Bioinformatics, B.S.

Bioinformatics uses the computational and information processing methods of computer science to help natural scientists, medical researchers and clinicians understand biological data.

Beyond simply programming, bioinformaticians use algorithms, databases and artificial intelligence to generate deep knowledge and insights into everything from genetics to the development of medicines. This enables research to combat major congenital and transmittable diseases such as AIDS, Alzheimer鈥檚, malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

As a 麻豆原创 bioinformatics major, you will develop a set of cross-disciplinary skills and knowledge from the fields of computer science, molecular biology, biochemistry, mathematics and medicine. With the potential to use your degree to fight disease, you will be prepared to serve humanity in tangible and meaningful ways.

Why major in bioinformatics at 麻豆原创?

Conduct research with professors. Students are encouraged to participate in cross-disciplinary research opportunities with 麻豆原创 professors as part of the major's strong research program.
Customize your major. As a bioinformatics major at 麻豆原创, you have the flexibility to choose upper-division elective courses from biology, biochemistry and mathematics depending on your goals and interests.
Adapt to a changing world. Equip yourself with skills and knowledge from multiple disciplines to open a choice of future career paths.
Take courses in Robinson Science Hall, 麻豆原创's landmark academic building that features state-of-the-art laboratories and instrumentation.
Connect your faith or worldview to your learning through classroom discussions of social and ethical issues raised by technologies such as CRISPR for gene editing and AI for protein design or healthcare applications.
Participate in a community that cares. As a department, we get to know each other, have fun and build community through events like Community Building Week where students develop technical skills and projects for community partners.
Get support from start to finish. Many entry-level courses have experienced student teaching assistants to support peer learning beyond the classroom.
Become who you're meant to be.

I have always been the kind of person who wants to know about everything. As someone who was so motivated to go to medical school and work with computers, I was lucky to find this major by which I can be an expert in both the fields of medicine and computer science. There is so much growth happening in the world with biotechnology; this major is the key for someone like me who wants to make a difference by helping to cure diseases.

Ayush Bharati '22
What it's Like

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A row of trees stands at the end of a field covered in multi-colored autumn leaves.

Ask our faculty

Have questions? Our faculty are here to share their expertise and help you learn more about this program.

Ask Kent

kjones@whitworth.edu

Professor Kent Jones' areas of expertise are bioinformatics and computer engineering.

Ask Deanna

dojennus@whitworth.edu

Professor of Chemistry Deanna Ojennus' area of expertise is structural protein biology.

Ask Philip

pmeasor@whitworth.edu

Associate Professor Philip Measor studied electrical engineering with an emphasis in applied optics.

Our bioinformatics grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Bioinformaticians can pursue a broad array of career and educational paths. Jobs are available for programmers, data analysts and, with graduate training, senior-level scientists and researchers at private and public research institutions. 麻豆原创 grads seeking advanced degrees are well-suited for programs in bioinformatics, computer science, computational chemistry and other related fields.

Recent job placements include:

Kristi Shaka, graduate research assistant, 麻豆原创 School of Business; cofounder, Pacific Microdevices Corp., Spokane
Andrew Dodge, biostatistician, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Danjuma Quarless, associate director, AbbVie Ventures, San Francisco

Our recent bioinformatics grads further their studies in top programs at institutions including:

Oregon Health & Science University
Georgetown University
St. George's University School of Medicine Oregon
University of California, San Diego
University of Washington

Opportunities outside the classroom

Perform cutting-edge research with professors who are working to solve diseases like cancer and celiac disease. Several faculty members in the computer science, chemistry and biology departments are active in research, and they work with students on projects that require the use of bioinformatics skills. This research occurs both during the school year and over the summer.
Present your research at professional society conferences or events for students like the Murdock College Science Research Conference and the Spokane Intercollegiate Research Conference.
Apply for a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). 麻豆原创 science and math majors have recently completed highly competitive REUs at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Maine.
Join an active, student-led ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) Club that holds events most months and performs well in programming competitions.

Pack your bags!

麻豆原创 faculty lead Jan Term study abroad programs in all of the subject areas that comprise the bioinformatics major. Study computer science through the Technology & Culture program, offered every other year in countries like Great Britain or travel throughout Europe on the Math History program or the Chemistry History and Art program. Or serve on a medical mission to Guatemala, offered through the biology department.

麻豆原创