Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Informatics
About This Programme
The field of Biomedical Informatics has now become a key player in both medical research and education and has been implemented in diverse medical subjects including epidemiology, genetics, surgery, cell and molecular biology and pathology. The bachelor in Biomedical Informatics (BSc-BI) is designed to provide a multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to the students, enabling them to work in the various tracks related to biomedical informatics with many career options lying ahead. BSc-BI is designed to prepare students for careers in the emerging and vital field of biomedical informatics. The program enables the students to build solid technical foundation in Biomedical Informatics and to become an informatics leader in the bioinformatics, pharmaceutical, clinical, or health care industries.
Course Highlights
- 124 credit hours
- Taught in English
- College of Computing and Informatics
- Study system: Courses
- Full-time study
What You'll Study
The program is designed to satisfy the curricular requirements of the ACM/IEEE-CS curricular task force and other relevant professional accreditation bodies, such as CSAC/CAAB. A student undertaking this program should complete a total of 124 credits. Credit hours (programme page): • University Requirements (UR): 18 mandatory core, 6 elective; 24 in total • Program Requirements (PR): 91 mandatory core, 9 elective; 100 in total • Total: 109 mandatory core, 15 elective; 124 Study plan (study plan document): eight semesters over four years, 124 credit hours.
University Requirements: compulsory courses (18 credit hours)
Six courses in the study plan; two University Electives (6 credit hours) complete the 24 credit hours.
- 0201102Arabic Language3 credits
- 0202112English for Academic Purposes3 credits
1501100Introduction to IT (English)3 credits (2-2:3)
The course explains what a computer is and what it can (and can't) do; it clearly explains the basics of information technology, from multimedia PCs to the internet and beyond. It illustrates how digital devices and networks affect our lives, our world, and our future. In addition, the course is intended to equip students with the necessary skills to use computer and essential software applications effectively in order to better prepare them for their professional careers.
- 0104100Islamic Culture3 credits
- 0302200Fund. of Innovation & Entrepreneurship3 credits
- 0204102UAE Society3 credits
Mandatory core courses (91 credit hours)
This set consists of 91 credit hours listed below.
- 0900101Human Biology 13 credits
- 0900307Introduction to Systems Biology Modelling3 credits
- 0900324Biomedical Ethics1 credit
0900409Computational Genomics3 credits
Prerequisite: 1501332, 1501364
0900412Statistical Genomics3 credits
Prerequisite: 1440281
- 1420101General Chemistry (1)3 credits
1420102General Chemistry (1) Lab1 credit
Prerequisite: 1420101
- 1430113Physics for Medical Sciences3 credits
- 1440131Calculus I3 credits
1440211Linear Algebra I3 credits
Prerequisite: 1440131
1440281Intro Probability & Statistics3 credits
Prerequisite: 1440131
- 1450101General Biology 13 credits
1450102General Biology 23 credits
Prerequisite: 1450101
1450107General Biology Lab1 credit
Prerequisite: 1450101
1450302Bioinformatics3 credits
Prerequisite: 1501116, 1450102
- 1450303Bioinformatics Lab1 credit
1450341Molecular Genetics3 credits
Prerequisite: 1450102, 0900101
1450453Protein Biotechnology & Eng.3 credits
Prerequisite: 1450102, 0900101
1501116Programming I4 credits (3-2:4)
This course introduces basic programming techniques with a high-level programming language. Topics include general introduction to computers and numbering systems, program development process, variables, data types, expressions, selection and repetition structures, functions/procedures, text files, arrays, and pointers.
