Faculty: INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES This major prepares students for careers in bioinformatics, focusing on the application of computational tools and techniques to understand and analyze biological data. Students develop practical skills in data analysis, programming, and biological databases, along with theoretical knowledge in genomics, proteomics, and systems biology. Graduates are equipped for roles in research institutions, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical industries, and healthcare organizations. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand fundamentals of bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology. - Develop skills in data analysis, programming, and biological database management. - Learn techniques for genomic sequencing, protein structure prediction, and systems biology. - Explore principles of machine learning, data visualization, and statistical analysis in bioinformatics. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in biological data analysis and interpretation. - Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills for bioinformatics research. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Bioinformatics** - Overview of key concepts and industry trends in bioinformatics. - Fundamentals of bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology. 2. **Genomics and Proteomics** - Principles of genomics and proteomics. - Techniques for genomic sequencing, gene expression analysis, and protein structure prediction. 3. **Biological Databases** - Fundamentals of biological databases and data management. - Techniques for accessing, querying, and integrating biological databases. 4. **Programming for Bioinformatics** - Principles of programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics. - Techniques for developing bioinformatics tools and algorithms. 5. **Data Analysis and Statistics** - Principles of statistical analysis and data visualization in bioinformatics. - Techniques for analyzing and interpreting biological data. 6. **Machine Learning in Bioinformatics** - Fundamentals of machine learning and its applications in bioinformatics. - Techniques for implementing machine learning algorithms for biological data analysis. 7. **Systems Biology** - Principles of systems biology and network analysis. - Techniques for modeling and analyzing biological systems and networks. 8. **Practicum in Bioinformatics** - Real-world bioinformatics experiences, including observations, internships, and hands-on projects in research or industry settings. - Application of learned skills in practical bioinformatics scenarios. 9. **Capstone Project in Bioinformatics** - Comprehensive project applying skills in genomics, data analysis, or systems biology. - Delivery of a polished bioinformatics research project or case study. **Assessment Methods:** - Genomic analysis reports, protein structure predictions, biological database projects, programming assignments, data analysis presentations, machine learning projects, systems biology models, practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internship evaluations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Bioinformatics: Sequence and Genome Analysis" by David W. Mount. - "Genomes" by T. A. Brown. - "Biological Databases" by Michael Ashburner and Ewan Birney. - "Python for Bioinformatics" by Sebastian Bassi. - "Statistics for Bioinformatics" by Michael O. Dixon and John M. Dixon. - "Machine Learning for Bioinformatics" by Jason H. Moore and May D. Wang. - "Systems Biology: A Textbook" by Edda Klipp et al. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of biology, computer science, and statistics. Suitable for students interested in bioinformatics, genomics, computational biology, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practicum, and internships. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Bioinformatics and pursue professional certifications or further education in related fields, such as a Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or Data Science. **Target Audience:** Aspiring bioinformaticians, computational biologists, data scientists, and individuals seeking careers in bioinformatics, genomics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related fields. This major equips students with the practical, theoretical, and analytical skills needed to excel in bioinformatics, supporting careers in research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.