Johns Hopkins' part-time programs next spring will
begin offering a master's degree sequence in the popular
new field of bioinformatics, which is a cross between the
science of mapping proteins, cloning genes and sequencing
DNA, and the science of storing, accessing and mapping such
information.
The new advanced degree program, aimed at working
adults, will be presented through a collaboration between
the Whiting School
of Engineering's Part-Time Programs in Engineering and
Applied Science and the Krieger School of Arts and
Sciences' Advanced Academic
Programs. Courses will be aimed at preparing students
for work in one of the biotech industry's fastest-growing
business sectors
The master's degree program in bioinformatics, to be
offered at the Montgomery
County Campus in Rockville, Md., will be one of only
two such programs in the state. The joint graduate degree
is designed to provide students with theoretical and
applied training in database systems, human genetics, gene
sequencing, Web application development, clinical trial
designs and more.
In addition to in-class instruction, many courses will
be available online, and some will be offered as electives
at other Johns Hopkins campuses.
"Maryland has the third-largest biotech industry in
the country, which means that a part-time master's program
in bioinformatics is as necessary for the state's
professional development as it is for its economic
development," said Kristina Obom, coordinator for the
program.
Ed Addison, a Part-Time Engineering adjunct faculty
member, said that from his perspective as a managing
director and partner of a local high-tech/biotech venture
fund, he sees Johns Hopkins' commitment to this growing
specialty as a way to facilitate the marriage of two very
different disciplines. "Once scientists understand how to
use computational technology in research and development,
and information technology professionals understand how
their skills can facilitate the management of scientific
information, there will be no limitations to what science
can do in the areas of research and development," he
said.
For more information on the bioinformatics master's
degree program, contact Kristina Obom at 301-294-7159 or go
to
www.bioinformatics.jhu.edu
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