1501211Programming II3 credits (2-2:3)
Prerequisite: 1501116
This course introduces fundamental conceptual tools and their implementation of object-oriented design and programming such as: object, type, class, implementation hiding, inheritance, parametric typing, function overloading, polymorphism, source code reusability, and object code reusability. Object-Oriented Analysis/Design for problem solving. Implementation of the Object-Oriented programming paradigm is illustrated by program development in an OO language (C++). Prerequisite: 1501116 Programming I
1501215Data Structures3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501211
Basics of algorithm design. Linear Structures: Multidimensional arrays and their storage organization, Lists, Stacks and Queues. Introduction to recursion. Nonlinear structures: trees (binary trees, tree traversal algorithms) and Graphs (graph representation, graph algorithms). Elementary sorting and searching methods: bubble sort, quick sort, sequential search, and binary search algorithms. Prerequisite: 1501211 Programming II
1501250Networking Fundamentals3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501215
Foundation knowledge for computer networks and communications. Topics include basic network design, layered communications models, IP addressing and subnets, and industry standards for networking media and protocols, with an emphasis on TCP/IP protocol suite and Ethernet environments. Prerequisite: 1501214 Programming with Data Structures
1501263Intro. to Database Management System3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501215
This course explores how databases are designed, implemented, and used. The course emphasizes the basic concepts/terminology of the relational model and applications. The students will learn database design concepts, data models (the Entity-Relationship and the Relational Model), SQL functional dependencies and normal forms. The students will gain experience working with a commercial database management system. Prerequisite: 1501215 Data Structures
1501279Discrete Structures3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1440131
This course emphasizes the representations of numbers, arithmetic modulo, radix representation of integers, change of radix. Negative and rational numbers. Sets, one-to-one correspondence, properties of union, intersection, and complement, countable and uncountable sets. Functions: Injective, subjective, and bijective functions. Mathematical Induction, proof by contradiction. Combinatory: Multiplication rule, Pigeonhole principle, Recurrence relations. Fundamentals of logic, truth tables, conjunction, disjunction, and negation, Boolean functions, and disjunctive normal form. Logic circuits. Graphs theory: Introduction, Paths and connectedness, Eulerian and Hamiltonian Graphs, Graph Isomorphisms, coloring of graphs. Trees: Spanning trees, Binary Search Trees, Huffman Code. Prerequisite: 1440131 Calculus I
1501318Programming for Bioinformatics3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501211
This course introduces the fundamentals of programming to solve biological data analysis problems. The course covers topics such as programming basics: attributes, types of objects, sequence generating and vector subset, types of functions, data structure. Object-oriented programming in R for problem solving. Data technologies, Input and output in R, debugging and profiling. Prerequisite: 1501116 Programming I
1501330Introduction to Artificial Intelligence3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501215
This course will provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques in the field of artificial intelligence. Topics covered in the course include: problem solving and search, logic and knowledge representation, planning, reasoning and decision-making in the presence of uncertainty, and machine learning. Areas of application such as knowledge representation, natural language processing, expert systems, and robotics will be explored. AI programming languages (LISP/Prolog) will also be introduced. Prerequisite: 1501215 Data Structures
1501332Machine Learning for Bioinformatics3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1440131, 1440281, 1501215
Machine learning is one of the major technologies in bioinformatics, used in various domains and applications. The objective of this course is to introduce the students to the fundamental machine learning algorithms and techniques used for acquiring, processing, and extracting useful insights from biological data. The course will present practical solutions to modern bioinformatics problems using Python language. The approach will be hands-on; and will address important topics, such as next-generation sequencing, genomics, population genetics, phylogenetics, and proteomics. The students will learn about probabilistic models, inference and learning in these models, model assessment, and interpreting inferences to address the biological question of interest. Prerequisite: 1440131 Calculus I; 1440281 Intro Probability & Statistics; 1501215 Data Structures
1501364Big Data Analytics3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501263, 1501318, 1440281
