For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 09/21/01

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Offers Computer Science Program

In the new millennium, the role of computers and information will dramatically transform the life and health sciences field in ways not even imaginable today.  Vital discoveries in years to come will depend as much on the analysis and interpretation of data as on its collection.  University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP) is preparing young and aspiring researchers for exciting future roles in the new Information Age through its Bachelor of Science degree program in computer science.

USP's four-year B.S. program differs from typical computer science programs, which tend to emphasize theory and techniques over application.  USP's program specifically prepares students for computer careers in the pharmaceutical, life and health science industries by supplementing appropriate theory with important applications.  The program focuses on producing graduates with well-rounded computer skills needed by the pharmaceutical and health science industries.  This is supported by three key elements of the curriculum:

• A rigorous background in quantitative sciences.
  
  
• An emphasis on practical, up-to-date computer programming skills.
  
  
• An in-depth knowledge of a life or health science field to assist students in applying the computer/modeling skills learned to a specific field.
  

While programs such as bioinformatics are preparing students in the use of large biological databases in fields such as genomics and proteomics, the computer science program at USP brings computer and computational techniques into the pharmaceutical and health science arenas. Students in the computer science program may choose to continue their study in the M.S. in Bioinformatics program. With careful planning, they can complete both degrees in as little as five years.

The information explosion in the life and health sciences requires trained professionals who possess both computer skills and knowledge of their applications.  Employment for graduates with computer science degrees is expected to grow rapidly in the region and across the country.   USP is in an enviable position to benefit from the high demand for trained specialists in computer science in the pharmaceutical, life and health science industries. The close ties the University enjoys with these industries are widely recognized, and USP is a leader in the area of health science education.  In addition, USP's location in Philadelphia puts it at the center of perhaps the highest concentration of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies found anywhere in the world.   The University has a long and distinguished history of producing health professionals and scientists.  The computer science degree program will produce graduates that will contribute significantly to the health and scientific enterprise into the 21^st century.

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia is a private, coeducational institution founded in 1821 as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first college of pharmacy in North America.  USP specializes in educating students for rewarding health and science careers through its ten bachelor's, ten master's and four doctoral degree programs in the health and related sciences.

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