Bioinformatics Subjects List 2025: Check Semester-wise Subjects & Syllabus
Diya NihalaniContent Author
Bioinformatics is a popular science discipline that is a combination of studies related to Biology, Computer Languages, Data Science, and Basic Engineering. The students prefer to take up Bioinformatics courses, as it helps them to pursue a career in Bio-Analytics, Data Analytics, Proteomics, Information Technology, Pharmacology, and other areas.
List of Subjects in Bioinformatics
Please refer below for the subjects:
Core Subjects
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Fundamentals of Bioinformatics |
The meaning of computational technology and bioinformatics, along with their scope, are explained in this subject. |
|
Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics |
Chemical forces, hydrogen bonding, laws of thermodynamics, overview of peptides, proteins, amino acids, etc., are discussed in this subject. |
|
Fundamentals of Programming Languages |
The basic programming languages, operation systems, basic commands, etc., are covered in this subject. |
|
Genomics & Proteomics |
Genomic annotation, gene networks, types of genome, tools of proteome analysis, and related concepts are covered in this subject. |
|
Data Structures & Algorithms |
The basic data structures such as linked lists, arrays, queue, stack, and different types of algorithms are discussed in this subject. |
|
Microbiology & Biotechnology |
Microbial diversity, a general overview of archaea, growth kinetics, organisation and classification of genomes, and related concepts are explained in this subject. |
|
Database Management Systems |
The meaning of database management, its significance and applications in bioinformatics are discussed in this subject. |
|
Structural Bioinformatics |
The rules of protein structure, properties of peptide bonds and amino acids, secondary structures, etc., are covered in this subject. |
|
Java Programming & Software Applications |
The object oriented programming in Java language, classes and objects, and related concepts are explained in this subject. |
|
General Chemistry |
The basic principles and rules of chemical bonds, reactions, etc., are covered in this subject. |
|
Statistical Methods |
The different statistical methods and their applications in bioinformatics are covered in this subject. |
|
Analytical Techniques & Chemoinformatics |
Basic principles of UV, mass spectroscopy, X-rays, etc., are covered in this subject. |
|
Biodiversity, Ecological, and Immuno-Informatics |
Molecular Phylogenetics, data types, basic concepts of ecosystem, properties of immune responses, and related concepts are covered in this subject. |
|
Essential Mathematics & Statistics |
Vector Algebra, cross and dot products, integral and differential calculus, tabular representation and graphical representation of data, and related concepts are discussed in this subject. |
Elective Subjects
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Bioinformatics |
The introduction, scope, and applications of bioinformatics are discussed in this subject. |
|
Bioinformatics Applications to Protein Structure Analysis |
Protein structure related databases, motifs and folds, molecular docking, protein fold classification, etc., are explained in this subject. |
|
Topics in Artificial Intelligence |
The concept of artificial intelligence and its applications in varied fields are discussed in this subject. |
|
Molecular Anthropology |
The role of molecular biology in genetics and human evolution are discussed through this subject. |
|
Organic Chemistry |
The properties, reactions, structure, and other concepts of organic compounds are explained in this subject. |
|
Advanced Research Methodology |
The practical concepts related to the bioinformatics field are covered in this subject. |
Bioinformatics Syllabus
Please refer below for the core and electives:
|
Semester |
Core/Elective |
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 |
Fundamentals of Programming Languages |
Fundamentals of Programming Languages |
The basic concepts, rules, and information of operating systems and data commands are included in this subject. |
|
Semester 1 |
Essential Mathematics & Statistics-1 |
Essential Mathematics & Statistics-1 |
This subject talks about the various mathematical and statistical concepts that are useful for studying bioinformatics. |
|
Semester 1 |
Fundamentals of Bioinformatics |
Fundamentals of Bioinformatics |
The basic concepts, meaning, and scope of bioinformatics are covered in this subject. |
|
Semester 1 |
Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Molecular Genetics |
Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Molecular Genetics |
This subject talks about cellular structure, molecular genetics, human evolution, and related concepts. |
|
Semester-2 |
