Bioinformatics is the science of storing, extracting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting and using information in the fields of biological sciences, computer science and mathematics. It is used to analyze the human genome, identify targets for drug discovery, develop new algorithms and analysis methods, and study structural and functional relationships and molecular evolution.
- Build knowledge and awareness of the basic principles and concepts of biology, computer science and mathematics
- Apply existing software to extract information from large databases, then use this information in computer modeling
- Develop problem-solving skills, including the ability to develop new algorithms and analysis methods
- Understand the intersection of life and information sciences, the core of shared concepts, language, and skills
- Learn the language of structure-function relationships, information theory, gene expression, and database query
- Gain field experience in industrial and academic settings, as well as internships
Coursework includes classes in biology, chemistry, statistics, evolution, databases and research.
Graduates with bioinformatics degrees work as software test engineers and with database design. They go on to study biochemistry and molecular biology, genome sciences and genetics. They earn graduate degrees from distinguished schools of their choice.