• Bioinformatics faculty positions open
• GWU awarded $1.7M Hughes grant for undergraduate bioinformatics
• GWU awarded NSF grant for computing clusters

[General Questions] [Undergraduate Questions] [Graduate Questions]

General Questions (TOP)

What is Bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics is a field that combines computing with biology, but with plenty of opportunities as well for physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and pre-med students.

OK, but what is it really?

There are two "definitions" of the field. One takes a narrow view:

Bioinformatics is the study, design and use of computational and mathematical tools to answer questions about DNA and related molecules (such as RNA and the proteins they create).

This view is centered around the popular tools that appear to define bioinformatics today: software tools that help assemble DNA sequences, compare DNA sequences, help search for particular properties within DNA sequences and within protein sequences. But because DNA sequences are the tip of the iceberg of molecular biology, a broader view considers all kinds of computational and mathematical tools used in biology, including tools that help visualize molecules:

Bioinformatics is the study, design and use of computational and mathematical tools to process biologically-derived data.

See the NCBI website or the Bioinformatics.org website for more definitions, including the definitions of the "omics" words like Genomics and Proteomics.

Why should I be interested?

• Bioinformatics is one of the hottest and fastest growing fields today. The ability to sequence DNA and understand the "DNA code" is revolutionizing biology and biomedical sciences, enabled by the sophisticated software to process large amounts of this biological information in new and interesting ways
• The DC area has one of the largest concentrations of biotech companies and laboratories in the world.
• GWU has excellent opportunities for students in bioinformatics, including programs and formal ties to world-renowned institutions such as The Institute for Genomics Research, the Children's National Medical Center, and the Holland Laboratory of the Red Cross.

Where can I find out more about Bioinformatics?

Here are some websites:

• FAQ at www.bioinformatics.org, a non-profit organization of bioinformatics professionals. The FAQ has a nice overview of the field, definitions, suggestions for careers and more information.
• NCBI Education section - The National Center for Biotechnology Information, one of the premier providers of online Bioinformatics tools, has a nice section of their site devoted to bioinformatics education. Here you can get an overview of the field, browse tutorials, and even try out some of the tools.
• The Dolan DNA Learning Center has introductory material (click on "resources").
• Bioinformatics Overview at UT Austin.
• Job/Career sites: BioPlanet, BioExchange.

Undergraduate Questions (TOP)

What are my options at GWU?

There are two degree options, and plenty of non-degree (course) options:

• The Computer Science department offers two degrees with concentrations in bioinformatics. One of these is a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with concentration in Bioinformatics. The other is a dual-BA in Computer Science and Biology.
• Programs offered through the Biology Department that include concentrations in Bioinformatics.

The non-degree options include just taking courses, for example:

• CS 177: Introduction to Bioinformatics.
• Introduction to Proteomics (Biology department).

What do I need to do if I'm interested?

If you want to enroll in a program, meet with an advisor in that program. For example, students interested in a Biology department program can stop by the Biology department; students interested in a computer science program can stop by the Computer Science department and schedule an appointment with an advisor (Prof. Feldman).

Graduate Questions (TOP)

What are my options at GWU?

Currently, the only graduate program offered in Bioinformatics is the Master's in Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics. Highlights of this program:

• You do not need degrees in biology or computer science to enter the program, although your application will be more competitive if you have one of these degrees. See the website for more information.
• The program features two tracks: a biology track for students primarily interested in using computational tools for biology problems, and a computer science track for students primarily interested in developing computational tools in this area.