Bioinformatics: Bringing IT to life sciences

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One is purely technical. The other deals with living organisms. And the magic is that both of them can come together to create wonders. That’s bioinformatics for you – a field in which computer technology is applied to the management and analysis of biological data.
The term bioinformatics was first suggested by Paulien Hogeweg in 1979 for the study of information processes in biotic systems. This now involves the creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques, and theory to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of biological data.

To put it in more simple terms, mathematical and computational processes are now used to gain an understanding of biological processes. Some of the often heard activities in this sphere include DNA mapping and creating three-dimensional models of protein structures.
Essentially, such a bonding between two diverse fields helps us understand the gene structure of living organisms, which ultimately leads scientists and medical experts to evolve ways and means to fight or prevent the various diseases that plague all living beings. For example, bioinformatics has made it possible to understand the complexities of the genetic structure of human beings which has explained why certain diseases are passed on from one generation to another.

Scope

The career prospects in this sunrise sector have been steadily increasing with an increasing number of research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies investing higher amounts for the understanding of the human genetic structure and how a better quality of life can be attained in the years to come. Some of the specific career options available here include sequence assembly, database design and maintenance, sequence analysis, proteomics (the study of protein, particularly their structures and functions), pharmacogenomics, pharmacology, computational chemistry, bioanalytics etc. Bioinformatics offers tremendous scope to those interested in producing customised medicines for the prevention or cure of various ailments.

Eligibility

Since this is a much specialised field that involves dual knowledge of biological processes and information technology, only those with graduation or post-graduation in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, chemistry, pharmacy, veterinary sciences, physics, mathematics or information technology can apply to pursue a course in bioinformatics. The study of bioinformatics begins at the undergraduate level and the basic educational qualification to pursue this course is HSC (10+2) completed with science as one of the primary subjects.

Various courses are offered by universities and the eligibility criteria can vary from one to the other. For example, to obtain a BTech in Bioinformatics a candidate should have completed HSC with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English while for a Master’s in Bioinformatics, the candidate should hold any of such degrees as BSc, BSc (Agriculture), BCS, BE, BTech, MBBS, BPharm, BAMS, BHMS or BVSc. For an Advanced Diploma in Bioinformatics, a candidate should have a post-graduation in Life Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Computer Science, Medicine or Agriculture.

Institutes

Some of the reputed institutes offering a course in bioinformatics include:
•    Bioinformatics Institute of India, Noida
•    C M S College of Science and Commerce, Coimbatore
•    Center for Bioinformatics Research Institute, Chennai
•    Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore
•    Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
•    M S University of Baroda, Vadodara
•    Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai
•    School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry
•    Singhania University, Rajasthan
•    University of Calcutta, Kolkata
•    University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
•    University of Pune, Pune

Remuneration

Considering that this sector requires a greater degree of competence, technical skills and application of knowledge, the financial remuneration is on the higher side as compared to many other professions. Well-established medical institutions, research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies offer starting packages of Rs 1.5 lakhs per annum or more, depending on the status of the company or institution. However, this sector does not offer too much scope for entrepreneurship because the requirement of investment is huge and so is the need for skilled manpower.