BSc Bioinformatics is an undergraduate course with a blend of biology and information technology. The prerequisite to pursue BSc Bioinformatics is minimum 45% marks in 12th with Biology/Maths, Physics, Chemistry as core subjects. The course focuses on biological databases, informatics, biomolecule interaction prediction, drug designing, and understanding basics of computation in biology.
The course will train students to utilise databases for various biological research. Bioinformatics is an emerging field in India, making it a great career choice in the Biology domain. Bioinformatics do not involve much laboratory work as other biological programmes. Most of the learning in bioinformatics is of software, tools, and digital information. The average course fee ranges between INR 5,000 to 15,000 for government institutes and INR 2 -4 Lakhs for private ones. BSc Bioinformatics offers jobs in diagnostic centres, government and private hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, pharmacogenomics, research centres, universities, and colleges.
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BSc Bioinformatics Course Highlights
BSc in Bioinformatics is an evolving field in the biology domain. This course, at UG level, aims to equip the student with a basic understanding of computational biology, coding in biology (genetic coding, protein coding), drug designing methods, etc. It is an interdisciplinary subject in which the interface between biology, computing, and statistics is used in organism biology, molecular biology and biomedicine.
What is BSc Bioinformatics?
BSc Bioinformatics is an undergraduate degree that combines the use of computer science, biology, and information technology to understand and analyse biological information. The topic provides a way of explaining complex biological processes with the use of computer tools, software, and algorithms. The students learn how to handle and analyse genetic sequences, protein structures, and extensive data used in medical and pharma research. The program educates biotechnology, data analysis, and molecular biology graduates to be professionally qualified for placement in the biotechnology industry, health care, or research fields. It also lays a good foundation for the pursuit of postgraduate study in bioinformatics, computational biology, or other multidisciplinary courses.
Why Pursue BSc Bioinformatics?
As Bioinformatics is gaining momentum in India, there are great work opportunities for those who have expertise in it. Specialisation in Bioinformatics offers many advantages such as;
Research and development
In today's era of medical research, bioinformatics is unavoidable. Hardcore research on organisms, molecular biology, forensic, or biochemistry requires knowledge of Bioinformatics or an expert of Bioinformatics to perform the job.
Industry Requirement
Most of the pharmaceutical and Biotech industries work on developing drugs, vaccines, serum, plasma, etc. Developing or designing drugs is not possible without the help of bioinformatics. It is important in studying the Drug-Molecule interaction, Binding Sites, Protein-Receptor Interaction, etc.
Interdisciplinary Benefits
BSc in Bioinformatics is the subject that gives both biological knowledge as well as technical expertise in the field. This blend of biology and information technology ensures a stable and high-paying job in multiple sectors across the globe and can also act as a stepping stone for BTech and MTech in Bioinformatics.
BSc Bioinformatics Eligibility
To apply for BSc Bioinformatics, the eligibility criteria are a minimum of 45% in 12th grade from any recognised board. Some government institutes may require a qualifying entrance exam for admission.
- Candidates must have studied Biology as one of the core subjects along with physics and chemistry.
- An understanding of mathematics is also required for studying bioinformatics.
BSc Bioinformatics Admission Process
Government universities give admission on the basis of 12th-grade merit and entrance exam merit. Some popular entrance exams considered by government universities are SET, CUET, and NPAT.
Private institutes consider 12th-grade scores, and a minimum of 45% is required.
The admission process is completely online through the official website of the institute. However, students are advised to check the admission guidelines and selection procedure beforehand for the university/institute of their choice.
Basic framework for BSc Bioinformatics Admission is as mentioned below.
- Visit the admission portal of the institute and check the admission requirements.
- Fill out the application form with the necessary details like educational, personal, and contact information.
- Upload the identity and qualification proofs.
- Pay the registration fees and submit the form.
The institute will scrutinise the application and send the confirmation if shortlisted.
BSc Bioinformatics Colleges in India
BSc Bioinformatics is offered by many government and private institutes with different selection criteria. Some universities also conduct personal interviews or Group Discussion Rounds.
Some well-known colleges for BSc in Bioinformatics are tabulated below.
BSc Bioinformatics Syllabus
BSc in Bioinformatics is a study of biology, maths, statistics, information technology tools, sequence alignment, primer designing, and analysis methods. With this course, theoretical concepts as well as hands-on training in computation is required. The course is divided into 6 semesters with minor projects or an internship in the final semester.
Here is the generalised syllabus recommended by the UGC for BSc in Bioinformatics that is followed by top institutes like JNU, SPU, D.Y. Patil University, etc.
BSc Bioinformatics Jobs & Salary
There is a huge scope for BSc Bioinformatics in fields like the pharma industry, the biotech industry, academics, medical and diagnostic centres, etc.
Average earnings in India can be 3 to 20 LPA, depending on the industry type, position, and location.
Some common job profiles and salary potential as per the current market trends is tabulated below.
- BSc Bioinformatics is a UG programme, hence one can opt for higher studies as MSc Bioinformatics, and PhD in Bioinformatics.
- Those who are interested in academic careers should obtain a master's degree in bioinformatics.
- One can also prepare for various competitive exams to secure government jobs in this field.
- A person with a BSc Bioinformatics degree can move abroad as there is are high demand for such experts
BSc Bioinformatics FAQs
Is BSc Bioinformatics new in India?
No, this course is not new for Indian research and development. Bioinformatics is an emerging field as of now because of progress in medical science, disease research, and the Make in India concept.
Is it true that BSc Bioinformatics has less scope in India as compared to abroad?
No, that is not true, as bioinformatics has become an unavoidable part of medical and disease research. However, the awareness of this field and the expertise required to excel in bioinformatics are not up to the mark in India. Also, the pay scales and technologies are more advanced in foreign countries.
Can I get an academic job after a BSc in Bioinformatics?
One may or may not get an academic job immediately after completing BScin Bioinformatics. An academic career requires an in-depth understanding of the subject and experience of training students that comes with an MSc or PhD in the field. However, one can try to apply for a teaching assistant position.
Which is better, bioinformatics or biotechnology?
Biotechnology includes wet lab experiments on biological samples, whereas bioinformatics requires work with software and digital data. If laboratory work is what you want to pursue as a career, then biotechnology is an evergreen field.
