The DGP Informatics Track emphasizes Bioinformatics. It focuses on informatics challenges at the molecular scale related to basic research in the Life Sciences. Students interested in the DGP track should have a solid grounding in the life sciences and be prepared to complete graduate level coursework in biologically related subjects, such as: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, etc. Students interested in Translational Bioinformatics and the integration of bioinformatics techniques into clinical care may be interested in either track depending on their specific interests and prior preparation.

Source: http://informatics.northwestern.edu/programs

Informatics methods are becoming standard in many areas of biological and medical research. However, much of this research and training centers around using HBMI tools to answer research questions. In contrast, HBMI training focuses on building new tools.

HBMI is frequently compared to computer science and information technology. While Informatics uses computers, it is not fundamentally about computers or technology. Rather, it is about the information. In addition, computer science focuses on generalized solutions to generalized problems. Informatics tends to focus of the specifics of target domains that make them resistant to generalized solutions. While most informatics students learn some computer programming, the computer courses are a small fraction of the total curriculum.

Students in this program are required to complete and defend a master’s thesis to satisfy the requirement for graduation. An examination committee for an MS thesis consists of at least three faculty members.

This program is geared primarily toward doctorally-prepared researchers who wish to gain additional experience in HBMI. Students in this program take courses with those in our doctoral programs. Individuals interested in Health IT and Operational Informatics are encouraged to look into the MS in Health Informatics (MHI) program. Individuals interested in a PhD should look into the Informatics track of the HSIP or DGP program.

Source: https://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/programs/health-and-biomedical-informatics/

Northwestern University: Biomedical Informatics

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