Glossary

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Bioinformatics

Description

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary area of study which draws upon both computing and the life sciences. It is concerned with the development of technologies for storing, extracting, organising, analysing, interpreting and utilising biological information.

The major areas of bioinformatics include:

storage and retrieval of biological data such as nucleic acid and protein sequence and structure;
data analysis and mining in areas such as sequence alignment, structural analysis, phylogeny, metabolic pathways and signalling, gene expression;
graphical representation of complex biological data;
high performance computing techniques to support the areas above.

Bioinformatics graduates have strengths in computing techniques, life sciences, and biotechnology which equips them for a wide range of careers. Graduates may find employment with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies; companies in the information and communications technology sector; and public and private research organisations.

Studying Bioinformatics Engineering at UNSW

The study of Bioinformatics at UNSW is primarily through the School of Computer Science and Engineering (www.cse.unsw.edu.au) which offers a number of undergraduate programs of study (please refer to the table below). It is also possible to study Bioinformatics within a combined degree program. The School also offers Honours and postgraduate programs.