The Bioinformatics Degree offers students excellent professional
preparation in a field that is, and will continue to be, in
extremely high demand. The field of bioinformatics has exploded
in
recent years and demand for bioinformaticists far exceeds
supply.
Sequencing of the human genome has invigorated the biotech
business, and there is a huge demand for graduates who are
skilled
in applying computational approaches to understanding and
managing
the large data sets that such research generates. The degree
is
interdisciplinary, and has a strong research component. |
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The innovative Bioinformatics program is designed to ensure
both
breadth and depth of knowledge. The degree has a group of
core
courses (52 hours) that all students must take for breadth
of
exposure. |
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In addition, there are three possible tracks, or areas of
specialization, of 12 to 13 hours. The tracks give enough
flexibility for the student to pursue their particular interests
in
depth within a structured framework. The track a student chooses
should ensure that the student graduates with a deep understanding
of their chosen area of interest within the many possibilities
encompassed by bioinformatics, genomics, computer modeling,
biomathematics and computational biology. All tracks require
a
rigorous research component. |
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The Simulation and Modeling track provides students with
advanced
computer science skills in modeling and high-level programming,
allowing them to work in areas such as protein folding prediction
and network simulations and artificial intelligence in neuroscience. |
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The Genomics track gives students the experimental background
to
continue research in fields such as proteomics, genomics,
phylogeny
and other branches of molecular biology where large amounts
of
experimental data are produced and analyzed. |
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The Biomathematics track provides students interested in
applications of mathematics to the life sciences such as the
development of mathematical models of ecosystems and physiological
processes with the analytical and quantitative skills needed. |
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Bioinformatics is a new, rapidly evolving field, with many
distinct
branches. The program will evolve with the field through the
frequent assessment of its structure and content, to ensure
that it
is providing students with the best, most up-to-date program
possible. |