Data Structure & Algorithms |
Data Structure & Algorithms |
The different types of data structures and algorithms used in programming languages are covered in this subject. |
|
Semester-2 |
Essential Mathematics & Statistics II |
Essential Mathematics & Statistics II |
The advanced mathematical and statistical methods are introduced through this subject. |
|
Semester-2 |
Genomics & Proteomics |
Genomics & Proteomics |
Molecular evolution, transcriptome and proteome, DNA microarray, and related concepts are discussed in this subject. |
|
Semester-2 |
Microbiology & Biotechnology |
Microbiology & Biotechnology |
This subject talks about organisation of viral genomes, genetic recombination in bacteria, microbial diversity, and other related topics. |
|
Semester-2 |
Introduction to Bioinformatics |
Introduction to Bioinformatics |
BLAST tool applications, basic concepts of bioinformatics, and its meaning are explained in this subject. |
|
Semester 3 |
Java Programming & Software Applications |
Java Programming & Software Applications |
The basics of Java programming, its core principles, and applications are discussed in this subject. |
|
Semester 3 |
Structural Bioinformatics |
Structural Bioinformatics |
Drug design, characteristics of peptides, amino acids, and related concepts are discussed in this subject. |
|
Semester 3 |
Database Management System |
Database Management System |
The scope of database management and systems in the bioinformatics field is discussed in this subject. |
|
Semester 3 |
Biodiversity, Ecological and Immno-Informatics |
Biodiversity, Ecological and Immno-Informatics |
Biodiversity and ecological informatics, immuno-informatics, basic properties of immune responses, and related concepts are discussed in this subject. |
|
Semester 3 |
Project Conceptualisation |
Project Conceptualisation |
The proposal, design, and survey of a project has to be conducted by the students. |
|
Semester 3 |
Bioinformatics Applications to Protein Structure Analysis |
Bioinformatics Applications to Protein Structure Analysis |
The basic concepts related to protein structure related databases, structure visualisation of proteins, etc., are explained in this subject. |
|
Semester 4 |
Analytical Techniques & Chemoinformatics |
Analytical Techniques & Chemoinformatics |
The basic concepts of IR spectroscopy, UV, basic rules of NMR technology, etc. are discussed in this subject. |
|
Semester 4 |
Introduction to System Biology/Soft Computing Techniques |
Introduction to System Biology/Soft Computing Techniques |
The basic terms of Systems Biology, biological networks, metabolic networks, etc., are covered in this subject. |
|
Semester 4 |
Seminar & Comprehensive Viva |
Seminar & Comprehensive Viva |
The students have to give viva exams and attend seminars to gain deeper perspectives about Bioinformatics. |
|
Semester 4 |
Project Work |
Project Work |
The students have to submit a detailed project towards the end of the fourth semester. |
Specialisations Offered in Bioinformatics
Along with the generic courses, Bioinformatics also includes the study of various specialisations. The students can select a specialisation to acquire a skill set in a particular domain of their interest. The popular specialisations offered by Bioinformatics courses are described in the table below.
|
Specialisation |
Subjects |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Information Content in DNA, RNA, Protein Sequence, and Structure |
|
The hidden details in RNA, DNA, and protein structures of organisms are discussed in this specialisation. |
|
Metabolic Computing |
|
The comparison of metabolic activities in various organisms is carried out via this specialisation. |
|
Data Mining |
|
The data science methods employed to understand biological data are introduced through this specialisation. |
|
Architecture and Content of Genomes |
|
The genome architecture and various components in it are covered in this specialisation. |
|
Nucleic Acid & Protein Sequence Analysis |
|
The practical methods employed to study protein sequencing and nucleic acid are explained in this specialisation. |
|
Data Storage & Retrieval, Database Structure, & Annotation |
|
The importance of database systems in bioinformatics is explained through this specialisation. |
|
Complex System Analysis or Genetic Circuits |
|
This specialisation focuses on encoding protein or RNA that plays essential functions in cell interaction and response. |
Books and Authors Related to Bioinformatics
To acquire a deeper understanding of Bioinformatics and related subjects, the students can refer to these textbooks and reference books:
|
Subject |
Book Title |
Author |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Programming Languages |
Programming Languages |
Sethi R. |
The fundamentals of programming languages are covered in this book. |
