Bioinformatics
Do you have an interest in both biology and computer science and just can’t seem to choose between the two? Would you like to use the tools of mathematics and computer science to analyze, explore and make inferences from data — without having to collect the data yourself?
Fontbonne STEM Scholars
Fontbonne's first-ever Griffin Technology Scholarship was awarded to six incoming freshmen.
Samantha Warren, Ph.D.
“With the recent boom in biological data, we need bioinformaticists to work alongside biologists to process and analyze data and make new discoveries that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.”
Samantha Warren, Assistant Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science Department
“Bioinformatics is a fast growing field with career opportunities at all levels. The field falls in the intersection of three other fields: biology, math, and computer science; meaning you can customize your course work and research field to fit your individual strengths and interests.
With the recent boom in biological data, we need bioinformaticists to work alongside biologists to process and analyze data and make new discoveries that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.”
If your answer is “yes” to either question, then the Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics might be perfect for you. Bioinformatics is a combination of biology and computer science, with a substantial dose of statistical methods. In more technical terms, bioinformatics refers to the retrieval and analysis of biochemical and biological data using mathematics and computer science. (http://dictionary.reference.com) The need for scientists in this field has exploded because of the Human Genome Project.
Bioinformatics Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for bioinformatics scientists was about $71,000 in 2011. Expected job growth for scientists in this category is predicted to be 31 percent between 2010 and 2020.
“In 2013, Monsanto and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced expansions totaling $445 million, which will create 775 new jobs in the St. Louis area. A number of these jobs will require bioinformatics skills and coursework that are often lacking in graduates from local, small liberal arts colleges. Smaller genomics companies in St. Louis are also on the rise, and as these companies mature, they will require a continuous influx of bioinformaticians that want to start their careers in St. Louis. I view Fontbonne’s idea to establish a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics as an excellent strategic move that will benefit its students and the university as a whole.”
~ Rob Alba, Ph.D., Functional Genomics Lead, Monsanto Company
Bioinformatics Program Highlights
- Study with and participate in research alongside professors on topics ranging from cancer to soybeans to the Zika virus.
- Take classes that are equal parts theory and hands-on experience.
- Work in labs equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and software.
- Enjoy small class sizes and get all of the personal attention you deserve.
- Intern with major St. Louis companies.
- Be part of the only undergraduate bioinformatics program in Eastern Missouri.
Career Opportunities
- Bioinformatics programmer
- Project manager
- Database developer and administrator
- Technical assistant and technical sales representative (could require additional schooling)
- Employers include: academic research labs, hospitals, government agencies, the software industry, or the bioinformatics service industry
- Preparation for medical or other graduate programs
Bioinformatics Career Opportunities
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Contact Us
Questions? Contact our Office of Admission: 314-889-1400 or 1-800-205-5862 | fbyou@fontbonne.edu