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Bioinformatics Degrees

Bioinformatics is a new branch of biotechnology. The field involves using information technologies (commonly called IT) to better analyze and work with biologic data, like DNA, or biotechnical research. People with bioinformatics degrees can work in a variety of industries such as in the pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing industry, which creates medicinal and health-related products. Microbiologists might use bioinformatics to handle and characterize biological information at the molecular level. Biophysicists perform research in bioinformatics.

Courses may include:

  • Analytical studies
  • Computer graphics and animation
  • Computer programming
  • Database management and data mining
  • Digital image processing
  • Human interface design
  • Network architecture
  • Principals of software design
  • Quantitative and modeling studies
  • Search strategies
  • Usability studies

At the undergraduate level, bioinformatics is usually a bachelor's of science degree. Students who have already studied either science or engineering, however, can combine the two by obtaining a master's degree in bioinformatics.

Job Opportunities

As a new field, job opportunities should be excellent. There's a large demand for people with this specialized degree. Why? Biological information is now stored almost entirely in computer databases, but scientists may not have the knowledge of algorithms or statistics required to handle genome sequencing on a computer, as an example. Or an engineer who does have the knowledge may not know the necessary biology or chemistry to understand the information he's processing. Bioinformatics combines these two into one person who understands both the science and the necessary analysis and discovery tools to interpret complex biological information.

Online Schools Offering Bioinformatics Degrees


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