Bioinformatics is the application of computer science and technology to the management and analysis of biological information, particularly large data sets such as genetic codes.
- Bioinformatics is an innovative and rapidly expanding field of study that merges computer and information science with the analysis of genetic information and biological structures.
- Bioinformatics allows researchers to gain new insights into our genetic makeup, providing pathways to understand disease processes and create novel diagnostic and treatment strategies.
- Bioinformaticians work with the collection, storage, retrieval, manipulation, and modeling of large data sets for analysis, visualization, or prediction through the development of algorithms and software.
- Bioinformatics is fundamentally an interdisciplinary science, bringing together aspects of computer science and technology, molecular biology, chemistry, and mathematics, and there is an immense and increasing need for experts in this field.
Bioinformatics at UNO
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a bioinformatics major through the Department of Biology, which focuses on biological applications of algorithms to answer biological questions. A bioinformatics major is also available through the College of Information Science & Technology.
Students in Arts and Sciences will take more biology courses and complete an internship, while students in Information Science and Technology will take more computer science courses and complete a senior project.
A graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences bioinformatics program will have the background to pursue a wide variety of positions in the biomedical and biotechnology industries, graduate studies in bioinformatics or related areas, or, with the addition of only a few courses, medical school.
The major is a good fit for students who take an analytical approach to real world problems.
- Bioinformatics courses (BIOI 1000, 2000, 3000, 3500, 4860, 4870)
- Biology courses (BIOL 1450, 1750, 2140, 3020, 4130 or 4140, 4560)
- Chemistry courses (CHEM 1140/1144, 2210/2214, 3650/3654)
- Computer Science courses (CIST 1400, 2500, 3110, CSCI 1620, 3320)
- Mathematics courses (MATH 1950, 2030)
Curriculum Guide: BS BIOI requirements
Sample 4 Year Plan: BIOI academic plan
Please note: this plan is a template and courses may vary depending upon a student's experience and test scores. Please meet with an advisor to create your own academic plan.
Bioinformatics majors in the College of Arts and Sciences are advised by Lacey LeGrand. Appointments should be made using or via e-mail if you are interested in becoming a BIOI major. Dr. Lu oversees the program.
- Maverick Club for Bioinformatics—UNO’s bioinformatics students and those interested in bioinformatics; contact Dr. Lu.
- Pre-Health Professionals Club
- Undergraduate research opportunities with UNO faculty
- Several student scholarships available
Knowledge and Skills Gained as a Bioinformatics Major
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of fundamental biological processes at organism, physiological, cellular, and molecular levels.
- Basic understanding of principles of chemistry and their applications to living systems; properties of bio-molecules and their contribution to structure and function of cells.
- Understanding of computer programming methodology, including algorithm design and program development. Capability of designing and applying software tools for biological data analysis.
- Proficiency in the use of mathematical tools including discrete mathematics, calculus, and statistics.
- Integrated knowledge and technical skills gained from diverse scientific disciplines of biochemical, mathematical, computational, and life sciences; understanding key problems, possible solutions, and latest advances in bioinformatics.
- Understanding of the process of scientific inquiry, preparation for rigorous research, quantitative problem solving skills, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
Skills:
- Design, conduct, and interpret scientific research
- Conduct statistical analysis
- Apply a scientific approach to problems
- Communicate findings using models, charts, and graphs
- Communicate new research findings to lay audiences
By nature, Liberal Arts majors make great employees in any field because of their ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and solve complex problems. These timeless skills make them attractive to employers in all walks of society.
Specifically though, bioinformatics majors often pursue careers as:
- Bioinformatician Analyst
- Cheminformatician
- Medical Informatics Analyst
- EMR Information Systems Analyst
- Nursing Informatics Specialist
- Chief Medical Information Officer
- Scientific Curator
- Network Analyst
- Research Scientist
- Phylogenetics
- Structural Analyst
- Bio-Statistician
Graduate Studies
For students interested in continuing their Bioinformatics studies, UNO offers a Master of Science or Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics.
Learn more about these programs here: Graduate Bioinformatics or in the catalog: MS BMI or Ph.D. BMI.