Bioinformatics Degree
The bioinformatics associate's degree is designed as a transfer program providing the first two years of a baccalaureate degree leading to an advanced degree in the field of bioinformatics.
The program teaches you to analyze data and technical information, use appropriate equipment and instrumentation, and communicate scientific concepts and information effectively. You will also learn to work effectively in groups, a common scenario in the workplace.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
- Identify and describe skills specific to programming, data analysis, and data manipulation.
- Analyze contemporary problems in medicine, public health, and biology using computational approaches at the beginner level.
- Synthesize issues across the disciplines of biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics.
- Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, individually and in group settings, using verbal, written, and electronic modes of communication.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
Montgomery College has partnerships with multiple four-year institutions and the tools to help you transfer. Learn more about transfer opportunities and discuss your transfer options with your program advisor.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Career fields for bioinformatics majors include occupations like biological technician, biostatistician, bioinformatics scientist, molecular and cellular biologist, epidemiologist, or medical and clinical laboratory technologist. Some may require a bachelor's or advanced degree. Employment for bioinformaticists (or bioinformatics scientists) is projected to grow eight percent from 2016 to 2026.- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for Bioinformatics majors follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- MATH 181 - Calculus I 4 semester hours (MATF)
- BIOL 202 - Interdisciplinary Bioinformatics-An Introduction 3 semester hours
- CHEM 131 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- BIOL 150 - Principles of Biology I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- CHEM 132 - Principles of Chemistry II 4 semester hours (GEEL)
- CMSC 140 - Introduction to Programming 3 semester hours
- Arts Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)
Third Semester
- BIOL 151 - Principles of Biology II 4 semester hours
- CHEM 203 - Organic Chemistry I 5 semester hours
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (HUMD)
- MATH 217 - Statistics for Scientists 3 semester hours
Fourth Semester
- BIOL 222 - Principles of Genetics 4 semester hours
- CMSC 203 - Computer Science I 4 semester hours
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD) *
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD) *
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or CMSC 204.
** Behavioral and Social Science Distribution (BSSD) courses must come from different disciplines.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.