Group of students and alumni at an event in Chicago.

Biology

Group of students in an active learning environment.

In this section of The Data Mine, students will be introduced to basic tools and techniques used in large data analysis with a focus on applications in biology. Participants will be introduced to the R statistical analysis package, Python programming, and supervised and unsupervised approaches to data analysis. Research areas include, but are not limited to, construction of phylogenetic trees, genomic analysis, gene regulation, systems biology, cancer and other genetic diseases, neuroscience, and ecological and environmental applications.


New Incoming students should apply for fall 2023 using the Purdue Learning Communities main application link.


Current Purdue students are able to apply for The Data Mine Biology Learning Community for 2023-24 from October 1, 2022 until March 31, 2023.

Eligibility

Continuing students should have completed first-year biology core and chemistry classes and should be calculus ready. First-year students should consider the Corporate Partners or General cohorts.

Residential Component

  • Returning Purdue Students: Data Mine housing for returning undergraduates has reached capacity for AY 2023-24.
  • Your roommate (in most cases) will be a member of The Data Mine.
  • If you want to live on campus, it is necessary to complete a housing contract. (Completing a housing contract is a separate process from applying for a learning community.)

Duration

Fall and Spring semesters

Required classes for students who will be Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors when participating in The Data Mine

If you are accepted into The Data Mine - Biology cohort, you will be contacted about working directly with faculty on biology and data science related research. You will also be required to take our 1 credit seminar.

Fall
  • TDM 10100, 20100, 30100, 40100 (1 credit; 4 sections available) The Data Mine I, III, V, or VII
Spring
  • TDM 10200. 20200, 30200, 40200 (1 credit; 4 sections available) The Data Mine II, IV, VI, or VIII

Events and Activities Included

  • Weekly dinners with Data Mine participants
  • Faculty and graduate student office hours onsite in Hillenbrand
  • Seminars by visiting speakers, including practicing data scientists
  • Social gatherings with Data Mine members
  • Meals with campus and community leaders
  • Game / recreation nights
  • Career and graduate school panels
  • Hackathons / data competitions
  • Professional development activities
  • Tour of Purdue's computational facilities