Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field of science where computational approaches and technologies are used to analyze and interpret complex biological data. As a new and evolving discipline, Bioinformatics is changing the way to manage and streamline data, paving the way for discoveries and providing new career opportunities. With the current emphasis on Big Data, the HumanGenome Project, and initiatives in Precision Medicine, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for the development of new advances in diverse fields of medicine and health, agriculture, and environmental protection. The Bioinformatics program at GW draws from the department’s existing strength in the fields of Biochemistry, Genomics, and Proteomics, at the McCormick Center.
Master's Program
The Master's in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biochemistry program offers a 1 or 2 year option, with or without thesis. Eligible candidates can complete their thesis research at GW or at nearby institutes (acceptance by the institute is required) such as the Children's National Health System, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI).
With Coursework and Project emphasis on Genomics, Proteomics, Big data in biology, Biomedical databases, Bioinformatics tool and algorithm development, and Genomic variations in diseases, both program options (thesis and non-thesis) consist of three sections:
(A) A core section of required courses
(B) An elective section with courses designed around a student's specific objectives and,
(C) An investigative section that consists of thesis or non-thesis options.
The MS Program encompass the three sections mentioned above with following Program learning outcomes achieved by the students upon completion of the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply reasoning about core biological concepts, analyze and critically evaluate scientific literature with emphasis on cellular and molecular biochemistry
- Evaluate bioinformatics-based research applications in cellular and molecular biochemistry, and genomics research
- Analyze large-scale-omics data using bioinformatics-based approaches to discover patterns, generate gene function predictions, and develop algorithms and software
- Demonstrate mastery of the core concepts of Bioinformatics, including computational biology, principles underlying biochemistry, molecular biology and genomics, and database design