Vision
For scientific community the need to decode and interpret the information entrenched in the human as well as other genomes is growing every day because of the innovation in biotechnology. It is envisioned that the BS program offered in the department will develop bioinformatics professionals with interdisciplinary approaches to explore different areas of life sciences with the help of state-of-art technologies being applied around the globe. Department of Bioinformatics plans to initiate MS in Bioinformatics in near future to address the growing need for professionals with an educational background that blends biology with computer science and mathematics. This combination of skills is needed both in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as in biomedical research. Introduction and promotion of Bioinformatics in the country as an emerging science is one of the primary objectives of the department.
Mission
The mission of the department of bioinformatics is to educate and prepare graduate students to reach the forefront of leadership in the field of bioinformatics and computational biology and to integrate research and education on the use of information technologies in molecular biology and biotechnology to explore the genome of living organisms by developing / using bio info metical tools for analysis, comparison and annotation of the ever increasing sequence data to understand and to set new frontiers for life.
Introduction
Bioinformatics has become a frontline applied science discipline of the twenty-first century. The GC University, Faisalabad is amongst the few institutions in the country to offer a degree program in this emerging field of science. Bioinformatics is an interface between Computing, Mathematics, Statistics and the life sciences. It is responsible for producing new computer programs (databases and software) and for using them in life sciences. Department of Bioinformatics encourages students to participate in the Bioinformatics Graduate Program at GC University, Faisalabad which provides interdisciplinary training that bridges departments and seamlessly integrates computational methodologies into biological education on the following lines.
The BS Program is aimed at providing
- A broad understanding of the molecular process of life.
- Understanding of the tools used to map and sequence genomics.
- Confidence in the application of statistical tests of significance.
- A high level of skill in design and use of information techniques with emphasis on the organization, display and analysis of complex data.
- An appreciation of the art of experimental design and data interpretation and their limitations.
Scope
Bioinformatics is expected to substantially create an impact on scientific, engineering and economic development of the world. It is fast emerging as an important discipline for academic research and industrial application. Bioinformatics Graduates are in great demand. Career opportunities in Bioinformatics will continue to expand on both the computer and biological science fronts. For computer science, there are opportunities in programming, database development, system analysis and software engineering. In the biological sciences career opportunities exist for bio-informatics experts who assist biologist and medical researchers to interpret biological or medical data, design user interfaces and run laboratory information.
