What is Bioinformatics?
Bioinformatics is the application of computer technology to the management of biological information, thereby merging biology, computer science, and information technology to form a single discipline.
In the wake of the Genomic Revolution, biology has been transformed from a purely lab-based science to include information science as well.
As vast amounts of data from genomics, proteomics and other fields are generated, databases and computer programs are needed to collect, store, analyze and integrate all this new information.
What almost all bioinformatics has in common is the processing of large amounts of biologically-derived information, whether DNA sequences or breast X-rays.
For more information about bioinformatics visit our education and resources pages.
Read a detailed FAQ posted by the Massachusetts-based Bioinformatics Organization Inc.
Opportunities in Bioinformatics
If you are interested in bioinformatics, now is an exciting time to enter this area of science. There is a growing need for people who are well-trained in both biological and computer sciences.
Whether you are a high school student just beginning your post-secondary education, a professional making the transition from a career as a biologist or computer scientist, or coming from an entirely different background, there are opportunities for you to move into a career in bioinformatics.
In North Carolina, these universities offer degrees in various Bioinformatic programs:
- Duke University's Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- The North Carolina State University Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics Program offers a master's and doctorate degree in Bioinformatics
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a certificate granting program which works with various degree granting UNC departments to offer a specialization in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology