Online Bioinformatics Degrees
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Bioinformatics scientists sit at the crossroads of the life sciences and information technology. They use their knowledge of information systems to process complex information about biological systems. The study of biology at the molecular level has become increasingly information rich in the past few decades. Just think of the Human Genome Project, and its efforts to map the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up a human's DNA. Bioinformatics has arisen as a field that can apply computing power to these types of problems, in order to ensure the speed and accuracy of the analyses. Bioinformatics scientists are educated not only in the standard physics, chemistry, and biology of the biological scientist; they also learn about computer programs and computers' processing power.
Bioinformatics scientists are employed in the private sector, the public sector, and in academia. Those in private industry work in research and development labs and pharmaceutical companies, studying the way certain genes or organisms work, in order to develop disease cures or other functional uses of science. Bioinformatics scientists in the public sector work in agencies like the National Institutes of Health or the Department of Defense, also researching ways to improve public health and defend national security. Bioinformaticists in academia work on basic research, increasing our understanding of biological processes at the cellular level.
Advanced positions in bioinformatics, particularly those in academia, require a doctoral degree; these degree programs gives students the chance to do the intensive independent research that is necessary preparation for academic positions. Jobs in private industry may only require a master's or bachelor's degree. Bioinformatics positions are expected to grow 21% by 2018, which is a very fast rate of job creation; the boom in biotechnology is responsible for these many job opportunities. Bioinformaticists earn a moderately high salary, with the middle half earning $50,000-82,000 a year.
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Career Specializations
- Biophysicists: These specialists study the ways the properties of physics play out on the cellular level. They may use computers and bioinformatics to study models of molecular physics.
- Microbiologists: Microscopic life forms like viruses and bacteria are the subject of these life scientists. Microbiologists specializing in bioinformatics use IT to study how these organisms work and reproduce.
Degree Levels Available for Bioinformatics
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
- Doctoral Degree: 5-6 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
The bachelor's or master's degrees in bioinformatics are usually sufficient to enter careers in private industry and research and development. At the bachelor's level, the bioinformatics program is usually a biology major with additional computer science classes, or a computer science degree with life science requirements. Bachelor's students are also required to take courses in physics and chemistry. A terminal master's degree is rare in the life sciences, and usually results when a doctoral student decides to leave their program after completing a year or two of research. Graduates with master's or bachelor's degrees may be able to enter research assistant, product development, or administrative positions in the private sector.
The PhD in bioinformatics is required for most academic positions, and for advanced research settings. This doctoral degree may be hosted by the biology or the computer science department of a university, depending on the focus of the degree. Students spend the first 1-2 years of the program focusing on course work, and the last 4-5 years conducting an original research project. (BLS)
There are no additional certifications required for bioinformatics professionals, beyond the requisite degrees. Certain professional attributes can help bioinformaticists move up in their careers, however. Communication skills are paramount for all scientists, as they often have to explain their research plans in grant proposals, in order to procure funding. Bioinformatics scientists in private industry should have business skills, if they hope to secure management positions.
Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bioinformatics scientists can expect earnings of $50,000-$82,000 a year. Those just entering the field, with a bachelor's or master's degree, can expect offers of around $50,000 a year, while those with a doctoral degree or advanced experience can earn $66,000 a year and up. Scientific research and development services employ large numbers of bioinformatics professionals, as do pharmaceutical companies, the Federal executive branch, and colleges and universities. (BLS)
Job Outlook
The employment outlook for biological scientists is predicted to be very good during the 2008-2018 period. The job market for these professionals is expected to expand by 21%, which is more than twice the average rate for job growth. Biotechnology research is driving much of this growth, and bioinformatics scientists are a key part of the biotechnology industry and the melding of IT and life science. Bioinformatics scientists employed in the biotechnology industry and related sectors, such as pharmaceutical development, should have good job opportunities. Environmental applications of biotechnology, such as the development of biofuels, will also have good job prospects,.
Job competition will still be difficult for academic research positions, due to the relatively high number of doctoral degree holders. Government funding of the National Institutes of Health and other grant-making organizations can greatly affect the funding and available positions for academic researchers. (BLS)
Related Careers
Biological scientists obviously have careers that are closely related to those of bioinformatics professionals. These scientists also apply principles of the life sciences, but they rely less heavily on information technology to generate new knowledge or biological research findings. The educational requirements for biological scientists are similar to those of bioinformatics scientists.
Computer scientists also pursue an education in information technology, and most advanced research positions in this field require the PhD. Computer scientists with a focus in the life sciences may do work that is similar to those of bioinformatics professionals. Some colleges' bioinformatics degrees are administrated by the computer science department.