This course introduces fundamental concepts, key technologies, techniques, and tools used in the analysis of big data. Topics include: Data analytics lifecycle, basic data analytics methods using R, advanced analytical theory and methods such as: clustering, association rules, regression, classification, time series analysis, text analysis, data analytics technology and tools: MapReduce and Hadoop, in-database analytics, communicating and operationalizing an analytics project, data visualization. Prerequisite: 1501263 Introduction to Database; 1501318 Programming for Bioinformatics; 1440281 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
1501371Design & Analysis of Algorithms3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501279, 1501215
This course emphasizes the fundamental concepts of analyzing and designing algorithms, including divide and conquer, greedy methods, backtracking, randomization, and dynamic programming. A number of algorithms for solving problems which arise often in applications of Computer Sciences are covered, including sorting, searching, graph algorithms, string matching, dynamic programming and NP-complete problems. Prerequisite: 1501215 Data Structures; 1501279 Discrete Structures
1501391Junior Project in Bioinformatics2 credits (2-0:2)
Prerequisite: 1501215, Junior standing (completed 65 credits)
The course serves as the first part of the one-year Senior Project in the BS Bioinformatics Program. Students work on a major bioinformatics project integrating the knowledge gained from the courses in the curriculum. The project is team-based. Students are expected to submit a proposal, followed by the detailed design of the project. Students are expected to create a working prototype of a bioinformatics system and write a comprehensive project report. At the end, students present the current status of the project, demo the prototype, and submit the final report. The main implementation of the project will continue in the Senior Project in Bioinformatics course. Prerequisite: 1501318 Programming for Bioinformatics; 1450302 Bioinformatics; 1501332 ML for Bioinformatics
1501392Practical Training - BI3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: Internship standing (completed 90 credits)
Interns are expected to engage with industrial or governmental organizations in the Biomedical Informatics-related domains. The practical training is aimed at enhancing students' employability, technical and hands-on experience, providing the students with real-world experience of Biomedical Informatics Systems in real work environment business competencies. The trainees' mission is to monitor and practice all technical and admin activities related to the job performed. Students are expected to identify technical and soft skills gaps and work to improve their skills. Students are also expected to document their weekly activities to be composed in a final written report covering their practical learning experience. Students are expected to assess the training organization and give their comments and feedback. Prerequisite: Completed 90 credit hours
1501435Medical Image Processing3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501332, 1501371
This course will introduce students to the basics of representing and acquiring digital images related to medical images. It will also cover the main medical image modalities including (Pathological, X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound). Moreover, it will cover the current methods used to enhance and extract useful information from the medical images. Furthermore, using neural networks with medical image processing will also be introduced. Finally, a variety of medical images-based illness diagnostic scenarios will be presented. Prerequisite: 1501332 ML for Bioinformatics; 1501371 Design & Analysis of Algorithms
1501497Senior Project in Bioinformatics3 credits
Prerequisite: 1501391
This course is a continuation of the 1501391 Junior Project in Bioinformatics. Students will finalize the Bioinformatics project started in the previous semester. All projects are group projects. The students will submit two progress reports detailing the work done during the project. At the end, students submit a comprehensive project report, and a poster to highlight the project. Students will also present the project in the form of an oral presentation in front of the faculty members and general audience. They will also do a live demonstration of the project after the presentation. Prerequisite: 1501391 Junior Project in Bioinformatics
The page’s description of 1501435 is headed Practical Training - BI; its text describes medical image processing. The description gives Senior Project in Bioinformatics (2-0:2), 2 credit hours; the list and the study plan give 3. The list prints Networking Fundamentals as “Networking Fundamental s” and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with a closing full stop. Where a description gives different prerequisites from this list (Networking Fundamentals, Programming for Bioinformatics, Junior Project in Bioinformatics), both are shown; the description’s is its last line. The study plan titles 1450453 Protein Biochemistry & Eng.
Elective courses (9 credit hours)
Every student in the Biomedical Informatics must take 9 credit hours of elective courses chosen from this list. The choice of these elective courses is designed to meet the breadth and depth requirements in Biomedical Informatics.
