which students participate in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments in a host laboratory of their choice. The required courses provide a strong background in modern methodologies in data analysis, interpretation, and modeling. A certificate in quantitative and computational biology is awarded to students who successfully complete the program requirements.

Prerequisites 

Integrated Science (recommended) or three foundational classes from the lists below.

ISC 231-234 An Integrated, Quantitative Introduction to the Natural Sciences (recommended, and counts as three foundational classes)

Or the following:                                                      

Foundation in Computer Science. The following course or approved equivalent:

• COS 126/EGR 126 Computer Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Foundation in Biology. One of the following courses or approved equivalent:

• MOL 214/EEB 214/CBE 214 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
• EEB 211 Life on Earth: Mechanisms of Change in Nature

Foundation in Math or Statistics. One of the following courses or approved equivalent:

• 200-level math course (or higher)
• ORF 245/EGR 245 Fundamentals of Statistics

1. Transcript. An official transcript must be sent by a school counselor or school official.

2. School Report (SR). The SR form is available from the Common Application website. Please ask your school counselor or other school official to complete and submit the SR form. 
    
3. Counselor Recommendation. If you are using the Common Application online, please note that the SR and the Counselor Recommendation are separate items. Be sure to “invite” your school counselor or academic adviser to complete both items.
    
4. Two (2) Teacher Recommendations. Please ask two of your teachers who have taught you in higher level courses (e.g., AP, IB Higher/Standard Level, A-Levels, etc.) in different academic areas of study to complete and send the teacher recommendation forms, available on the Common Application website. The subjects should be in core academic areas, such as English, language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or math.
    
5. Midyear School Report. Please ask your school counselor or other school official to complete and submit this form when your midyear grades are available. 

1. A Completed Application. You must submit your application online through the Common Application. Princeton's CEEB Code: 2672

2. Princeton's Supplement. In addition to the application provided by the Common Application, all applicants must submit the Princeton Supplement. You should submit the Princeton Supplement online through the Common Application website. 

3. Application Fee or Fee Waiver. You may submit a fee waiver one of two ways: 1) Select the fee waiver option on the Common Application. Your school counselor must approve your fee waiver request online or submit your fee waiver form by mail or fax. 2) Select one of the following fee waiver options on the Princeton Supplement: Princeton-specific, ACT, College Board or NACAC. All low-income students are eligible for the Princeton-specific fee waiver. In addition, all applicants who are serving or have served in the U.S. military are eligible for the Princeton-specific fee waiver. If you use the Princeton-specific fee waiver, you do not need to get approval from your college counselor or academic adviser.

4. Graded Written Paper. A graded written paper is required, preferably in the subjects of English or history.