Bioinformatics is the application of computer
science and statistics in molecular biology. With the expansion of DNA
and protein sequences, this field has experienced significant growth
over the last few decades.
There are a handful of universities that offer online master's and
certificate programs in bioinformatics through their schools of medicine
and science. Most programs are designed for graduate students or
scientists looking to expand their field of knowledge, with
prerequisites including 4-year degrees and specific biology, chemistry
and mathematics credits.
Candidates new to the field of bioinformatics can find some online
certificate programs and singular classes, lectures and information
databases to educate themselves. Though full entry-level degree programs
are scarce, several campus-based programs incorporate an online
component. Graduates of online programs are competent in computational
genomics and bioinformatics, and are able to apply this knowledge to the
professional scientific field in either research or academic positions.
Course Requirements
Candidates for online bioinformatics programs need a reliable
Internet connection. Students must understand how to upload text and
instant message programs to communicate with other students and
professors. Blackboard is generally used to facilitate online learning
in this field. Since bioinformatics is a computer intensive field,
students should also be highly computer literate.
Courses tend to vary widely based on school and degree level, but the following classes are core elements of bioinformatics.
This class introduces bioinformatics on a molecular level. Students
learn the basics of the genome, sequence analysis of DNA and protein,
and chemical and biological structures. Programs may also introduce the
topic of data mining in this class, and students are taught relevant
computer systems and information retrieval techniques. In addition to
the Blackboard online forum, students interact with each other in real
time through instant messaging programs and complete practical exercises
to be graded by the instructor.
Biochemistry Course
Since biochemistry is a building block for bioinformatics, students
take this course near the beginning of the program. Basic principles of
chemistry are covered, such as the formation of chemical bonds,
structure of molecular agents, chemical metabolism and kinetics.
Students use computer-based models for this class, paving the way for
advanced molecular modeling classes.
Data Mining Techniques Course
Generally offered midway through online bioinformatics programs, this
class covers techniques for successful interpretation of biological
data gathered at the molecular level. The class may also cover the
management of open-source
software
used to collect and interpret this data. Real-world examples of
database management from the commercial, medical and biological sectors
are discussed. Students learn to apply algorithms to database analysis
through software manipulation and may be asked to collaborate on a
class-wide project to promote understanding of the topic.
Molecular Biology and Modeling Course
This advanced class is generally offered toward the end of the
program and covers the computer-based modeling and subsequent analysis
of molecules. Students learn algorithms necessary to predict molecular
structures in three-dimensional space via professional bioinformatics
software. The class may also review basic molecular biology and
function.
The capstone class of bioinformatics programs may involve an
independent research project or in-depth examination of a large-scale
genome database, such as the Human Genome Project. Students may be
required to write a thesis or submit results of intensive in-class
projects, collaborated on through the Internet and the Blackboard
platform.
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