1427241Molecular Modelling3 credits
Prerequisite: 1420101, 1420112, 1450453
1450250Molecular and Cell Biology3 credits
Prerequisite: 1450102
1501341Web Programming3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501116
Introduction to HyperText Markup Language (HTML5): Tags, headers, text style, fonts, line breaks, rules, linking, images, lists, tables, forms, and frames. Semantic tags, Canvas, Geolocation, JQuery, Drag and Drop. Dynamic HTML: Cascading Style Sheets: Inline styles, external style sheets, backgrounds, positioning elements, text flow and box model. Filters: Flip, grayscale, sepia, saturate, hue-rotate, invert, opacity, blur, brightness, contrast, drop-shadow. JavaScript: A simple program, memory concepts, assignment operators, decision making, control structures, if-else, while, repetition, for, switch, do/while, functions, arrays. Object Model and Collections: all, children. Event Model: OnClick, OnLoad, OnError, OnMouseMove, OnMouseOver, OnMouseOut, OnFocus, OnBlur, OnSubmit, OnReset. Multimedia. DHTML Menu builder. PHP and databases. Prerequisite: 1501116 Programming I
1501352Operating Systems3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501215
This course covers the history of operating systems. Processes: IPC, process scheduling, process synchronization, and deadlock. I/O: principles of I/O hardware and software, disks, and clocks. Memory management: Swapping, paging, virtual memory, and page replacement algorithms. File systems: Examples of some popular operating systems such as Unix, Linux, and Windows. Prerequisite: 1501215 Data Structures
1501365Advanced Database System3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501263
This course will build on the concepts introduced in 1501263. The students will be exposed to more advanced topics and implementation related aspects of database management systems such as object databases, XML data querying, file structures, indexing, query optimization, transaction processing, concurrency control, and database recovery. Prerequisite: 1501263 Introduction to Database Management Systems
1501452Introduction to IoT Systems3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501250
The course teaches the background, origins and landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT). The course introduces the students to key IoT technologies, IoT architectures and IoT data management & security. It also teaches the concept of smart cities and demonstrates different examples of IoT use cases. Prerequisite: 1501250 Networking Fundamentals
1501454Cloud Computing3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501215
This course introduces students to widely used parallel and distributed techniques and applications of cloud computing - including the related state-of-the-art technologies, algorithms and tools. It allows students to develop understanding of the advanced cloud-based software development skills and to combine their existing and new skills in a real-life large-scale distributed business context. Prerequisite: 1501215 Data Structures
1501455Database Security3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501263, 1501459
This course covers various topics in the arena of database security starting with the basics of information security and databases and delving deep into the field covering various topics including securing databases when stored at a network site, data management technologies, securing distributed database systems (including heterogeneous and federated flavors), auditing and testing. Prerequisite: 1501263 Introduction to Database Management System; 1501459 Information Security
1501457Data Hiding3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501215, 1501352
This course introduces fundamental concepts and methods used in information hiding. Topics include: data hashing and fingerprinting, steganography and steganographic security fundamentals, steganalysis, watermarking, entropy and redundancy, data hiding techniques in images, data hiding applications including biomedical applications, evaluation and testing of data hiding systems. Prerequisite: 1501215 Data Structures; 150352 Operating Systems
1501459Information Security3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501215
Definition of Computer Security, CIA and DAD Triads. Access Control Methodologies, Subjects and Objects, Access Control Models. Security Policies, Security Administration Tools. Handling Security Incidents, Common Types of Attacks. Firewall Security, Perimeter Security Devices, Types of Firewalls. Network and Server Attacks and Penetration, Phases of Control, Methods of Taking Control. Cryptology, Secret-Key Cryptography, Bit Generators, History of ciphers, Data Encryption Standard, Advanced Encryption Standard. Number Theory, Primality, Integer Factorization, Congruence, Hash Functions. Public-Key Cryptography, trapdoor one-way functions, Secure Key-Exchange Protocol, different Cryptosystems, Digital Signatures, Database Security, Secret Sharing Scheme. Prerequisite: 1501215 Data Structures
1501490Topics in Computer Science I3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501215
This course involves special topics in Computer Science. The course usually introduces advanced/specialized areas that are not currently offered as regular courses in the computer science curricula. The topic depends on the interest of the instructor and those of the senior students. Prerequisite: 1501215 Data Structures; 1501214 Programming With Data Structures
1501491Topics in Computer Science II3 credits (3-0:3)
Prerequisite: 1501215
This course involves special topics in Computer Science. The course usually introduces advanced/specialized areas that are not currently offered as regular courses in the computer science curricula. The topic depends on the interest of the instructor and those of the senior students. Prerequisite: 1501215 Data Structures; 1501214 Programming With Data Structures
1502201Digital Logic Design3 credits
Prerequisite: 1501100
1502442Network Programming3 credits
Prerequisite: 1502346, 1501116
Where a description gives different prerequisites from this list, both are shown; the description’s is its last line. The description of Data Hiding prints its Operating Systems prerequisite as 150352.
