FACTSHEET
Bioinformatics for Software Professionals (Co-op)
Program #: 3613
Program Contact
Bioinformatics for Software Professionals Services
416-289-5000, ext. 8256
bisp@centennialcollege.ca
School:School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science
Program Type:Post-diploma program
Program Length:1 year/ 3 semesters
Credential:Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Start Date:Fall, Winter
LocationProgress Campus
Description
Bioinformatics is an exciting new field that integrates computers with biology. The recent explosion of available biological data types has created an increasing demand, which far exceeds the supply for skilled bioinformatics specialists with comprehensive training in both biology and software. Current advances have increased the need for the creation of new and innovative bioinformatics tools. Unique computational tools open a vast potential for new scientific discovery, with the ultimate goal of understanding and modeling living systems. The bioinformatics industry is growing rapidly with increasing career opportunities in Canada. Skills in bioinformatics can be applied in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and environmental industries and in all areas of biotechnology. The program offers software students a career specialization in the field of bioinformatics. This intensive hands-on, problem-based program will include course work, an individual research thesis and a co-op component, providing you with the unique skill set and training that are in high demand in the field. Much of the study level of this curriculum is beyond the Bachelor’s degree. This program is the first in Canada to provide a 12-month, post-degree bioinformatics certificate targeted to students with existing software backgrounds. Students will experience unique training that will distinguish them in Ontario, Canada and the world. Co-op Term This program has a mandatory co-op component. Academically-qualified students enhance their education by working as paid employees in the field. The experience not only allows you to put classroom learning into practice, but also provides valuable contacts for future careers.
Benefits
Career Outlook

Graduates are prepared to work in academic, government and industrial labs as:
  • Bioinformatics analysts
  • Bioinformatics software developers
  • Bioinformatics research technicians
  • Application developer
  • Software developer
  • Database developer

Program Highlights

  • The program includes one-semester paid co-op experience
  • Courses are delivered using leading-edge technology geared to industry standards project-based learning
  • Faculty members are knowledgeable and approachable with diverse business experience and academic credentials
  • The certificate that is earned is recognized in Canada and abroad, reflecting high standards of learning
Admission Requirements
Applicants to Graduate Certificate programs must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a four-year degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering or related discipline, from an accredited college or university.

Non-academic Requirements
  • Transcript and resume review may be required
  • English and/ or math skills assessment may be required

Co-op Requirements

  • Minimum GPA 2.5 or above for COOP-222, mandatory co-op term

The qualification requirements and costs for each external  accreditation, designation, certification or recognition are set by the granting body and not by Centennial College.  In order to qualify for any of those external accreditations, designations, certification or recognition, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and materials of those external bodies.

Course Outline
Semester 1 Courses
Course Code Course Title Campus
BIO-412 Biochemistry Progress Campus
BIO-411 Bioinformatics Tools, Databases and Models Progress Campus
BIO-417 Current Topics in Bioinformatics Progress Campus
COOP-221 Employment Preplacement 1 Progress Campus
BIO-416 Ethics and Intellectual Property Progress Campus
BIO-413 Molecular Biology and Genomics Progress Campus
BIO-415 Research Methods in Bioinformatics-Thesis Part I Progress Campus
BIO-414 Statistics and Data Analysis for Bioinformatics Progress Campus


Semester 2 Courses
Course Code Course Title Campus
BIO-421 Bioinformatics Algorithms Progress Campus
BIO-422 Computational Intelligence Progress Campus
BIO-426 Database Design and Biological Data Management Progress Campus
BIO-424 Developing Bioinformatics Tools Progress Campus
BIO-427 Organizational Behaviour and Facilitation Progress Campus
BIO-425 Parallel and Distributed Computing Progress Campus
BIO-423 Protein Structure and Analysis Progress Campus
BIO-428 Research Thesis in Bioinformatics Progress Campus


Semester 3 Courses
Course Code Course Title Campus
COOP-222 Co-op Work Term 1 Progress Campus