|
Essential Mathematics & Statistics |
Statistical Methods in Bioinformatics: An introduction |
Ewens, W. J. and Grant |
The introduction of statistical methods and its applications in bioinformatics are included in this book. |
|
Fundamentals of Bioinformatics |
Bioinformatics for Dummies |
Claverie, J. M. and Notredame C. |
It introduces the fundamental aspects of bioinformatics to the students. |
|
Fundamentals of Bioinformatics |
Introduction to Bioinformatics - 2nd Edition |
Lesk A. M. |
The basic concepts of bioinformatics are covered in this book. |
|
Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics |
Cell and Molecular Biology |
John Wiley |
The concepts related to cellular structure and molecular genetics are covered in this book. |
|
Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics |
Molecular Biology of the Gene |
Watson |
The role of molecular structure in genetics is explained in this book. |
|
Data Structure & Algorithms |
File Structures |
Salzberg B. |
The file structure, its concept, and meaning are explained in this book. |
|
Genomics & Proteomics |
From Genes to Genomes |
Dale and Schartz |
The differences between genes and genomes are explained in this book. |
|
Genomics & Proteomics |
Introduction to Proteomics: Tools for New Biology |
Liebler D. |
The basic concepts of Proteomics are discussed in this book. |
|
Microbiology & Biotechnology |
Plant Tissue Culture |
Bhojwani, S.S, and Razdan M. K. |
The concepts of plant tissue culture are explained in this book. |
Entrance Exams for Bioinformatics
Many colleges provide a direct entrance for BSc in Bioinformatics. However, for securing admission in BTech, MTech, and MSc courses, the students have to give entrance exams. The common engineering entrance exams are applicable for securing admission in BTech in Bioinformatics. GATE and JEE are the national-level exams whereas some universities and colleges conduct their own entrance tests for providing entry into Bioinformatics programmes. Here are the popular entrance exams for Bioinformatics:
-
BINC (Bioinformatics National Certificate Examination)
-
JNCASR (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research Entrance Exam)
The difficulty level of these entrance tests can vary between moderate to difficult. These entrance exams include objective types of questions on Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Therefore, the students have to go through the syllabus of class 12 to perform well in the exams.
Syllabus for Distance Programme in Bioinformatics
BSc or MSc in Bioinformatics can be completed through distance programmes. The syllabus remains the same for the distance programmes as well, but the duration can be longer to provide adequate preparation time for the students who work part-time or full-time. The popular universities when it comes to distance programmes in Bioinformatics are listed below:
The PG diploma in Bioinformatics is also available through distance learning. It is a one-year course that allows the students to study chemical sciences, genetics, medical sciences, and computer applications related to the bioinformatics discipline. The eligibility criteria required for online courses are the same as that for the regular courses.
FAQs Regarding Bioinformatics Syllabus
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for the students who want to secure admission in MSc Bioinformatics?
A: To secure admission in MSc Bioinformatics, the students need to complete their graduation in the relative field, i.e., BSc in Bioinformatics. In addition, they need to secure at least 50 per cent aggregate in their graduation studies. Some colleges and universities determine the eligibility of the students through entrance tests as well.
Q: Which are the major subjects covered in the Bioinformatics syllabus?
A: The major subjects covered in the Bioinformatics course syllabus are given below:
-
Computer programming
-
Genetic engineering
-
Genomics & Proteomics
-
Mathematics
-
Molecular Biology
-
Life Sciences
-
Chemistry
-
Microbiology & Biotechnology
-
Statistics
-
Database management
-
Biochemistry
-
Cellular Biology
-
Molecular Genetics
Q: Which are the bachelor-level courses and master-level courses in Bioinformatics?
A: The bachelor-level courses in Bioinformatics are listed below:
-
Advanced Diploma in Bioinformatics
-
BSc in Bioinformatics
-
BTech in Bioinformatics
-
BSc Honours in Bioinformatics
-
BE in Bioinformatics
-
Certificate courses
The master-level courses in Bioinformatics are listed below:
-
Msc in Bioinformatics
-
MTech in Bioinformatics
-
ME in Bioinformatics
-
MS in Bioinformatics
-
MSc Honours in Bioinformatics
The students can also complete PhD in Bioinformatics after completing their master’s course.
Q: What are the basic differences between BTech in Bioinformatics and BSc in Bioinformatics?
