Bioinformatics University of Primorska

Overview

At the beginning of the third millennium, modern technologies as applied to the natural sciences and quality of life present especially great challenges. The rapid growth of various biological data which is stored in databases and is suitable for computer management and analysis has created the need for experts who have mastered techniques in the areas of mathematics and computer and information sciences.

In addition, boundaries between the various profiles of natural scientists (biologists, chemists and physicists) are becoming increasingly blurred, and therefore the various tools used in bioinformatics have become invaluable. A classically trained biologist is normally unfamiliar with statistics and is not skilled in computer science; however these skills will be increasingly demanded in this work environment. A classically trained mathematician or computer scientist, on the other hand, does not have the knowledge of biology and chemistry required for a career in bioinformatics.

The goal of the Bioinformatics programme from University of Primorska is to:

• have sufficient knowledge in the natural sciences (biochemistry, chemistry, biology, genetics, chemistry, physics), and who will also be skilled in mathematical techniques as well as in computer programming and computer-assisted analysis of biological data;

• are able to recognise connections between various mathematical theories, and natural and social sciences, in particular those connected with biology;

• have developed skills for analysing data and reaching new conclusions and findings;

• have developed cooperation skills in solving biomathematical problems;

• are trained to further their knowledge of bioinformatics through professional development;

• are trained in solving concrete problems of a biological nature, and developing and using appropriate mathematical skills and tools from computer and information sciences;

• have developed interdisciplinary thinking and the capacity to connect areas within natural and mathematical sciences;

• are trained in independent research, allowing them to stay current in terms of developments in science.

Careers

Graduates will be employable in public administration (Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, Environmental Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food,) in health establishments and pharmaceutical companies, private and public laboratories, national and international non-governmental organisations (such as IUCN, WWF, and others), in the private sector, and in agricultural production and the food sector both nationally and internationally. Knowledge acquired in the areas of mathematics and computer and information sciences will also equip graduates for employment in teaching and research, establishments dealing with computer science, and establishments where knowledge of statistics is needed (such as Statistical Office, insurance companies, and banks).