Study plan: Year 1, Fall semester
16 credit hours
- 0201102Arabic Language3 credits
- 0202112English for Academic Purposes3 credits
- 1501100Introduction to IT (English)3 credits
- 1440131Calculus I3 credits
- 1450101General Biology 13 credits
- 1450107General Biology Lab1 credit
Study plan: Year 1, Spring semester
14 credit hours
- University Elective 13 credits
- 1501116Programming I4 credits
- 1440211Linear Algebra I3 credits
- 1420101General Chemistry (1)3 credits
- 1420102General Chemistry (1) Lab1 credit
Study plan: Year 2, Fall semester
18 credit hours
- 0104100Islamic Culture3 credits
- University Elective 23 credits
- 1501211Programming II3 credits
- 1450102General Biology 23 credits
- 1501279Discrete Structures3 credits
- 0302200Fund. of Innovation & Entrepreneurship3 credits
Study plan: Year 2, Spring semester
18 credit hours
- 0204102UAE Society3 credits
- 1501318Programming for Bioinformatics3 credits
- 1501215Data Structures3 credits
- 1440281Intro Probability & Statistics3 credits
- 0900101Human Biology 13 credits
- 1430113Physics for Medical Science3 credits
Study plan: Year 3, Fall semester
14 credit hours
- 1501263Introduction to Database Management Systems3 credits
- 0900324Biomedical Ethics1 credit
- 1501330Introduction to Artificial Intelligence3 credits
- 1501332Machine Learning for Bioinformatics3 credits
- 1450302Bioinformatics3 credits
- 1450303Bioinformatics lab1 credit
Study plan: Year 3, Spring semester
17 credit hours
- 1501250Networking Fundamentals3 credits
- 1501364Big Data Analytics3 credits
- 1450341Molecular Genetics3 credits
- 1501391Junior Project in Bioinformatics2 credits
- 1501371Design & Analysis of Algorithms3 credits
- 1501392Practical Training - BI3 credits
Study plan: Year 4, Fall semester
15 credit hours
- 1501497Senior Project in Bioinformatics3 credits
- 1501435Medical Image Processing3 credits
- 0900307Introduction to Systems Biology Modelling3 credits
- Program Elective 13 credits
- Program Elective 23 credits
Study plan: Year 4, Spring semester
12 credit hours (programme total: 124)
- 0900409Computational Genomics3 credits
- 0900412Statistical Genomics3 credits
- Program Elective 33 credits
- 1450453Protein Biochemistry & Eng.3 credits
What You'll Learn
You have chosen the field of Biomedical Informatics; thus, you will be a key player in both medical research and education and has been implemented in diverse medical subjects including epidemiology, genetics, surgery, cell and molecular biology, and pathology. The program helps you to develop a solid technical foundation in Biomedical Informatics and to become an informatics leader in the bioinformatics, pharmaceutical, clinical, or healthcare industries.
Entry Requirements
Careers
Graduates of the program can pursue diverse career paths, working in governmental agencies, private, and international organizations such as hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare insurance companies. They can hold positions ranging from research work at research institutes to software engineers at software companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare laboratories. Potential roles include clinical data managers, clinical systems analysts, consultants, researchers, developers, project supervisors/managers, or quality support analysts.
Programme Details
Award
BSc
Start Date
Fall and Spring
Duration
4 Years
Qualification
BSc
Subject Area
Computer Science
Study Pattern
Full time
Tuition Fee
AED 63,740/yr
Apply online through the University of Sharjah admissions portal. The undergraduate application fee is AED 360 and is non-refundable; applicants to the Colleges of Medicine and Dental Medicine pay AED 1,500 to be considered in the competitive process.