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Bioinformatics is a unique research experience at UGA! Our program emerged from the recognition that all life sciences would require biotechnology to analyze vast quantities of data. But what is bioinformatics? In short, bioinformatics is a growing interdisciplinary field that combines computational power with biological analysis to further investigate intricate questions within the life sciences. At a certain point, biological analysis becomes so complex that we need the power of computers and biotechnology to provide a clearer picture of what we’re looking at. Bioinformatics is a broad field covering many biological sciences such as genomics, marine sciences, microbiology and more! Thus, our program emphasizes the full data lifecycle. We start with experimental design, then move to choosing the appropriate technology, and finally apply analysis with the proper statistics and algorithms.

The mission of the Institute of Bioinformatics (IoB) is to facilitate cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and application of bioinformatics/computational biology and for students to attain mastery in this new, rapidly evolving field. We train graduate students to tackle complicated biological problems which utilize omics or other complex data types. Graduate students working with the IoB will develop important computational tools necessary to conduct more advanced and complicated research in the life sciences. The IoB currently offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Bioinformatics and a Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics to students enrolled in other graduate programs at UGA. In addition, we are expanding our program to undergraduates who are interested in learning how their respective fields of study can contribute to the growing realm of bioinformatics. We are currently offering courses aimed at undergraduates, and we hope to provide experiential learning opportunities as well as mentorship opportunities hosted by graduate students. We are looking to expand our undergraduate program to offer certificates, minors, and majors in the future.