BScHons Bioinformatics

Programme information

Bioinformatics is the application of computer science, mathematics, statistics and informatics techniques to biological data. The biological data may be in the form of protein or nucleic acid sequences, whole genomes, macromolecular structures, expression levels, transcription levels or metabolic pathway models. Bioinformatics has applications at various levels, from pure application to biological problems, to software and algorithm design. Bioinformatics may be applied to the fields of agriculture, veterinary science, medicine, environmental sciences and to information technology-related fields. The Bioinformatics Unit at the University of Pretoria forms part of a national bioinformatics network at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), and represents the Gauteng hub.

Bioinformatics is based on biological, mathematical and computer sciences. Postgraduate studies in this programme include honours, master’s and doctoral degrees. The oneyear honours degree is open to students with degrees in biological sciences, computer science, mathematical statistics or other related fields. Additional biology, computer science or mathematics subjects may be prescribed. At master’s and doctoral levels, students are required to complete research projects in bioinformatics.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

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