Program Overview
The Grado en Bioinformática (Bioinformatics Degree) is a Spanish-language, distance-learning program that provides students with a foundation in bioinformatics. The four-year program emphasizes hands-on experience through in-person practical sessions, simulated clinical cases, and access to advanced laboratory facilities. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in biomedicine, drug development, clinical diagnostics, and other related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Grado en Bioinformática (Bioinformatics Degree) is a distance learning program with in-person practical sessions held at the Villaviciosa de Odón campus. It aims to equip students with the skills necessary to analyze, identify, and combine research, development, and application of IT tools to improve the processing and management of large amounts of biological data. The program focuses on techniques like machine learning and artificial intelligence, providing theoretical knowledge through simulated clinical cases and laboratory practices.
Objectives:
The program aims to develop professionals with high demand in sectors like personalized precision medicine and clinical diagnostics, drug development, the agri-food industry, and research at various levels.
Outline:
The program is structured over four years and consists of 240 ECTS credits.
Year 2:
- Core Subjects: Biostatistics, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Databases, Programming Fundamentals II, Algorithms, Data Structures and Sequence Analysis, Population Genetics, Evolutionary Biology and Phylogenetics, Microbiology, Human Physiology, Discrete Mathematics, Models and Stochastic Processes, Modern Language.
Year 3:
- Core Subjects: Genomics and Transcriptomics, Software Engineering, Statistical Learning, Algorithms, Sequence Analysis and Genomic Clustering Methods, Immunology, Structural Bioinformatics, Proteomics and Metabolomics, Systems Biology and Networks, High-Performance Computing and Computational Genomics, Protein Chemistry and Engineering, Ethics and Ontologies in Health and Life Sciences.
Year 4:
- Core Subjects: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualization and Image Analysis, Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation.
- Electives: Students can choose from a variety of elective subjects.
- Professional Practices: Students are required to complete a period of professional practices in relevant companies.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online classes with in-person practical sessions.
- Online classes are delivered live and recorded on the virtual campus, allowing students to access them at their convenience.
- The program emphasizes experiential learning, with students working on real-world projects and utilizing advanced technologies like 3D bioprinting and artificial intelligence.
Faculty:
- The faculty consists of active professionals and PhD holders with recognized experience in the field.
- They are available to assist students with their questions and help them make the most of their studies.
Unique Approaches:
- The program offers a unique opportunity to put knowledge into practice in cutting-edge facilities, including specific laboratories like XR Lab, Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Maud Menten Chemistry Laboratory, Cell Biology Laboratory, Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory, Arnold Biotechnology Laboratory, and the Simulated Hospital, which is unique in Spain and recognized by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) for its high-quality clinical simulation program.
- The program includes practical sessions at the Villaviciosa de Odón campus, where students can work with unique equipment like quantitative PCR (qPCR) equipment, fluorescence microscopes, flow cytometers, GC-MS mass spectrometers, NGS sequencers for genomic studies, gas chromatographs with FID detectors, UV-visible spectrophotometers, 3D bioprinting equipment, and more.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- The program prepares students for careers in various fields, including biomedicine, drug development, clinical diagnostics, molecular medicine, personalized medicine, reproductive biotechnology, and gene therapy.
Opportunities:
- Graduates can find employment in data analysis teams for genetic and genomic data, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical, chemical, or biocomputing laboratories, and research teams in hospitals.
Outcomes:
- The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field of bioinformatics and contribute to advancements in healthcare, research, and other related industries.
Other:
- The program offers a digital recognition badge that certifies students' training and knowledge in research data management in a clinical environment using the REDCap tool.
- The program has partnerships with companies in the Health-Tech sector, including Xolomon, Dr. Larrasa Laboratories, Dreamgenics, 24 Genetics, Sycai Medical, and others, providing students with opportunities for internships and professional development.
