If you love biology, data, and programming, a degree in bioinformatics might be for you. This booming field combines techniques from computer science, statistics, and mathematics to analyze biological data of all kinds.

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Bioinformatics is a fast-growing area with lots of exciting opportunities. In part, this is because technology is moving faster than ever, enabling us to understand the world around us in deeper, more nuanced ways. Scientists now have access to massive amounts of detailed biological data, including information about genetic sequences, protein samples, cell populations, and more. The challenge, in many cases, is knowing what to do with that data.

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That’s where bioinformatics comes in. This evolving science takes an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to organizing, analyzing, and applying biological information. It’s playing a role in solving some of humanity’s most complex biological problems. Bioinformatics techniques have been used to develop personalized medications, track the spread of disease, understand the inner workings of DNA, and more.

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If you think this degree might be for you, read on. In this article, we’ll explore:

\n", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.334457-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:38.689950-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 260, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "Degrees in bioinformatics come in all shapes and sizes. They can be done online or on campus, full-time or part-time, at universities and colleges across the globe. But most degrees fall into one of the following four categories: \r\n\r\n**Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nBecause of its interdisciplinary nature, bioinformatics programs are sometimes found in the faculty of computer science, and sometimes in the faculty of science. Bachelor of Computer Science in Bioinformatics, Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics, and Bachelor of Science in Computational Biology are just a few common names for this degree. \r\n\r\nUndergraduate programs in bioinformatics usually take around four years to complete. They provide the basic training needed to enter the field, offering courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and even physics. Although there are some jobs available at this degree level, top bioinformatics jobs usually require a master’s degree or higher. \r\n\r\n**Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nAn advanced degree in bioinformatics is a must for many research-based or scientific careers in the field. These hands-on programs usually take about two years of full-time study, and involve courses in statistics, molecular biology, computer science, and biotechnology. Many also include an internship component, allowing students to practice their skills in hospitals or clinical settings. \r\n\r\n**Professional Science Master’s Programs in Bioinformatics \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nIf you’re not interested in pursuing a PhD or an academic career but still need a master’s for your dream job, a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) is worth considering. These programs are more career-oriented than other master’s degrees, focusing on building skills and competencies for professional success. They tend to be less theoretical and offer more applied training opportunities.\r\n\r\n**Doctoral Degrees in Bioinformatics \u2013 Three to Eight Year Duration** \r\nDoctoral degrees are required for some bioinformatics careers, as well as most academic positions. In many cases, having a PhD in bioinformatics can also increase your starting salary. \r\n\r\nHowever, a PhD is only recommended if you truly love the field. These programs are time-intensive, taking anywhere from three years to eight (or more) to complete. Doctoral programs in bioinformatics also tend to be highly specialized. In addition to coursework, they involve a significant research component and a final dissertation.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.336634-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T15:26:01.399863-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 260, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Bioinformatics", "summary_markdown": "Because it’s such an interdisciplinary field, bioinformatics overlaps with many other degree programs. It’s often confused with other fields, like computer science and biotechnology. Let’s take a look at what these three degrees have in common\u2014and what sets bioinformatics apart. \r\n\r\n**[Computer Science](/degrees/computer-science-degree/)** \r\nComputer science programs teach students many of the same skills as bioinformatics programs do. For example, both degrees include training in topics like data structures, algorithm implementation, and computer programming. However, bioinformatics degrees complement this general computer science training with courses in biology, chemistry, math, and statistics. \r\n\r\n**[Biotechnology](/degrees/biotechnology-degree/)** \r\nLike bioinformatics, biotechnology is an interdisciplinary degree that brings together biology and technology. However, both these fields rely on very different techniques to further different goals. Bioinformatics applies techniques from information technology and computer science to gather, organize, and analyze biological data. In other words, it focuses on furthering our *understanding* of biology. Biotechnology, on the other hand, uses tactics like gene editing and plant tissue culture to *create* new and useful biological and genetic products.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "

Because it’s such an interdisciplinary field, bioinformatics overlaps with many other degree programs. It’s often confused with other fields, like computer science and biotechnology. Let’s take a look at what these three degrees have in common\u2014and what sets bioinformatics apart.

