Bachelor in Bioinformatics

Course Features:
Bioinformatics is a well-established discipline with universally recognized and sought-after skills in both the national and international public and private sectors. Historically developed from the sequencing of genomes of model organisms, especially the human genome, in the 1990s, bioinformatics has now become an integral part of basic research in genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology, as well as applied research in the biomedical field, to the point of requiring close peer-to-peer collaboration between biologists/physicians and data analysis experts (bioinformaticians).

Its main tasks are:
- Providing mathematical and statistical models useful for the analysis and interpretation of experimental biomolecular data. The most significant aspect is the need to integrate huge amounts of data (big data) from extremely heterogeneous sources ("omics" technologies) to identify the "key" elements underlying a specific biological process of interest to the physician/biologist;

- Develop computational models and methods for the analysis of biological sequences and gene expression data (genome, transcriptome, proteome, epigenetic profiles, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications, genomic localization of proteins, genetic polymorphisms, RNA/DNA editing, etc.) to identify phylogenetic specificities/similarities and mutations relevant, for example, to personalized medical diagnosis and therapy (tumors, vaccines, genetic diseases);

- Organize integrated archives equipped with analysis platforms for better use and presentation of biomolecular data;

- Analyze and predict the structural and functional aspects of macromolecules and their interactions with ligands and drugs, including using machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques;

In this context, a “new alliance” between bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, and medicine appears to be of great strategic importance to respond to the challenges posed by the overwhelming development of biomolecular technologies.

● Educational objectives with reference to the professional figures who will be trained;
The aim of the course is to initially train bioinformaticians who, upon obtaining a bachelor's degree, are capable of working professionally in various application fields, but also of accessing, with a solid background, master's degrees and Master's programs aimed at more specialized fields of bioinformatics, biomedical statistics, and computer science, or biomedical degrees where they can learn to put their expertise to good use in specific research sectors.

● admission method:
Local restricted access through selective test (English Tolc-F)

● training activities:
The program is structured over three years. The first year includes 60 credits of basic courses (mathematics, physics, chemistry, cellular biology, statistics, and computer science); the second year includes 60 credits of courses in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, and bioinformatics; the third year includes bioethics, bioinformatics, genomics, and a series of optional specialized exams for 42 credits, plus 18 credits dedicated to a professional internship related to the final thesis, language skills, and other skills preparatory to the world of work.

● Indication of opportunities for international experiences:
Regarding international experiences, the course has Erasmus agreements with: the University of S. Jorge of Zaragoza, the University of Santiago de Compostela, the University of Leuven, and the Catholic University of Lille, which offer BCS courses with a particular focus on Bioinformatics. Several students have participated in the Erasmus program over the last three years. We are also planning to organize a joint Bioinformatics summer school with the Department of Biochemical Sciences of Sapienza University and the University of Dallas (USA), which will take place in June 2023 and is scheduled for June 2024.

● subsequent employment and professional opportunities and – depending on the type of degree program – access to a Master's degree, specialization schools, PhDs, and Master's degrees:
There is already an active demand for our graduates as bioinformatics technicians from research institutions, hospitals, and universities. Nonetheless, the vast majority of them continue their education in Master's degree or Master's programs in bioinformatics (e.g., Master's in Computational Biology, University of Trento; Master's in Bioinformatics, Rome, Tor Vergata; Master's in Biomedical Omics, University of Milan) or in Biology or Biotechnology (e.g., Master's in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Sapienza; Master's in Biochemistry, Sapienza).

Sapienza University of Rome was founded in 1303, located outside the Vatican walls. Despite some initial issues with the clergy, the university fostered a new relationship between the city of Rome and scholars from all over the world. The university is structured into 11 faculties and more than 60 academic and research departments, each with their own policies and goals. These departments are dedicated to providing high-quality education and conducting innovative research to serve the nation and society. They offer a diverse range of research training across various disciplines and emerging fields, aiming to establish academic leadership and strategic partnerships with other universities, industries, and the European community.