These are the prerequisites for success in MEBI 531, in addition to
knowing basic programming, at the level of CSE 142, for example.

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

Computer skills and knowledge:

1. to know how to 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 Windows 98/NT/etc. or any variety of terminal
   window programs on various Unix/Linux systems, e.g., xterm)

2. to know the 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. to be able to create files of plain (ASCII) text using a text
   editor (NOT a word processing program).  To be able to
   differentiate between text files and other kinds of files (binary
   executable, word processor document, etc.)

4. to be able to print text files on various printers.

5. to be able to 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. to be able to copy files from one computer to another using secure
   copy programs.

7. to be able to use Internet domain names and IP addresses in the
   above where appropriate.

8. to be able to 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.

Mathematical skills and knowledge:

1. Basic algebra and trigonometry

2. Basic understanding of functions, variables, graphs

3. Analytic geometry: vectors and coordinate systems, curves and their
   formulas.