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Computer Science
\nComputer science programs teach students many of the same skills as bioinformatics programs do. For example, both degrees include training in topics like data structures, algorithm implementation, and computer programming. However, bioinformatics degrees complement this general computer science training with courses in biology, chemistry, math, and statistics.

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Biotechnology
\nLike bioinformatics, biotechnology is an interdisciplinary degree that brings together biology and technology. However, both these fields rely on very different techniques to further different goals. Bioinformatics applies techniques from information technology and computer science to gather, organize, and analyze biological data. In other words, it focuses on furthering our understanding of biology. Biotechnology, on the other hand, uses tactics like gene editing and plant tissue culture to create new and useful biological and genetic products.

", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.338967-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:38.692628-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 260, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "Whatever degree you pursue, studying bioinformatics will help you develop valuable skills. Here are a few of the most common ones you might gain during your studies: \r\n\r\n- Expertise in programming languages like Ruby, Perl, or Python\r\n- Strong understanding of statistical theories and techniques\r\n- Knowledge of biological topics and techniques like evolutionary biology, genome mapping, and protein modeling\r\n- Aptitude for data mining and data wrangling\r\n- Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and visual)", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "

Whatever degree you pursue, studying bioinformatics will help you develop valuable skills. Here are a few of the most common ones you might gain during your studies:

\n", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.341651-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:38.693897-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 260, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Bioinformatics Degree?", "summary_markdown": "With this wide range of skills, as well as professional training in biology, bioinformatics graduates can end up in an array of careers. Here are just a few directions this degree could take you: \r\n\r\n**Research** \r\nWith their specialized expertise, many bioinformatics majors end up working in scientific labs. These jobs exist in both the academic and commercial sector, at many different levels of training. Bioinformatics researchers usually specialize in a single area of research, like biopharmaceuticals, genomics, or cancer. These positions typically involve a mix of data collection and analysis, as well as some day-to-day administrative lab tasks like grant writing. \r\n\r\n**Software Development** \r\nSoftware development is another common career option for bioinformatics majors. In this profession, they’ll support other scientists by designing custom-made tools and software to facilitate their research. Using their knowledge of data structures and algorithms, bioinformatics graduates in these roles create many of the innovative computer systems that keep the world’s top research labs running. \r\n\r\n**Data Analysis** \r\nSome bioinformatics majors prefer to focus purely on data analysis. In this capacity, they can find work for research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and even app developers. There, they’ll work under other [scientists](/careers/scientist/) or product development managers, collecting, cleaning, and analyzing specialized data of all kinds. Of course, a biology-based career is an obvious next step. However, many of the data science skills gained during a bioinformatics degree are applicable to any industry.", "content_markdown": "**Academia** \r\nFor advanced bioinformatics students\u2014that is, those with PhDs\u2014a career in academia can be a natural fit. In these roles, they can become university instructors, [professors](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/professor/), or deans. There, they’ll conduct their own bioinformatics research, teach courses, publish academic papers, and more. \r\n\r\n**Information Technology** \r\nSome bioinformatics majors finish their degrees, only to realize that a biology-based career isn’t for them. The technology sector is booming, offering lots of job opportunities in a wide range of industries. Bioinformatics graduates could find work with a software company, a technology startup, an [app developer](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/app-developer/), or somewhere else entirely. Computer [systems analyst](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/computer-systems-analyst/), network and computer [systems administrator](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/computer-systems-administrator/), [data scientist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/data-scientist/), and [computer programmer](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/computer-programmer/) are just a few options to consider. \r\n\r\n**Education** \r\nData science, computer programming, and software development are increasingly popular fields. As more and more people aspire to improve their computer science abilities, the demand for skilled [teachers](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/teacher/) continues to grow. Bioinformatics graduates can apply their expertise to a variety of education careers. Some might become private tutors for high school or university students. Others might become instructors for an online coding academy. The opportunities in this area are endless.", "content_html": "

Academia
\nFor advanced bioinformatics students\u2014that is, those with PhDs\u2014a career in academia can be a natural fit. In these roles, they can become university instructors, professors, or deans. There, they’ll conduct their own bioinformatics research, teach courses, publish academic papers, and more.

