About Bioinformatics

Our Program and Courses

A major in bioinformatics is achieved as a joint major spanning classes in the biology and computer science departments. You’ll study biology, chemistry, computer science and applied mathematics, paving the way to many exciting careers in the sciences and medicine.

Curious about what bioinformatics classes are like? Peruse our course catalog to see the depth and breadth of what’s available to you.

Our Faculty and Staff

Daniel R Ardia

Associate Dean of the Faculty and Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior; Biology; Science, Technology and Society

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Jaime E Blair

Professor of Biology, Program Chair of Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

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Vincent Carson

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Biology

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Beckley K Davis

Professor of Biology

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James T Engleman

Greenhouse Manager & Laboratory Technician

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Peter A Fields

The Dr. E. Paul & Frances H. Reiff Professor of Biology

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Janet M Fischer

Dr. E. Paul & Frances H. Reiff Professor of Biology, Department Chair of Biology

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Edith L Gallagher

Visiting Scholar of Biology

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Lisa R Garrett

Laboratory Support Supervisor, Biology

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Sarah Gotwols

Research Associate of Biology

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Kelly Hallinger

Visiting Assistant Professor

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Aaron F Howard

Teaching Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior; Data Science

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Pablo D Jenik

Associate Professor and Associate Chair Department of Biology

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Robert N Jinks

Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior

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Shannon McGinnis

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Biology

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Jorge Mena-Ali

Assistant Dean of Faculty Diversity Initiatives and House Don for Roschel College; Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology

Biology

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Andy Miller

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology

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Kirk Miller

B. F. Fackenthal, Jr. Professor of Biology

Public Health

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Clara S Moore

Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior; Public Health; Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

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Mark H Olson

Professor of Biology

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Ellie Rice

Director, Quantitative & Science Center and Senior Teaching Professor of Biology

Biology

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David M Roberts

Associate Professor of Biology

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Samantha M Seldomridge

Academic Department Coordinator

Public Health

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Stephanie A Stoehr

Institutional Biosafety Officer and Teaching Professor of Biology

Public Health

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Joseph Thompson

Dr. E. Paul & Frances H. Reiff Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior

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Learning Outside the Classroom

Our highly committed professors actively seek to engage you in cutting-edge scholarship, discussion, and research. They’re dedicated to tailoring your education to your interests and goals and helping you to discover independent study and study-abroad opportunities that will broaden your understanding of the discipline. 

Research Opportunities

The program provides many paid opportunities for students to collaborate on research with faculty members in the fields of bioinformatics, computational biology, health informatics, genomics, proteomics and medicine, among others. 
Explore research at F&M

Off-Campus Study

Our bioinformatics students frequently add to their understanding and field skills by doing research abroad. 
Explore off-campus study at F&M

Success Beyond F&M

Once you earn your degree in bioinformatics, the opportunities are exponential. Recent advances in genetics, genomics, proteomics and other related fields have created immense sets of biological data. To manage, process and understand this massive new body of data, scientists versed in biology and mathematics are in high demand. 

Graduate School

Bioinformatics majors frequently go on to study in graduate programs, pursuing advanced degrees in bioinformatics, medicine, and veterinary science. They’ve studied at institutions such as. ​

  • Boston University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
  • Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 

Career Paths

Career outcomes for bioinformatics graduates are diverse, ranging from medicine and designing electronic health records, to pharmaceutical research and development and veterinary science. Our graduates hold positions such as:

  • Biological Screener and Researcher
  • Genetics Researcher
  • Global Pharmaceutical Research
  • Senior Medical Informatics Specialist
  • Vice President of Bioinformatics

With a liberal arts degree, the world is at your fingertips. Here are just a few things bioinformatics professionals can do with their degrees and experience:

  • Teach and research at colleges and universities
  • Work in hospital information and administrative systems
  • Work as a surgeon, physician, or medical researcher
  • And so much more!

Related Fields of Study

Biology

The biological sciences expand and advance frontiers of knowledge about all forms of life. From molecules to ecosystems, from oceans to deserts, from the distant past to present day, biology gives you insights into other species, ourselves, and our world.

Chemistry

How is chemistry essential to the understanding of physical, geological and biological phenomena? By studying chemistry at F&M, you’ll explore the study of matter and how it undergoes changes, discovering how chemistry connects to a range of disciplines, from technology, oceanography, medicine and more.

Computer Science

As technology evolves and our understanding of computerized systems increases, computer science has become more advanced. At F&M, you’ll explore this ever-changing field, learning the mathematical basis of modern computer science, gaining technical and programming skills, and understanding how to put theory into practice.

F&M Bioinformatics at Work

May 23, 2024

Ten Faculty Earn Tenure, Promotion

At its May meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed the recommendations of the Professional Standards Committee and the Provost, granting four F&M faculty tenure and promotion to associate professor, while six others were promoted to full professor.

September 28, 2023

Future Lawyer Expands Her Resume With Hands-on Legal Experience

Morgan Hovan ’24, a math and economics major, was the first F&M student to declare the Legal Studies Certificate. Explore how this decision is helping carve her path toward a successful career in law.