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“Driven by a rapid rollout of sequencing technologies across the nearly 25 years since the first complete human genome was mapped, the science of bioinformatics has fueled an engine of innovation that helps push big biological ideas and data streams into medical practice.”

“Driven by a rapid rollout of sequencing technologies across the nearly 25 years since the first complete human genome was mapped, the science of bioinformatics has fueled an engine of innovation that helps push big biological ideas and data streams into medical practice.”

Mark Cameron, Associate Professor, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Bioinformatics is a field that combines analytics and data representation to make sense of the vast amounts of data generated every day. The field takes cues from the world’s organisms to build a healthier and cleaner future and has many applications in the modern tech landscape.

In the past few decades, the sheer volume of data has increased exponentially, in large part due to the growing repositories of rich biodata from genomics and molecular biology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an uptick in the percentage of bioinformatics and related positions in our economy, such as computer and information research scientists, biomedical scientists, and biomedical engineers.

ONET (an affiliate of the Department of Labor) defines bioinformatics as an occupation for professionals who will “conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics.” Furthermore, bioinformatics professionals “may design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.”

As the preponderance and availability of data grows, the need to interpret that data will keep pace. Mapping cancer genomes, for example, involves serious data input from thoroughly analyzed genetic fragments. As with every other modern medical field, data analytics plays a major role in bioinformatics, even if you have no plans to study engineering or computer science. A basic understanding of data management and presentation are useful, as well.

Featured Bioinformatics & Biotechnology Programs

Dr. Mark Cameron is an associate professor in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, at Case Western Reserve University. He is renowned for his expertise in leveraging genomic technologies and bioinformatic methods to identify biomarkers associated with infectious diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. His pioneering research delves into computational analysis of gene sequences and protein function, aiming to advance the development of targeted immunotherapies and vaccines. He has a prolific publication record and editorial responsibilities in scientific journals. He holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology and a bachelor of science in biology from Western University, London, Ontario.

HealthcareDegre.com: What is something you wish the public understood about bioinformatic science?

Dr. Cameron: Driven by a rapid rollout of sequencing technologies across the nearly 25 years since the first complete human genome was mapped, the science of bioinformatics has fueled an engine of innovation that helps push big biological ideas and data streams into medical practice.

Bioinformatic scientists and bioinformaticians, however, aren’t simply data wranglers with computers. They are the central processing units of modern biomedical research. They are the translators, so to speak, in the bench-to-beside (and back again) workflow that propels modern medical discovery. They also don’t work alone in the dim light of a computer screen. They are masterclass team scientists collaborating with health care providers, clinical trial coordinators, multidisciplinary scientists, trainees, and industrialists alike—often all at the same time—to bring biological and clinical studies to the public.

HealthcareDegre.com: What advice would you give to aspiring bioinformatics science students?

Dr. Cameron: Students thinking of a career in bioinformatics are in for an exciting ride, especially if they enjoy multidisciplinary science. There are many entry points for students interested in a career in STEM since bioinformatics training often runs the gamut from basic biology, statistics, and experimental design to clinical application, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence.

As varied as that training is, there is also a wealth of desirable career options at the end of one’s program, including academia, government, pharma, and industry. Exciting new genomic technologies arrive on the biomedical research scene daily, each with a seemingly exponential potential for generating data. Bioinformaticians are increasingly critical to the analysis, summary, and translation of all that ‘big data’ towards a better understanding of the biology that surrounds us and/or better public health.

Without bioinformaticians, all that valuable information tends to sit on hard drives. Many of us basic biomedical researchers have had to train in bioinformatics because it permeates modern experimentation. There’s never a dull moment in a bioinformatician’s or bioinformatics scientist’s training and career; in fact, right now, I’d say the world is their oyster.

Bioinformatics Scientist Specialization & Career Types

There are several bioinformatics scientist specializations and career types available for the scientifically minded. They include informatics research in the following fields:

• Antibiotic resistance
• Gene therapy
• Evolutionary studies
• Biotechnology
• Crop improvement
• Insect resistance
• Alternative energy sources
• Zoology
• Climate change studies
• Forensic analysis
• Machine learning
• Bio-weapon creation
• Improvement of nutritional quality
• Development of drought-resistant varieties
• Veterinary science

Most careers in bioinformatics can be found in computer information science, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, computational biology, proteomics, and medical informatics. Such professionals often develop algorithms, build databases, and present data, studies, and research to other bioinformatics professionals. Databases are typically used for processing and analyzing genomic information or genetic trends.

As an area of study, bioinformatics draws on biology, information technology, computer science, statistics, informatics, mathematical modeling, computational theory, data charting, data analytics, and administration.

Coursework and essential knowledge may include the following subjects: probability, statistics, computing, population genetics, molecular genomic analysis, sustainability mathematics, epigenomic data analysis, biostatistics, biological mathematical modeling, and even computational neuroscience.

