Decoding DNA
DID you know that you have the ability to decode yourself? Specifically, decoding your deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA) – the blueprint of life – will give you the best and most accurate information related to your health.
Discovering the secrets of life that lie within DNA can significantly improve our quality of life.
However, there are three billion letters in every person’s DNA. So how can you decode it?
This is where computing comes in, where biology is coupled with information technology ( IT) to give birth to a new field of studies known as bioinformatics.
It plays a major role in the analysis of massive biological sequence data using sophisticated computing skills.
The Faculty of Information Science and Technology ( FIST) at Multimedia University ( MMU) Malacca offers an undergraduate degree programme that prepares students for the field of bioinformatics.
The integrative three- year programme that encompasses the study of biology using computational and quantitative methods covers the theoretical and practical aspects of the field.
FIST senior lecturer Ong Chia Sui, who specialises in molecular microbiology and mycobacterialogy, says, “The data needs to be managed with IT tools in this interdisciplinary field. A significant component of our course is practical laboratory work and problem- based learning, besides lectures and student presentations in smaller classes. Project and industry experience add another dimension to the knowledge gained in lectures as well.”
Through this study, DNA samplings undergo various procedures such as cell harvest, cell lysis, protein digestion and DNA precipitation before one can obtain the final results.
Bioinformatics can become the tool that solves global hunger, prevents death by diseases, solves crimes and helps people live in greener and cleaner environments.
This programme is delivered through lectures and practical work. Students get hands- on experience at well- equipped molecular and computer laboratories available on campus.
Encompassing all aspects of gathering, storing, handling, analysing, interpreting and transmitting vast amounts of biological information, a career in bioinformatics places you at the cutting edge of science where molecular biology meets information technology.
The programme provides a strong foundation in the discovery of new drugs and vaccines, development of molecular diagnostic kits and new gene products, personalised and preventive medicine, crop improvement and evolutionary studies.
With lecturers who have extensive experience in the field, state- of- the- art laboratories as well as good relationships with organisations in the bioinformatics industry, MMU provides the best place in Malaysia to learn and get a degree in bioinformatics.
MMU is offering automatic rebates for every student enrolled in its April intake. Foundation students are assured rebates of 5% while undergraduates receive 10%.
On top of these rebates, qualified students stand to enjoy scholarships collectively worth up to RM2.5mil.
For more information, visit www. mmu. edu. my or call 1300 800 668.