Bioinformatics or computational biology is an interdisciplinary field of science that combines computer science, mathematics, engineering and statistics to understand and interpret biological information.
Bioinformatics is the application of computer technology to manage, analyze, and interpret biological data.
Bioinformatics has become an important part of many areas of biology. It plays a key role in Biomedical Research, especially in the areas like genomics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.
In a simple way we can say that:
“Bioinformatics is the study of information technology in the field of molecular biology”.
Bioinformatics and its Importance
Bioinformatics involves the scientific interpretation with the help of computational information. It involves analysis of various factors which affects the movement in our biological systems.
In bioinformatics, professionals use various technologies to analyze biological data. Computers and specialized software tools are extensively employed to observe, manage, and preserve databases for further analysis.
The importance of Bioinformatics is unlimited in the genomic era. It has a several applications in the area of agriculture, environment, health, energy and biotechnology. The “Bioinformatics” term was coined by the Paulien Hogeweg and Ben Hesper in 1970.
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Scope of Bioinformatics
The application of Bioinformatics is increasing day by day. It is a very interesting subject for those who want to know about the inter-relationship between medical science and human organs. You can easily make career in this field after completing your degree.
The future and present scope of Bio-informatics is increasing as the need of medical science is increasing rapidly.
It is one of the highly paid sectors in the countries abroad especially in research & development. In India, the Bioinformatics sector is also fastly growing and could offer many job opportunities in the near future.
The Demand for Bioinformatics Scientists is expected to go up over the next few years, with an estimated annual increase of 2.44 % over the next few years, resulting in many new jobs by 2029.
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Bioinformatics Courses
In India, Bioinformatics courses are offered by many universities at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral. The duration of UG program varies from 3 to 4 years while PG programs typically last 2 years.
The course curriculum generally covers a mix of subjects such as molecular biology, genetics, biostatistics, computer programming (Python, R, Perl), data structures, databases, machine learning, and hands-on training with bioinformatics tools and software like BLAST, ClustalW, and Bioconductor.
Some of the courses offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are given below.
Bachelor Degree Courses
- B.Sc in Bioinformatics
- B.Tech in Bioinformatics
- B.Sc (Hons.) in Bioinformatics
- BE in Bioinformatics
- Advanced Diploma in Bioinformatics
Master Degree Courses
- M.Sc in Bioinformatics
- M.Tech in Bioinformatics
- PG Diploma in Bioinformatics
- M.Sc (Hons.) in Bioinformatics
- MS in Bioinformatics
- ME in Bioinformatics
Doctoral Courses
- Ph.D in Bioinformatics
Skills Required
Candidates must develop these Skills to pursue a career in bioinformatics:
- Excellent problem solving skills
- Good knowledge in computer software and technology
- Good Communication Skills
Specializations
- Architecture & Content of Genomes
- Metabolic Computing
- Complex Systems Analysis/Genetic Circuits
- Evolutionary Model Building & Phylogenetic Analysis
- Data Mining
- Information content in DNA, RNA, protein sequence and structure
- Nucleic Acid & Protein Sequence Analysis
- Data Storage & Retrieval, Database Structures, Annotation
Eligibility Criteria
Below is the eligibility criteria to get admission in various courses in the bioinformatics field:
- For admission in UG courses, candidate has to complete 10+2 with Science Subject i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology.
- For admission to master’s course, candidates must have completed a bachelor degree in Physical, Biological, Agricultural, Veterinary, Fishery Sciences, Horticulture, Pharmacy, Engineering, Technology or Medicine (MBBS/ BAMS / BHMS).
Admission Process
How I get admission in Bachelor & Master Degree Courses?
The admission process in undergraduate and postgraduate programs of bioinformatics are based on the national and state level entrance exams and counselling process.
For admission in B.Sc bioinformatics, candidates have to qualify CUET UG exam. For admission in B.Tech bioinformatics candidates must qualify JEE Main.
For admission in PG courses like M.Sc bioinformatics and M.Tech bioinformatics CUET PG and GATE scores are considered respectively.
Some of the popular national level entrance exams are
Top Colleges in India
Top Institutes in India to pursue Bioinformatics courses are:
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bangalore
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
- Pondicherry University, Puducherry
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Noida
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
- Birla Institute of Scientific Research (BISR), Jaipur
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT), West Bengal
- Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh
- Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Aurangabad
- Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
- Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod
Career & Job Opportunities
The career prospect in Bioinformatics has been gradually increasing with the use of information technology in the area of molecular biology.
Over the last few decades Bioinformatics is an emerging scientific discipline & highly remunerative career option in the field of research.
