Bioinformatics course in Canada – All you need to know

If you plan to study Bioinformatics courses in Canada, you will be thrilled to know that it is one of the careers expected to grow in high demand in the coming future. The interdisciplinary study of biology, computer science, and information technology is known as bioinformatics. The field’s ultimate objective is to foster the discovery of novel biological discoveries and to provide a broad viewpoint from which overarching biological principles may be extracted. The Human Genome Project and the Human Microbiome Project are two examples of bioinformatics. In order to ascertain the base pair order in the human genome and related microbial genomes, respectively, both teams employed genome sequencing technology for these projects. Hence, as medical science is fast evolving with the help of computers, future job prospects are bright in the field.  

Moreover, a bioinformatics course in Canadian universities is one of the best in the world, and the country sees a large influx of students for the same. Canada is a student’s paradise when it comes to studying conveniently abroad. It is one of the best destinations to study bioinformatics if you are looking for an overseas destination.

Top 5 reasons to pursue the bioinformatics course from Canada 

Ample job opportunities in the country: 

Graduates in bioinformatics might work as researchers, programmers, research experts, application engineers, and information base designers. They are also capable of serving as CEOs in organizations. Those with a background in bioinformatics can work as phylogeneticists, protein or gene testers, or other testing researchers in the life sciences field. 

Flexible learning itinerary: 

The bioinformatics course in Canadian universities has a flexible learning structure and is easy to pursue for a student. These programs provide exposure which is hard to find in other countries.

Affordability: 

Bioinformatics courses in Canada fees are one the most affordable considering several western countries. Compared to the UK, Europe and the USA, there is greater value in pursuing a bioinformatics course in Canadian.

Enjoy a diverse culture of inclusivity: 

Canadian universities are immensely multicultural, considering the sheer diversity of the country. This naturally works to create a sought-after inclusive learning environment. This makes Canada one of the best destinations to study abroad in terms of exposure for students. 

Affordable healthcare structure for international students: 

Although healthcare in Canada is not completely free for overseas students, it is still very affordable owing to the superior healthcare systems in the country. Medical requirements are not to be overlooked while studying abroad and Canada ranks as one of the best countries in terms of healthcare amenities and access. 

Levels of Study 

Bioinformatics bachelor’s degree (4 years)

Bioinformatics undergraduate programmes typically require four years to finish. By offering classes in disciplines like biology, biochemistry, arithmetic, analytics, and even physics, they give the fundamental knowledge needed to enter the profession. Additionally, because of its multidisciplinary character, bioinformatics studies can occasionally be found in the department of science and occasionally in the department of computer science. There are some employment opportunities available at this level, although it should be emphasized that the best bioinformatics positions often require a master’s degree or above.

Bioinformatics Master’s degree (2 years)

These programs, which involve measurements, subatomic science, software engineering, and biotechnology courses, typically call for two years of full-time study. Some research-based or analytical careers in the subject unquestionably call for a doctorate degree in bioinformatics. Moreover, a bioinformatics course in Canadian universities also includes a component for an entry-level job, allowing students to practice their skills in clinical or emergency situations.

Bioinformatics Professional Science Master’s Programs (duration of 2 years)

Compared to other graduate degrees, these studies are more career-focused, focusing on developing skills and competencies for expert success. These will frequently be less speculative and more practical, opening up more possible avenues. If you don’t want to pursue a PhD or academic career but still require expert knowledge for your field of work, a PSM degree is a viable option. 

Bioinformatics Doctoral Degrees (Duration of 3 to 8 years)

If you wish to venture into extensive research and development, a PhD may be advised. These programs require a significant amount of time to complete, requiring anywhere from three to at least eight years. Additionally, doctoral studies in bioinformatics are frequently quite detailed. A final presentation and a critical investigation section are included in addition to the coursework. Additionally, most academic roles and several bioinformatics careers require doctoral credentials. Generally speaking, a PhD in bioinformatics can also increase your starting pay.

Bioinformatics course in Canada subjects: The most common subjects of a bioinformatics course in Canada are the following- Genome Bioinformatics; Systems Biology; Structural Bioinformatics; Biomedical Computing; genomes and DNA sequencing. The field also includes general science subjects such as physics, chemistry, pure biology, and mathematics among others. These subjects are divided into courses and semesters, depending on your chosen program of study. 

