Bioinformatics Courses in the Bioinformatics Software for Professionals Program Combine Practical and Academic Training

Organizations such as OICR, Ontario health networks, Ontario hospitals, the provincial government and many others have hired graduates of Centennial College’s Bioinformatics Software for Professionals program, which offers a variety of bioinformatics courses.

Before we take a more in-depth look at Centennial College’s program, let’s look at bioinformatics itself. This area combines biology with information technology and computers. Current advances have increased the need for the creation of new and innovative bioinformatics tools. Unique computational tools open a vast potential for new scientific discovery, with the ultimate goal of understanding and modeling living systems. Essentially then, bioinformatics entails the creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques and theory to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of biological data.

The first of its kind in Canada to provide 12 months of concentrated training that results in a post-degree bioinformatics certificate for students with existing software backgrounds, the Bioinformatics for Software Professionals program is reliable and reputable. During the application progress, students must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a four-year degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering or related discipline, from an accredited college or university. They are also expected to submit a resume.

Bioinformatics courses within the program are intensive, hands-on and problem-based. They include course work, an individual research thesis and are delivered using leading-edge technology geared to industry standards and project-based learning. Faculty members are knowledgeable and approachable with diverse business experience and academic credentials.

Specific bioinformatics courses within the program include: Bioinformatics Tools, Databases & Models (students explore the current biological data types and existing array of biological databases); Molecular Biology and Genomics (students are introduced to the exciting field of molecular biology through an analysis of its origins, exploration of its key concepts, and an investigation into its future potential); Parallel and Distributed Computing (students examine parallel and distributed computing architectures, algorithms, software, and applications in relation to bioinformatics); and many others.

To balance their on-campus learning, students take part in a one-semester paid co-op experience. In order to participate in the co-op component, students must obtain a minimum GPA 2.5 or above in their bioinformatics courses. Co-op lets students explore their career interests so they have a better idea of what type of job they want to pursue when they graduate.

Demand actually exceeds supply in this field, ensuring that graduates of bioinformatics courses will enjoy a meaningful career. Employment in bioinformatics is found at research centers, universities, private companies and government institutions. However, skills in bioinformatics can also be utilized in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and environmental industries and in all areas of biotechnology.