Bioinformatics Degree holder can work in all sectors of pharmaceutical, biomedical organizations, biotechnology, in research institutions, hospital, industry and even NGOs.
Professionals can be employed in scientific research institutes of private & public sector. In private sector candidates can work in drugs and medicine companies,
Professionals can be employed in scientific research institutes of both the private and public sectors. In the private sector, candidates can work in drug and pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, healthcare startups, and data-driven research organizations involved in genomics, diagnostics, and drug discovery
Job Profiles
- Bioinformatics Software Developer
- Research Scientist / Associate
- Network Administrator / Analyst
- Computational Biologist
- Database Programmer
- Science Technician
- Content Editor
- Pharmacogenomics
- Proteomix
- Professor
Top Recruiters
- Wipro
- Reliance
- Satyam
- Tata Consultancy Services
- IBM Life Sciences
- Ranbaxy
- Silicon Genetics and Tessella
- GVK Biosciences
- Torrent Pharmaceuticals
- Biscon
- Strand Life Sciences
Salary
You can expect a handsome salary, if you have a degree in Bioinformatics. The starting salary of a degree holder in private companies is Rs. 4 Lacs to 5 Lakhs per annum.
The salary of professionals depends on their qualifications, skills, work profile & experience. Candidates with 5-6 years of experience can expect a salary of Rs. 6 Lakhs to Rs. 10 Lakhs per year.
In the government sector, salaries for bioinformatics professionals are as per the government norms and pay scales, candidates are hired for the technical posts in institutions like CSIR, ICMR, DBT, and DRDO.
Candidates working in research roles can expect good salary packages often in the range 10 Lakhs to Rs. 15 Lakhs per year.
Books & Study Material
- The Ten Most Wanted Solutions in Protein Bioinformatics by Anna Tramontano
- Bioinformatics Basics by Hooman Rashidi, Lukas K. Buehler
- Bioinformatics: A Practical Guide to the Analysis of Genes and Proteins by Andreas D. Baxevanis, B. F. Francis Ouellette
- Bioinformatics: Genes, Proteins and Computers by C. A. Orengo, D. T. Jones, J. M. Thornton, D. T. Jones
- Introduction to Bioinformatics: A Theoretical and Practical Approach by Stephen A. Krawetz, David D. Womble
- Algorithms in Bioinformatics by Marcel turcotte
- Structural Bioinformatics by Graham kemp and Per-GeorgNyholm
- Bioinformatics and Protein database concepts by IIT Bombay
For more information about Career In Bioinformatics, you can leave your query here.
Hello, i have done pg in bioinformatics in 2006,can I get a job now in ghaziabad, plz reply. Thank you
Yes, you can get a job in Ghaziabad with a PG in Bioinformatics, even after a gap. Focus on roles like research assistant, lab technician, data analyst, or teaching.
Can I get any job in Maharashtra after the bsc bioinformatics ?
Yes, you should apply for the Jobs in Maharashtra.
I have done my 10+2 with agriculture what is the next step to study bioinformatics?
After 10+2 with Agriculture, your next step is to pursue a B.Sc. in Bioinformatics or B.Sc. in Biotechnology/Biology (with Bioinformatics as a subject). After graduation, you can go for M.Sc. in Bioinformatics for specialization.
Hello Sir, I have completed BSc Bioinformatics and MSc biotechnology in 2016, I want to job in Bioinformatics field..also suggest me about PhD Bioinformatics
you are eligible for both bioinformatics jobs and Ph.D. programs. You can apply for roles like:
Bioinformatics Analyst, Research Associate, Genomics Data Analyst, Clinical Research Coordinator, Scientific Database Manager.
You can apply for a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics after qualifying GATE / CSIR-UGC NET exam.
For biometrics bachelor course what subjects must be there in class XII?
Physics, Mathematics/Biology, Chemistry and English
Which foreign country have better scope in bioinformatics??
You can find job opportunities in USA, Canada, Germany and UK. In Abroad, USA top the list with highest number of bioinformatics jobs and research institutes.
The course bioinformatics in biology,mathmetics,computer science is best course are not
Sir I m completed 2 yrs msc in bioinformatics after what type of Career job available related in my course..I really want your help sir
you are qualified for a wide range of career opportunities in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and IT. Start applying in companies for jobs or look for internship opportunities, make sure you have good fundamental knowledge of the subject and good communication skills.
By giving CET and NEET bioinformatics admission take place?
Sir i completed zoology hons in 2015, can i eligible for bioinformatic course nd which months filup the form