Bioinformatics is a field that has been developing over the last 20 years. It is a discipline that represents a marriage between biotechnology and computer technologies and has evolved through the convergence of advances in each of these fields. Today bioinformatics is a field that encompasses all aspects of the application of computer technologies to biological data. Computers are used to organize, link, analyze and visualize complex sets of biological data.

Bioinformatics @ RIT

In order to address the need for highly trained individuals in this exciting field, RIT has established new degree programs in Bioinformatics at both the baccalaureate and masters levels. Already a national leader in biotechnology education, we are now offering curricula which lead to the BS and MS degrees in Bioinformatics. The latter is comprised of two tracks of core courses, a choice of electives, and a required research thesis. In addition, we offer a combined BS/MS program which can be completed in a total of five years.

An integral component of our program is goal of familiarizing our students with the algorithms and techniques used in and appropriate for bioinformatics. While many of the courses in our programs are already offered, albeit across colleges and departments, we have developed more than 15 new courses for the bioinformatics programs which specifically address the symbiosis between the disciplines within biotechnology and the computing sciences. The interdisciplinary nature of bioinformatics requires close work with departments outside of Biological Sciences. In this light, our programs have been developed in collaboration with the faculty of the departments of Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics and Statistics and Chemistry.

Graduates will have a strong foundation in biotechnology, computer programming, computational mathematics, statistics and database management and will be prepared for careers in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and vaccine industries. Sources at all levels within these industries indicate that the majority of their bioinformatics employees have formal training in biology or biotechnology and only limited familiarity with computational tools gained from practical experience rather from their formal education. There is no question that the need for formal, rigorous and fully integrated education in biotechnology and computing exists and will grow.

Other Links

	Center for Biotechnology Education and Training
	Professional Science Master's
	Rochester Institute of Technology