Career Guide for Bioinformatics Studies

Bioinformatics is the process of gathering, storing, analyzing and merging biological data using computer technologies to improve the quality of life of individuals. In other words, Bioinformatics is the amalgamation of computer science, biology, genetics, mathematics and other medical specialties. The role of a professional involves studying the risk factors that lead to the development of a disease. They also analyze clinical trails of new medicines before they are released into the market. Due to the sudden increase in health complications and unprecedented diseases Bio-informatics professionals are on high demand as they play a big role in developing new drugs that cure ills.

Courses & Eligibility:

A student willing to make a career in Bioinformatics can pursue any of the following courses:

• Advance Diploma in Bioinformatics
• Advance Post Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics
• Advanced Bioinformatics (ABI)
• B.Sc. Bioinformatics
• B.Sc. Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
• B.Tech Bioinformatics
• Certificate Course in Bioinformatic
• Diploma in Bioinformatics
• M.S. Bioinformatics
• M.Sc. Bioinformatics
• M.Sc. Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
• M.Tech. Bioinformatics
• Post Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics

Students who had chosen the science stream at 10+2 level can initially take up Bioinformatics. Graduates in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, chemistry, pharmacy, veterinary sciences can also pursue Bioinformatics. For a Master’s degree a candidate should have completed his graduation in subjects like B.Sc / B.Sc (Agriculture)/ BCS / BE / B.Tech / MBBS /B Pharm / BAMS / BHMS / BVSc. For Advance Diploma courses in Bioinformatics one should have completed a Post Graduation in Biotechnology, Biophysics, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Computer Science, M.Sc (Agriculture) or M.Tech or MBBS.

Career prospects:

A student with a degree/diploma certificate can pursue his career in Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, research institutions, hospital and industry etc. One can be employed as a Clinical pharmacologist, Informatics developer, Computational chemist, Bio-analytics and Analytics, Database designer etc. These professionals are in great demand in Pharmaceutical and Biotech companies where Bioinformatics technologies are applied throughout the drug discovery process. Also one can take up a teaching job if he/she possess good teaching skills.

Remuneration:

A Graduate may initially receive a salary around Rs. 8000 while a Post Graduate may receive Rs.12000-15000 per month. Employees in Government sectors earn a decent salary along with other perks.