A: BSc in Bioinformatics is a basic science course that has to be studied in a span of three years. The syllabus of BSc Bioinformatics is divided into six semesters. On the other hand, BTech is a technical degree that has to be studied in a span of four years. BTech offers practical training and in-depth research projects in Bioinformatics. Therefore, it is certainly a much better degree in terms of career and opportunities.
Q: What do the doctoral programmes in Bioinformatics include?
A: The syllabus of the doctoral programmes in Bioinformatics includes these subjects:
-
Biostatistics
-
Techniques used in Molecular Biology
-
Genomics
-
Protein Databases
-
Research techniques
-
Structural Biology
-
Quantitative Research
Q: What does the syllabus of Bioinformatics Applications to Protein Structure Analysis include?
A: The syllabus of Bioinformatics Applications to Protein Structure Analysis includes these topics:
-
Peptide bonds and their properties
-
Amino acids and their properties
-
Classification of Protein Fold
-
Homology Modelling
-
Drug design & Molecular docking
-
Protein Structure and related databases
-
Folds & Motifs
-
Comparison of protein structure
-
SCOP & CATH databases
Q: What does the syllabus of Java Programming and Software Applications on Bioinformatics include?
A: The syllabus of Java Programming and Software Applications includes these concepts:
-
Basic concepts of OOP, i.e., Object Oriented Programming
-
Introduction to Java Programming and basic concepts such as variables, strings, arrays, loops, etc.
-
Input and Output packages in Java
-
Applets: Basics & lifecycle of an applet
-
Distributed Computing
-
Java Beans
-
Applications of Java programming in Bioinformatics
Q: What does the syllabus of Structural Bioinformatics contain?
A: The syllabus of the Structural Bioinformatics contains a detailed study of these topics:
-
Protein Data Bank
-
Classification of protein structure and its principles
-
Visualisation of protein structure
-
Molecular dynamics
-
Concepts related to Force Field
-
B-Factor and R-Factor concepts
-
Simulation studies of proteins
-
Tertiary structure estimation techniques
-
Drug design and target identification
Q: What are the objectives of studying Bioinformatics syllabus?
A: The objectives of studying Bioinformatics syllabus depends on the specialisation and subjects covered in the respective university and college. However, broadly speaking, it is a discipline that is related to the study of biological data. It includes the study of computer applications, programming, data mining, engineering, statistics, chemistry, and other concepts for analysing biological data.
Q: Is Bioinformatics hard to study?
A: Bioinformatics includes a study of a variety of concepts related to subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, computer programming, etc. Therefore, the students need to have knowledge and interest in a variety of topics and subjects. A stronghold over programming, mathematical concepts, and chemistry is required to excel in academics. As a result, many students might find it hard to grasp the wide range of topics included in its syllabus.
Q: What are the advantages of distance education in Bioinformatics?
A: The distance programmes offer flexibility of time and enable the students to earn while learning. In addition, as the online study materials are provided to the students, they don’t have to spend much on the books. The fees that the students are required to pay for distance education is also far lower as compared to the regular courses.
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Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- M.Sc. in BioinformaticsJamia Millia Islamia
- B.Sc. in MedicalHans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya
- B.Tech. in Computer Science and EngineeringD.Y Patil International University, Pune
- B.Sc. in Bioinformatics, Computer Science and MathematicsREVA University
- M.Sc. in BioinformaticsMahila Maha Vidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in Life Science & BioinformaticsAssam University, Silchar
- M.Sc. in BioinformaticsMaharshi Dayanand University
- Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Biotechnology and BioinformaticsUNIRAJ - University of Rajasthan
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Popular Bioinformatics UG Courses
UG Courses
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52 Colleges
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3 Colleges
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PG Courses
- M.Sc.
135 Colleges
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28 Colleges
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4 Colleges
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1 College
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1 College
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes biosciences students at chandigarh university get proper training in bioinformatics and data analysis. The course has module that mix biology with computer tools. Students learn how to handle large data sets works on sequence data and study molecules pattern the focus is not on the theory but al
Y
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 4 weeks ago
Students studying Biotechnology at Chandigarh University are often trained in bioinformatics, which helps them understand large biological datasets. Universities provide dedicated labs with software and tools to teach data analysis in genomics and proteomics. This training makes students confident i
T
Beginner-Level 5
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Do Biosciences students get training in bioinformatics and data analysis?