Bioinformatics at Institute of Technology Carlow

2003

YEAR BOOK

Home Page	Table of contents	Index by Author	Index by topics
	Search

Institute of Technology Carlow

David Ryan

Bioinformatics at Institute of Technology Carlow

Xuemei Lui, a postgraduate researcher in the Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Technology Carlow, working on the development of microbial biosensor strains

Bioinformatics has been identified by the Higher Education Authority Skills Needs Group as an area requiring more graduates to support rapidly expanding biotechnological industries both in Ireland and worldwide. Analytical, pharmaceutical and research industries in particular are increasingly looking for Biology and Computer graduates with a bioinformatics skills base. The Institute of Technology Carlow has been at the forefront of this bioinformatic revolution, providing its postgraduate research students with extensive bioinformatic training and research opportunities.

Bioinformatics involves computer-based extraction and analysis of biological information contained in biomolecules such as DNA and proteins. It is a relatively new science, but has already provided a wealth of information on how living organisms work and how they have evolved. This information is used in the laboratory for drug design, gene therapy, biodetection systems, genetic engineering, genomics and proteomics.

The Institute has recently launched its new BSc Degree programme in Industrial Biology with Bioinformatics and is looking forward to the inaugural degree class who will begin their studies in September 2003. This new course is a one-year add-on post-diploma programme leading to a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree, which integrates the Biotechnological and Computing Sciences. Computing for Bioinformatics will introduce students to basic computer programming and data mining, interpretation and management. Students will study Evolutionary Biology, Genetic Engineering, Biological Information Resources and Databases, DNA & Protein Sequence Interpretation and Analysis, Alignment Techniques, Phylogenetics, Genomics, Proteomics and Microarray Technologies. Practical classes will equip students with the techniques they will need for the application of bioinformatic skills. Students will also carry out a bioinformatics-based research project that will foster practical skills, analytical methodology and an appreciation of the applications of bioinformatics. Each student will spend up to six months gaining work experience in a relevant company. Graduates of this programme will have the opportunity to further their studies, leading to the awards of Masters or Doctorate Degrees.

As part of our continuing commitment to new course development and the provision of an open, flexible learning environment, Institute of Technology Carlow is also preparing to launch a taught Masters in Bioinformatics. In addition, a part time postgraduate diploma in Bioinformatics will be launched in 2004.

Contact: The Head of Department of Applied Biology and Chemistry, Institute of Technology Carlow; Tel: 059 91 70487.