What you will study
ÎÞÂëרÇø’s interdisciplinary Bioinformatics program curriculum draws from program studies
in Biology, Chemistry, Statistics and Computer Science. As a Bioinformatics major,
you’ll start with core courses in Biology, such as Molecular Biology, Plant Biology
and Animal Biology, followed by courses in specialized bioinformatics topics, such
as:
- Investigative Biology
- Molecular Technology
- Biomedical Informatics
Through the undergraduate program coursework, you’ll learn the answer to the question:
What is bioinformatics? You’ll also learn how to use statistical software packages
to apply computational, mathematical and statistical approaches to biological data.
This interdisciplinary approach to the bachelor’s in Bioinformatics program curriculum
provides you with a broad set of skills you’ll need in your career.
Excellence in Bioinformatics
- First and only: Bioinformatics bachelor’s degree in the state of Missouri.
- Ranked: Best Value College for Biological & Biomedical Sciences (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in bioinformatics for the biological sciences
A BS in Bioinformatics at the ÎÞÂëרÇø offers hand-on research
opportunities and professional development you can apply to the real world.
- Student clubs: Enhance your studies in biology and bioinformatics outside of the classroom by joining
a student organization. The Association of Computing Machinery, Agriculture Club,
Beta Beta Beta Biology Honors Society and ÎÞÂëרÇø Statistics Club all welcome new members
every year. Join others in discovering: What is bioinformatics?
- State-of-the-art facilities: Enjoy hands-on learning in recently renovated Gigabit lab space at the Missouri Innovation
Campus in Lee’s Summit. You’ll have access to equipment necessary for extraction of
DNA and RNA, as well as protein analysis.
- Dedicated advising and mentorship: Benefit from the assistance of dedicated staff and faculty. Academic advisors from
across different disciplines will keep you on track to earn your bachelor’s degree
in Bioinformatics, while faculty mentors will offer career advice and intellectual
guidance.
What can you do with a bachelor’s in Bioinformatics degree from ÎÞÂëרÇø?
In the age of technology, companies in health care, research and development and the
life sciences need employees to harness the power of big data. As the world figures
out what bioinformatics is and how to use it, you can help bridge the skills gap between
biological science and statistical analysis with the ability to communicate effectively
in a variety of fields, such as agriculture, health care or pharmaceuticals.
Several major Missouri and Midwestern employers, such as Bayer, Cerner, Merc, Saint
Luke's Health System, Stowers Institute for Medical Research and the University of
Kansas Medical Center, regularly hire ÎÞÂëרÇø graduates with Bioinformatics degrees.
With a bachelor’s degree from ÎÞÂëרÇø, you’ll graduate ready to join and someday lead
a scientific or statistical team, with many different pathways to success. Entry-level
jobs in bioinformatics can garner six-figure salaries. You’ll also be well-prepared
for graduate or medical school.
Financial assistance options for your Bioinformatics degree
At the ÎÞÂëרÇø, we’re dedicated to providing students like
you with an affordable, valuable degree. With a variety of ways to finance your college education, we’ll help you graduate on time and within your budget. For example, student employment
and assistantship opportunities are available across campus in different disciplines
in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit. You can also learn about program-specific scholarships
at the ÎÞÂëרÇø Scholarship Finder.
ÎÞÂëרÇø is ranked nationally as a top overall university for low student debt by LendEDU.
Our tuition is lower than the national average, as well as most institutions in Missouri.
Couple this with our affordable cost of living in the area, and ÎÞÂëרÇø offers a high-value
degree without the high expense.
Meet Professor Selene Nikaido
Associate professor of biology
Program coordinator for the life science tracks of the Biology Bachelor of Science
program, Dr. Nikaido specializes in research on neuroscience and brings her passion
and expertise for gene expression to the classroom. As a Bioinformatics major at ÎÞÂëרÇø,
you may have the opportunity to work with Dr. Nikaido and present research with her
at regional and national conferences.
Read Dr. Nikaido’s Faculty Bio
Experienced faculty
Real-world perspective and connections
Several ÎÞÂëרÇø faculty have served or currently serve as consultants or advisors for
major Midwest firms, providing first-hand industry experience as mentors for students.
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