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Information Technology
\nSome bioinformatics majors finish their degrees, only to realize that a biology-based career isn’t for them. The technology sector is booming, offering lots of job opportunities in a wide range of industries. Bioinformatics graduates could find work with a software company, a technology startup, an app developer, or somewhere else entirely. Computer systems analyst, network and computer systems administrator, data scientist, and computer programmer are just a few options to consider.

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Education
\nData science, computer programming, and software development are increasingly popular fields. As more and more people aspire to improve their computer science abilities, the demand for skilled teachers continues to grow. Bioinformatics graduates can apply their expertise to a variety of education careers. Some might become private tutors for high school or university students. Others might become instructors for an online coding academy. The opportunities in this area are endless.

", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.344072-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T15:29:38.803649-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">

什么是生物信息学学位?

如果你喜欢生物学、数据和编程,生物信息学学位可能适合你。这个蓬勃发展的领域结合了计算机科学、统计学和数学的技术来分析各种生物数据。

生物信息学是一个快速发展的领域,有许多令人兴奋的机会。在某种程度上,这是因为技术的发展比以往任何时候都要快,使我们能够以更深、更细微的方式了解我们周围的世界。科学家现在可以获得大量详细的生物数据,包括基因序列、蛋白质样本、细胞群等信息。在许多情况下,挑战在于知道如何处理这些数据。

这就是生物信息学的用武之地。这门不断发展的科学采用了一种创新的、跨学科的方法来组织、分析和应用生物信息。它在解决人类一些最复杂的生物问题上发挥着作用。生物信息学技术已被用于开发个性化药物,跟踪疾病的传播,了解DNA的内部工作原理等等。

如果你认为这个学位可能适合你,请往下读。在本文中,我们将探讨:

  • 生物信息学有哪些学位可选
  • 生物信息学、生物技术和计算机科学之间的区别是什么
  • 你在生物信息学学位中学到了什么技能
  • 有了生物信息学学位你能做什么

程序选项

生物信息学学位有各种各样的形式和规模。这些课程可以在网上进行,也可以在校园内进行,可以在全球各地的大学和学院进行全职或兼职学习。但大多数学位都属于以下四类之一:

生物信息学学士学位-四年学制
由于其跨学科的性质,生物信息学项目有时在计算机科学学院,有时在科学学院。生物信息学计算机科学学士学位、生物信息学理学学士学位和计算生物学理学学士学位只是该学位的几个常见名称。

生物信息学的本科课程通常需要四年左右的时间才能完成。他们提供进入该领域所需的基本训练,提供生物、化学、数学、统计甚至物理等学科的课程。虽然有一些这个学位级别的工作,顶级生物信息学工作通常需要硕士学位或更高的学位。

生物信息学硕士学位-两年学制
生物信息学的高级学位是该领域许多基于研究或科学职业的必要条件。这些实践项目通常需要两年的全日制学习,包括统计学、分子生物学、计算机科学和生物技术等课程。许多学校还包括实习部分,允许学生在医院或临床环境中练习技能。

生物信息学专业科学硕士项目-为期两年
如果你对攻读博士学位或从事学术事业不感兴趣,但仍然需要硕士学位来获得理想的工作,那么专业科学硕士学位(PSM)是值得考虑的。这些项目比其他硕士学位更面向职业,专注于为职业成功培养技能和能力。它们往往不太理论化,而提供更多的应用培训机会。

生物信息学博士学位- 3至8年学制
一些生物信息学职业和大多数学术职位都需要博士学位。在很多情况下,获得生物信息学博士学位还可以增加你的起薪。

然而,只有你真正热爱这个领域,才会被推荐攻读博士学位。这些课程需要大量的时间,需要三年到八年(或更长时间)才能完成。生物信息学博士项目也趋向于高度专业化。除了课程作业,他们还包括一个重要的研究组成部分和最后的论文。