Bioinformatics is almost always chosen as a specialization at the graduate level. Most students come from undergraduate courses of study in biology, computer science, chemistry, biochemistry, or bioengineering. In recent years, more and more undergraduate programs in bioinformatics have begun to emerge. Some of them are profiled below.

Bioinformatics is used in conjunction with many other approaches to data analytics to address the highly specialized needs of a wide variety of clients. These jobs include applying analytical theory, computer science, and programming to computer information science, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, computational biology, proteomics, and medical informatics.

Admissions Requirements for Bioinformatics Programs

Admissions requirements for bioinformatics programs generally include a background in the health sciences, computer science, biology, or behavioral sciences.

Bachelor’s programs typically require a minimum GPA of 3.2 and test scores (SAT/ACT) for admission. They include 120 credits of undergraduate work in bioinformatics or psychology and courses in science, humanities, philosophy, analytics, and information technology.

Master’s degree programs require candidates to submit a competitive GPA, official transcripts, and, in some cases, test scores (GRE) or letters of recommendation. Graduate-level programs in bioinformatics see students dive deeper into the fields of data science, document management, and visual representation to gain a better understanding of what we can learn from all that data we generate.

Bioinformatics Program Accreditation

Students enrolling in academic programs should look into a school’s accreditation status. Accreditation ensures that bioinformatics programs meet a set of peer-reviewed standards in their curriculum. A full list of authoritative regional accreditation entities is available on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website, which is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education.

On-Campus Bioinformatics Degree Programs

Case Western Reserve University offers a master of science degree in systems biology and bioinformatics. This program has two tracks: translational bioinformatics and molecular and computational biology.

Core courses include current proteomics and bioinformatics for systems biology, and elective courses cover the physiology of organ systems, protein biophysics, the principles of genetic epidemiology, and contemporary approaches to drug discovery, among others.

• Location: Cleveland, Ohio
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

The school offers an innovative bachelor of science program in bioinformatics and data science. Its faculty combines technical, hands-on, and theoretical approaches to create an interdisciplinary degree that primes students for entrance into the field of biodata science. Expect further coursework in the subjects of biology, natural sciences, healthcare administration, and the health sciences.

• Duration: Three to four years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

The Rochester Institute of Technology offers an on-campus master of science (MS) in bioinformatics degree that focuses on bioinformatics theory, data programming, proteomics, data management, data science, systems biology, and genetics. Expect additional coursework in the areas of biology, natural sciences, healthcare administration, and the health sciences.

• Duration: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

The bioinformatics graduate program at UCLA is an interdepartmental degree. Currently, they offer a PhD in bioinformatics but starting with the 2022 application cycle they will also be offering a master’s of science in bioinformatics. This is a research-centric program and students will be engaged in lab work from the very first year. Upon completion of core studies, students will be expected to develop a thesis and then complete original research on their subject.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration is a strong hallmark of this degree. UCLA has housed the schools of Medicine, Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Public Health in the same area to facilitate this. As with most PhD programs, admissions are highly competitive. Candidates should submit a strong statement of interest highlighting their research areas of interest along with letters of recommendation and any already completed research.

• Duration: Five years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

At Harvard Medical School Blavatnik Institute of Biomedical Informatics, students can complete a master’s of science in biomedical informatics. This degree focuses on using biomedical data for decision-making, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving. It is a residential program, and students must complete their studies on campus.

The accelerated option for this program can take as little as two semesters if the student already has a PhD or is enrolled in an MD program. Otherwise, the degree takes three full-time semesters to complete. To be eligible for admission to this degree, candidates must already have a master’s or PhD degree. The accelerated degree is 36 credits, while the standard format is 48 credits.

• Duration: As little as two semesters
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

The computational biology and bioinformatics PhD at Duke University Center for Genomic and Computational Biology has over 55 faculty members from 18 departments across campus. Students receive intensive training in quantitative and biomedical sciences and are required to participate in research projects, weekly seminars, journal clubs, and one-on-one mentoring with faculty.

To help students with their research, there is a strong commitment in this program to sharing data and reproducible analyses. Students will also have the opportunity for professional development and teaching opportunities to prepare them for a career in this field.

• Duration: At least four years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Online or Hybrid Bioinformatics Degree Programs

Columbia University offers an online master of science (MS) in computational biology degree that focuses on subjects such as data science, bioinformatics programming, bioinformatics computational methods, mathematical biology, and bioengineering.

A graduate degree in computational biology is a sensible next step after undergraduate study in bioinformatics or biosciences. A master’s degree in computational biology grants recipients many of the same skills conferred by a bioinformatics program.

• Location: New York, New York
• Duration: eighteen months to three years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Northeastern University offers an online master of science in bioinformatics that focuses on subjects such as bioinformatics programming, bioinformatics computational methods, and ethics in biomedical research. The program also offers a graduate certificate in da