Program in Bioinformatics at the ANU

Developed by the Department of Mathematics, School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre for Bioinformation Sciences and Division of Botany and Zoology.   Bioinformatics is an inter-disciplinary area aimed at analysing and utilising biological information. A huge amount of biological data relevant to the evolution and functions of organisms is being constantly generated, which requires fast and efficient ways of processing it. Mathematical and statistical modelling  is the leading approach to the analysis of this data. Together with advances in computing and software technologies, it provides insights into the processes of life based on information obtained by experimental  biologists and medical researchers. The analysis of this data is important for furthering our knowledge in life sciences, leading, for example, to improved drug design and population health.    Bioinformatics graduates receive a Bachelor of Science after three years, with an optional fourth honours year. A combination of courses from the program can also be taken towards a Bachelor of Computational Science or a Bachelor of Biotechnology. The Australian National University program in bioinformatics is multi-disciplinary. Students will take courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and computer science. The emphasis is on quantitative analysis of biological information by means of mathematical, statistical and computational methods; but understanding major concepts of molecular biology is essential.   The two core bioinformatics courses (Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling and Advanced Bioinformatics) are a joint initiative of the Department of Mathematics and the Centre for Bioinformation Science (a collaboration between the John Curtin School of Medical Research and the Mathematical Sciences Institute).  Relevant biological material will be explained as the courses progress and these lectures will be given by leading biologists and medical researchers.  These two courses can be taken by any students with the appropriate quantitative skills.   Admission requirements: Ordinary admission requirements for BSc and necessary prerequisites for mathematics and chemistry units in the first semester first year. Students without these prerequisites should contact the relevant Department for information about possible bridging courses.   Career Opportunities: The importance of analysis of vast amounts of biological information leading to improved drug design has created the need for professionals who are able to perform quantitative data analysis required for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Such analysis can involve constructing mathematical models, application of statistics, creating algorithms or designing software. Bioinformatics graduates will have the skills necessary to deal with all these tasks. Pharmaceutical companies are one of the largest potential employers of bioinformatics graduates. Other potential employers are specialised bioinformatics companies, computing companies, research groups, universities and government agencies. Bioinformatics graduates will be competitive not only on the Australian market, but also overseas.   Suggested Programs of Study in Bioinformatics   There are two main streams in the program, the first one emphasises mathematics, the second one biology. Other course combinations (including honours level courses in mathematics and biochemistry/molecular biology) are possible and students should consult the relevant Department.

Essential first year units for both streams:

Year 1, Semester 1	Year 1, Semester 2
MATH1013 or 1115 (Mathematics I)	MATH1014 or 1116 (Mathematics II)
COMP1100 (Programming)	COMP1110 (Software Engineering)
CHEM1014 or 1016 (Chemistry I)	CHEM1015 or 1017 (Chemistry II)
BIOL1007 (Living Cells) or 1003 (Evolution, Ecology and Genetics)	BIOL1004 (Molecular Biology)

Mathematical Bioinformatics Stream:

Year 2, Semester 1	Year 2, Semester 2
MATH2307 (Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling)	MATH2501 (Computational Science)
MATH2305 or 2405 (Calculus and Differential Equations) or 2320 (Analysis)	MATH2406 (Partial Differential Equations) or 2322 (Algebra) or 2061 (Modelling)
STAT2001 (Introductory Statisitics)	COMP2110 (Software Design) or 2600 (Software Engineering)
BIOL2161 (Genes: Replication and Expression)	BIOL2162 (Molecular Biotechnology)

Year 3, Semester 1	Year 3, Semester 2
MATH3501 (Deterministic and Stochastic Modelling)	MATH3017 (Advanced Bioinformatics)
BIOL3161 (Genomics and its Applications)	MATH3502 (Solution of Matrix Problems)
Elective	STAT3004 (Stochastic Modelling)
Elective	Elective

In Year 3 students will normally take one extra biology unit (6 credit points) and two extra mathematics units (12 credit points) from a wide range of units.   Biological Bioinformatics Stream:

Year 2, Semester 1	Year 2, Semester 2
MATH2307 (Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling)	MATH2501 (Computational Science)
STAT2001 (Introductory Statistics)	BIOL2162 (Molecular Biotechnology)
BIOL2161 (Genes: Replication and Expression)	BIOL2152 (Advances in Human Genetics)
BIOL2171 (Biochemistry of the Cell) or 2151 (Introductory Genetics)	Elective

Year 3, Semester 1	Year 3, Semester 2
BIOL3161 (Genomics and its Applications)	MATH3017 (Advanced Bioinformatics)
Elective	Elective
Elective	Elective
Elective	Elective

There is a broad range of units to choose from in Year 3, including: BIOL3101 (Physiology of the Nervous System), BIOL3141 (Infection & Immunity), BIOL3142 (Parasitology), BIOL3144 (Molecular Immunology), BIOL3162 (Applications in Biotechnology) BIOL3174/BIOL3175 (Special Projects), BIOL3176 (Membranes, Drugs and Disease), BIOL3177 (Plant Biochemistry & Molecular Biology), SCCO3102 (Biotechnology in Context), BIOL3152 (Bioinformatics), BIOL3151 (Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics), STAT3011 (Graphical Data Analyis).