Top 10 Universities with course names, fees and relevant ranking 

Here is a list of the top bioinformatics courses in Canadian universities. The bioinformatics course in Canada fees (in general) are also mentioned here. 

University Name/ Course	QS Ranking	General fees (CAD)
University of Saskatchewan- Bioinformatics	#473 in QS World University Rankings 2023	Tuition is $2570.40 per course for international undergraduate students.
Dalhousie University- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics	#280 QS – World University Ranking 20220	Undergraduate, $8430.00, per term; Masters (Non-Thesis based), $16860.00, per year
University of Guelph- Bioinformatics	#591-600 in QS World University Rankings 2023	Tuition is $35467 per course for international undergraduate students.
University of British Columbia- Bioinformatics	#47 in QS World University Rankings 2023	International tuition 38,946.2 CAD
University of Ottawa- Bioinformatics	#237 in QS World University Rankings 2023.	Domestic tuition 3,188.15 CAD, and International tuition 25,554 CAD
Queen’s University-Biomedical Informatics	#246 in QS World University Rankings 2023	6,153 CAD, International tuition 27,513 CAD
University of Montreal- – Bioinformatics	#116 in QS World University Rankings 2023	International Students: $7348 per session
McGill University- Biology (Thesis) – Bioinformatics	#31 in QS World University Rankings 2023.	Domestic tuition 7,402 CAD, and International tuition 29,200 CAD
McGill University- Computer Science (Thesis) – Bioinformatics	#31 in QS World University Rankings 2023.	Domestic tuition 7,402 CAD, and International tuition 29,200 CAD
University of Ottawa- Mathematics and Statistics Specialization in Bioinformatics	#237 in QS World University Rankings 2023.	Domestic tuition 3,188.15 CAD, International tuition 25,554 CAD

 

General Eligibility for the course across Bachelor’s and Master’s level 

Bioinformatics courses in Canada eligibility for bachelors

• UG aspirants are required to have a high school degree with passing grades.
• Being a science field subject, all the required subjects must have a score that meets the university standards (mathematics, chemistry, computer science, etc.). 
• GPA stipulations are to be met to be eligible (see official university websites for exact criteria). 
• International students are required to produce English Proficiency test scores (IETS/TOEFL). 

Bioinformatics courses in Canada eligibility for Master’s

• Masters aspirants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree with passing grades.
• All the required subjects need to have a score that meets the university standards (mathematics, chemistry, computer science, etc.). 
• International students are required to produce English Proficiency test scores (IETS/TOEFL). 
• GPA stipulations are to be met to be eligible (see official university websites for exact criteria). 
• For PG programs, work experience, LORs, or other certifications may be required, as per the chosen course. 

Seeking to study in Canada – Apply Now

How to Apply for Bachelors and Masters Level 

Check out bioinformatics courses in Canada requirements thoroughly beforehand. First, fill up the online application form from the chosen college’s admissions portal or official website. Application fees are to be paid online as well.

Other documents required include the following: 

• Transcripts of all previous academic endeavors
• Test scores
• LORs/ Recommendation letters
• Valid Passport
• Autobiographical essay

Course modules at UG and PG Levels 

Course modules vary across institutions. Many universities may have dedicated course modules on cloning and sequencing. The Cloning and Sequencing Explorer Series includes the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Module as a key element. The GAPC gene, a housekeeping gene in the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) family, is sequenced and analyzed in this module from a plant of the student’s choice. This is just one instance of a module that may be available. Other modules may include DNA sequencing, Genomes, Biomedical Computing, Structural Bioinformatics, and Systems Biology. 

Job prospects and Expected remuneration Salary in CAD 

According to Glassdoor, the national average pay for a bioinformatics scientist in Canada is $83,877. Furthermore, the average bioinformatics income in Canada is anticipated to be $64,440 per year, or $33.05 per hour. Highly seasoned professionals may earn up to $89,054 per year, whereas entry-level employment starts at $50,663 annually.