Master of Science in Bioinformatics

What is Bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics, a subset of computational biology, is the study and practice of applying data analysis to newly created and existing data from biological experiments. The value of bioinformatics can be recognized by the faster pace and higher quantity of data collection, when compared to traditional "paper and pencil" methods.

The goal of Bioinformatics is to gain insight into the field of biology by analyzing the data we collect from experiments enabling us to draw conclusions, which inevitably lead to more evolving questions to ask and answer. We, as bioinformaticians, build the tools that solve the problems and answer the questions.

Projects, such as the Human Genome Project, have gathered many data-sequences of DNA. Figuring out what these genes do requires the skills of the biologist and the computer scientist. The question becomes, why not have biologists and computer scientists work together? This is where Bioinformatics comes in.  An understanding of the key principles of biology and of computer analysis is needed. To the average computer scientist, data are data, and they can be analyzed in numerous ways; but without a background in biology, the computer scientist is working blindly, without understanding the meaning of the data he/she is processing. This can lead to misinterpretations of experimental results. The biologist runs into a wall, because he/she does not have the knowledge of data and computational analysis.

Why major in Bioinformatics?

The Masters of Science in Bioinformatics allows a student to have a tailored program of study that combines biology and genetics, with the practice and theory of computer science. Classes are offered specifically in bioinformatics issues, practices and theory. Research with faculty is a key piece of a student's study in this program. Students are encouraged to work with their advisor to maintain a balanced program that will build on their individual strengths and backgrounds in mathematics, computer science or biology. Each student will be assigned an academic advisor and a program mentor to enhance their experience.

So what research is going on in Bioinformatics?

The Bioinformatics Research Center's web site is located at http://www.brc.mcw.edu. Take a look at the on-going research. There you will find up-to-date links to researchers associated with the Bioinformatics Research Center (BRC). The BRC is at the forefront of this sweeping reform of the biological research industry. The BRC creates systems to aid the modern biological researcher in collecting, analyzing, annotating, and presenting data. Additionally, the BRC assists the new post-genomic scientists and technicians to perform advanced pattern-based probability studies for gene discovery, mapping and function identification.