学位与生物信息学类似

因为这是一个跨学科的领域,生物信息学与许多其他学位课程重叠。它经常与其他领域混淆,如计算机科学和生物技术。让我们来看看这三个学位的共同点——以及生物信息学的不同之处。

计算机科学
计算机科学课程教授学生许多与生物信息学课程相同的技能。例如,这两个学位都包括数据结构、算法实现和计算机编程等主题的培训。然而,生物信息学学位通过生物、化学、数学和统计学课程来补充一般计算机科学培训。

生物技术
和生物信息学一样,生物技术是一个跨学科的学位,将生物学和技术结合在一起。然而,这两个领域依赖于非常不同的技术来实现不同的目标。生物信息学应用信息技术和计算机科学的技术来收集、组织和分析生物数据。换句话说,它的重点是促进我们的理解的生物学。另一方面,生物技术利用基因编辑和植物组织培养等手段创建新的和有用的生物和遗传产品。

技能You’学习

无论你攻读什么学位,学习生物信息学都将帮助你培养有价值的技能。下面是一些你在学习过程中可能会学到的最常见的词汇:

  • 精通Ruby、Perl或Python等编程语言
  • 较强的统计理论和技术理解能力
  • 了解生物学主题和技术,如进化生物学、基因组图谱和蛋白质建模
  • 具备数据挖掘和数据处理的能力
  • 优秀的沟通能力(书面,口头和视觉)

生物信息学学位能做什么?

有了这些广泛的技能,以及在生物学方面的专业训练,生物信息学毕业生可以在一系列的职业生涯中结束。以下是这个学位可以带给你的几个方向:

研究
凭借他们的专业知识,许多生物信息学专业的学生最终在科学实验室工作。这些工作在学术和商业部门都有,有许多不同层次的培训。生物信息学研究人员通常专注于一个单一的研究领域,如生物制药、基因组学或癌症。这些职位通常包括数据收集和分析,以及一些日常的管理实验室任务,如拨款写作。

软件开发
软件开发是生物信息学专业的另一个常见职业选择。在这个职业中,他们将通过设计定制的工具和软件来支持其他科学家的研究。这些生物信息学专业的毕业生利用他们在数据结构和算法方面的知识,创造了许多创新的计算机系统,使世界顶级研究实验室得以运行。

数据分析
一些生物信息学专业的学生更倾向于单纯关注数据分析。通过这种能力,他们可以为研究实验室、制药公司甚至应用程序开发人员找到工作。在那里,他们会在其他人的手下工作科学家们或产品开发经理,收集、清理和分析各种专业数据。当然,一个生物学基础的职业显然是下一步。然而,在生物信息学学位期间获得的许多数据科学技能适用于任何行业。

学术界
对于高级生物信息学的学生,也就是那些拥有博士学位的学生来说,在学术界的职业生涯是一个自然的选择。在这些岗位上,他们可以成为大学教师,教授或院长。在那里,他们将进行自己的生物信息学研究、教授课程、发表学术论文等等。

信息技术
一些生物信息学专业的学生完成了他们的学位后,才意识到以生物学为基础的职业并不适合他们。科技行业正在蓬勃发展,为各行各业提供了大量的就业机会。生物信息学专业的毕业生可以在软件公司、科技初创企业或其他公司找到工作应用程序开发人员或者完全在其他地方。电脑系统分析师、网络及电脑系统管理员数据科学家,计算机程序员只是几个可以考虑的选择。

教育
数据科学、计算机编程和软件开发是越来越受欢迎的领域。随着越来越多的人渴望提高自己的计算机科学能力,需求熟练老师还在继续增长。生物信息学毕业生可以将他们的专业知识应用到各种教育职业中。有些人可能会成为高中生或大学生的私人教师。其他人可能会成为在线编程学院的讲师。这个领域的机会是无穷无尽的。

学费

看看哪些学校最贵,哪些学校最便宜。

读到学费