The bioinformatics program at Baylor University was developed to bring together the diverse disciplines of Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry. This dynamic interdisciplinary program focuses on leveraging computational approaches to address and solve biologically relevant questions. While there are numerous definitions of bioinformatics and computational biology, all of them loosely define a field at the intersection of computer science, chemistry, mathematics, the life sciences, statistics, informatics and cybernetics, and evolutionary studies. The persistent and pressing need to train individuals capable of translating between all or a portion of these areas has given rise to the establishment of bioinformatics as a recognized academic or professional career path.

As a student studying bioinformatics at Baylor you will be exposed to an intellectually challenging curriculum that covers major portions of traditional computer science, molecular biology, genetics, and organic chemistry in context of Baylor's long-established liberal arts environment. Bioinformatics majors will also have the opportunity to participate in Baylor's active bioinformatics research program, enter into exciting summer internship programs, and contribute to the Christian vision by volunteering for Baylor's undergraduate bioinformatics club. Because Baylor supports very active graduate programs in areas related to bioinformatics, undergraduate students will partake in a didactic that incorporates lecture with hands-on real world examples of bioinformatics applications and research.

Ongoing research projects include methods to create distributed biological database systems designed for the specific needs of biology researchers, research into the automated discovery of gene regulatory networks using high-throughput data sources such as microarray data, and research into novel methods of data clustering and data mining. In addition, Baylor's new $100 million science and research building offers an integrated bioinformatics research lab that provides bioinformatics support to Baylor's growing number of biology researchers.

The vigorous bioinformatics curriculum enables graduating seniors to pursue a broad range of careers. Previous students have had great success in medical school, graduate programs in bioinformatics, computer science, biology and biochemistry, and have acquired jobs in high profile biotech and computer science industries. Ultimately, the program provides the right mixture of science, research and technology to enable motivated students to accomplish their career dreams in the very competitive and rapidly growing biotechnology arena.

If you think that you might like to pursue bioinformatics as a major or a career, please feel free to contact our department at (254)710-3876 for further details.