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The newspaper of The Johns Hopkins University January 23, 2006 | Vol. 35 No. 18
 
WSE and KSAS to Offer Online Master's Degree in Bioinformatics

The growing popularity of bioinformatics, a new branch of technology that draws on computer science and molecular biology, has led Johns Hopkins to launch an online master's degree program in the field. The program is aimed at working professionals with undergraduate and advanced degrees in biological sciences or engineering. Beginning this spring, the online courses leading to a master of science in bioinformatics degree will be offered through the Whiting School's Engineering and Applied Science Programs for Professionals and the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences' Advanced Academic Programs.

Putting the program online will allow professionals from around the world to access these timely classes and to learn from top instructors in the field. The courses are well-suited to the online format because much of the analysis is completed in a digital environment.

Ed Addison, bioinformatics program director for the Whiting School, said that Johns Hopkins is becoming one of the leading academic centers in bioinformatics. "This is a natural progression for Johns Hopkins," he said, "because of its rich course offerings in engineering, medicine and computer sciences, as well as its proximity to NIH and the variety of biotechnology companies along Montgomery County's I-270 corridor."

Kristina Obom, bioinformatics associate program chair for Arts and Sciences, said that the program's flexibility makes it attractive to working professionals. "This online format offers prospective students a first-class Johns Hopkins education with the flexibility to accommodate their jobs and personal responsibilities," she said.

The degree program requires students to complete 11 courses in molecular biology, computer science and bioinformatics. The courses must be completed within six years.

A master of science degree in bioinformatics will enable graduates to interpret complex biological information, perform analyses of sequential data using sophisticated bioinformatics software and program software.

For more information on the program, go to advanced.jhu.edu/biotechnology/bioinformatics.cfm or call 800-847-3330.

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