Bioinformatics
About Bioinformatics
Our Program and Courses
A major in bioinformatics is achieved as a joint major spanning classes in the biology and computer science departments. You’ll study biology, chemistry, computer science and applied mathematics, paving the way to many exciting careers in the sciences and medicine.
Curious about what bioinformatics classes are like? Peruse our course catalog to see the depth and breadth of what’s available to you.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Our highly committed professors actively seek to engage you in cutting-edge scholarship, discussion, and research. They’re dedicated to tailoring your education to your interests and goals and helping you to discover independent study and study-abroad opportunities that will broaden your understanding of the discipline.
Research Opportunities
The program provides many paid opportunities for students to collaborate on research
with faculty members in the fields of bioinformatics, computational biology, health
informatics, genomics, proteomics and medicine, among others.
Explore research at F&M
Off-Campus Study
Our bioinformatics students frequently add to their understanding and field skills
by doing research abroad.
Explore off-campus study at F&M
Success Beyond F&M
Once you earn your degree in bioinformatics, the opportunities are exponential. Recent advances in genetics, genomics, proteomics and other related fields have created immense sets of biological data. To manage, process and understand this massive new body of data, scientists versed in biology and mathematics are in high demand.
Graduate School
Bioinformatics majors frequently go on to study in graduate programs, pursuing advanced degrees in bioinformatics, medicine, and veterinary science. They’ve studied at institutions such as.
- Boston University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Career Paths
Career outcomes for bioinformatics graduates are diverse, ranging from medicine and designing electronic health records, to pharmaceutical research and development and veterinary science. Our graduates hold positions such as:
- Biological Screener and Researcher
- Genetics Researcher
- Global Pharmaceutical Research
- Senior Medical Informatics Specialist
- Vice President of Bioinformatics
With a liberal arts degree, the world is at your fingertips. Here are just a few things bioinformatics professionals can do with their degrees and experience:
- Teach and research at colleges and universities
- Work in hospital information and administrative systems
- Work as a surgeon, physician, or medical researcher
- And so much more!
Related Fields of Study
Biology
The biological sciences expand and advance frontiers of knowledge about all forms of life. From molecules to ecosystems, from oceans to deserts, from the distant past to present day, biology gives you insights into other species, ourselves, and our world.
Chemistry
How is chemistry essential to the understanding of physical, geological and biological phenomena? By studying chemistry at F&M, you’ll explore the study of matter and how it undergoes changes, discovering how chemistry connects to a range of disciplines, from technology, oceanography, medicine and more.
Computer Science
As technology evolves and our understanding of computerized systems increases, computer science has become more advanced. At F&M, you’ll explore this ever-changing field, learning the mathematical basis of modern computer science, gaining technical and programming skills, and understanding how to put theory into practice.
F&M Bioinformatics at Work
September 28, 2023
Future Lawyer Expands Her Resume With Hands-on Legal Experience
Morgan Hovan ’24, a math and economics major, was the first F&M student to declare the Legal Studies Certificate. Explore how this decision is helping carve her path toward a successful career in law.