These are the prerequisites for success in MEBI 550, in addition to
knowing basic programming (at the level of CSE 142, for example).

A. Biomedical knowledge

You should be familiar with basic concepts of modern biology (genes,
proteins, DNA, basic functions of living organisms), and have some
experience with health, disease, treatment and the health care system.

B. Computer skills and knowledge

You should be able to:

1. type commands in a command window, including correction of typing
   errors (when can you use backspace, delete etc.), know what a
   command interpreter does, and know that there are many different
   ones (the context for this can be a DOS command window in
   MS-Windows or any variety of terminal window programs on various
   Unix/Linux systems, e.g., xterm),

2. use basic operating system commands - run a program by name, list
   the files in a directory, change the working directory, rename,
   copy, and delete files,

3. create files of plain (ASCII) text using a text editor (NOT a word
   processing program), and differentiate between text files and other
   kinds of files (binary executable, word processor document, etc.),

4. print text files on various printers,

5. create a "terminal emulation" window and login to a remote (time
   sharing) computer that is running a Unix type operating system,
   using a secure connection (ssh),

6. copy files from one computer to another using secure copy programs,

7. use Internet domain names and IP addresses in the above where
   appropriate, and

8. navigate web sites where programs are available for download, and
   to be able to download and install programs like compilers,
   interpreters and text editors for various programming environments.

C: Mathematical skills and knowledge

1. Basic algebra and trigonometry.

2. Basic understanding of functions, variables, graphs.