The completion of the human genome sequence early in the 21st century marked the beginning of a big data explosion in life sciences research. The resulting interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics focuses on the application of computational tools in the management and analysis of the data pouring out of the biosciences.

With the bioinformatics market expected to grow to $12.86 billion by 2020, there is an increased demand for bioscientists who are able to better understand and leverage their own research data, as well as informaticians who understand life sciences research.

The University of Delaware’s Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB) addresses this need with the launch of a new Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Bioinformatics aimed at professionals who will join the next generation of researchers and professionals bridging life sciences and computational sciences. The online curriculum and program development is supported by the UD Provost’s Initiative for Excellence and Innovation in E-Learning grant in collaboration with Academic Technology Services.

Offered completely online, the program is designed for working professionals who wish to gain knowledge and practical experience in bioinformatics. The four-course graduate curriculum can be completed in one year.

“Students will learn cutting-edge, state-of-the-art course content from our faculty who are renowned researchers and practitioners in the field. They will learn in an interactive, experiential and team environment that couples lecture-based instruction with hands-on exercises and term projects to gain knowledge and skill sets for real-world applications,” says Cathy H. Wu, director of the CBCB, graduate director of the online certificate program and the Unidel Edward G. Jefferson Chair of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

The program will be of interest to professionals currently working in fields like molecular and cellular biology, genetics, biomedical engineering, medical sciences, scientific programming and software development. “Whatever the background the students are coming from, they will gain core competency for rapidly growing bioinformatics job opportunities in fields from genomics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and health care to big data analytics,” adds Karen Hoober, CBCB assistant director of graduate education and outreach.

Applications are now being accepted on a rolling basis for fall 2017 program start.

For more details, contact UD’s Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at bioinformatics@udel.edu or visit the Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Bioinformatics website.