BIOINFORMATICS: WHERE BIOLOGY MEETS TECHNOLOGY

Biology is accommodating many other fields as the time progresses. In the earlier days, biology was simply an observational science, but now it has transformed into an experimental science and data science. If you ever wonder how genomic structures look like and how they can be explored, then Bioinformatics is the right career for you. It is said that Bioinformatics is best suited for those who have got a passion or interest towards computer science, life science, and mathematics because it is a mixture of all these fields.This article will give you an inside review about the bioinformatics careers in India and bioinformatics jobs available after doing bioinformatics course.

Bioinformatics is quite interesting and entertaining at the same time since a genetic code unfolds enormous amount of data. If you always would like to explore information regarding a particular disease, a person’s behavior or anything linked with genomic structures, then Bioinformatics is the best tool to pursue your dream career. You may have heard the term Bioinformatics, but wondered what it means. Hopefully, this article will help clarify all your query related to bioinformatics courses and career aspects.

What is Bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics is a branch of life science where Biology meets Technology. It is a combination of Biology, Computer Science and Statistics to get biological information using computer technologies and analyze it with the help of mathematics and statistics. Some special fields of Biochemistry have an influence on Chemistry and Biochemistry to solve biological problems on the molecular and cellular level. More precise and faster computer software is introduced in the market for better data analysis and faster operations. Bioinformatics course will help you to uses these computer technologies to store, process, manage and retrieve a large amount of data.

Read Also: expert view: 10 tips to choose the best career option

What does a Bioinformatics Scientist do?

A person who practices Bioinformatics and has studied bioinformatics course is generally called as Bioinformatics Scientist or Bioinformatics Specialist. Biological processes are becoming complex as the world advances and it is nearly impossible to manage and interpret such data. A Bioinformatics Scientist studies structure and alignment of datasets such as proteomics, raw microarray, and genomic sequence data. They spend a lot of time inside a bioinformatic laboratory with computers and microscopes. It is their job to conduct experiments and collect data for future interpretations. Other works of a Bioinformatics Scientist may include gene finding, sequence alignment, genome assembly, protein-protein interactions, nucleotide and amino acid alignment, protein folding, alignment of DNA, analyze next gene of a data sequence etc.

Various Bioinformatics Course in India:

To work as a Bioinformatics Scientist or to make a career in Bioinformatics, one can earn a degree in following Bioinformatics course.

(A). Diploma in Bioinformatics

• Eligibility: Higher secondary (10+2) in Science stream with at least 60% marks in Biology
• Course Duration: 1 year

(B). Post Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics

• Eligibility: B.Sc. in Biology/Mathematics/Statistics with Higher secondary (10+2) in Science stream.
• Course Duration: 1 year

(C). Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Bioinformatics

• Eligibility: Higher Secondary (10+2) with Science stream
• Course Duration: 3 years

(D). Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Bioinformatics

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (B Pharm/B.Tech/B.Sc/BE/BCS/MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS/BVSc)
• Course Duration: 2 years

(E). Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) / Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Bioinformatics

• Eligibility: Higher Secondary (10+2) with Science stream
• Course Duration: 4 years

(F). Master of Technology (M.Tech.) / Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Bioinformatics

• Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech. in CS/IT/Biotech/Bioinformatics or Master’s degree in Programming/Maths/Sciences.
• Course Duration: 2 years

Read also: Ayurveda – A career for healthy success

Career prospects after Bioinformatics course?

Bioinformatics offers multiple career options and which career to choose is all up to the scientist. They make higher than the average salary because of the huge demand for Bioinformatics Scientists. Many institutes in India and abroad offer teaching and research positions for Bioinformatics specialists. Bioinformatics can work in various industries such as medical science, pharmaceutical, agricultural and private or government sectors. Recently, Bioinformatics has spread its branched into oncology to detect causal mutations in cancer disease. Usually, the computer software is built by external agencies and if capable, Bioinformatics Scientists can find a career in that field also.

Top institutes in India offering Bioinformatics course:

• B. Ambedkar Marathwada University, Maharashtra (B.Sc./M.Sc. Bioinformatics)
• Bharathidasan University, TamilNadu (B.Sc./M.Sc. Bioinformatics)
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyala, Madhya Pradesh (B.Sc./M.Sc. Bioinformatics)
• SRM University, TamilNadu (B.Tech./M.Tech. Bioinformatics)
• ABS Institute of Education and Management, Maharashtra (B.Tech./M.Tech. Bioinformatics)
• Banasthali University, Rajasthan (Diploma in Bioinformatics)
• Haryana Agricultural University, Haryana (Diploma in Bioinformatics)
• Assam University (Diploma in Bioinformatics)

Read Also: expert view: career and courses after class 12th science