Bioinformatics, BS
The Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics is the first of its kind in the state of Tennessee. This interdisciplinary degree program integrates the fields of biology and computer science to prepare students to address real-world challenges in areas such as food security, plant and animal health, crop improvement, and disease and pest management.
Program Overview
As the first of its kind in Tennessee and the only undergraduate major offered in the Southeastern Conference, bioinformatics uniquely combines biological sciences, data analytics, agriculture, and environmental science to prepare graduates for rapidly growing careers at the intersection of technology and life sciences.
Students in the bioinformatics major study various topics across the biological sciences, including genetics and genomics, molecular biology, and ecology while also gaining skills to analyze large biological datasets using cutting-edge computational tools. Additionally, students build career-ready skills through a required internship and research-based capstone project, gaining practical experience needed for immediate entry into the workforce or success in graduate school. Graduates of the bioinformatics program are uniquely equipped to lead in one of the fastest-growing areas of science and technology.
Why study Bioinformatics?
Hands-On Experience
Unlike traditional biology or computer science degrees, students in the bioinformatics major will complete an internship and capstone project under the guidance of faculty in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. Student experiences are built around applying computational tools and advanced analytics to address challenges across different biological domains such as genomics, ecology, and environmental sciences. Students will gain hands-on experience working with large-scale biological datasets, machine learning, genomics, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling while exploring applications such as plant health, ecosystem conservation and environmental sustainability, natural resource management, food safety and security, veterinary science, and forensic science, among others.
Solve Real-World Problems
By 2050, the world’s population is expected to exceed nine billion people, dramatically increasing demand for food, fiber, clean water, and sustainable natural resource management. At the same time, climate variability, invasive species, emerging diseases, and resource constraints are creating new societal challenges that will require data-driven solutions. Bioinformatics professionals are the key as they use data to improve crop production, protect and manage natural resources, combat emerging pests and diseases, strengthen food security, and help feed a growing global population.
High Demand Careers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in data science-related fields to grow by thirty-six percent over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing workforce sectors in the nation. Bioinformatics students will graduate with a rare combination of scientific knowledge and highly transferable technical skills that are in demand across agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental consulting, government agencies, technology industries, non-governmental organizations, and more.
What can you do with a degree in Bioinformatics?
A degree in bioinformatics prepares students for data analyst roles across all biological disciplines such as microbiology, genetics and genomics, plant and animal sciences, entomology and plant pathology, forestry, food science, and medical sciences. These roles typically lead to successful careers across agriculture, biotechnology, forestry, healthcare, environmental consulting, government agencies, science and technology industries, non-governmental organizations, and more.
Featured Courses
BAES 111 – Introduction to Bioinformatics in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
This course introduces students to the intersection of agricultural science, environmental sciences, and bioinformatics, emphasizing the importance of data analysis in modern agriculture and ecology. It provides an overview of bioinformatics applications in agriculture, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and big data approaches in ecology and agriculture. Students will be introduced to basic computational tools and databases used in agricultural research.
BAES 330 – Data Analysis Reproducibility
This course is designed to equip students with the essential tools and principles to conduct rigorous, transparent, and reproducible bioinformatic analyses. By the end of this curriculum, students will be prepared for future academic or industry roles where these skills are increasingly valued. Practical sessions will be incorporated into each week, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with the tools and techniques discussed in lectures. These sessions will include guided exercises, peer code reviews, and troubleshooting workshops.
BAES 422 – Agricultural Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics
This course provides an in-depth exploration of computational genomics and bioinformatics applications in agriculture and environmental sciences. It covers fundamental concepts of genomics, computational tools for sequence analysis, and their practical applications in crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and environmental health. Students will learn to analyze genomic data, utilize bioinformatics tools, and apply computational techniques to solve problems in agriculture and environmental sciences. Students will gain hands-on experience with bioinformatics databases, sequence alignment tools, and basic programming for data analysis.
BAES 430 – Machine Learning in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
This course explores the intersection of machine learning and agriculture, focusing on practical applications of AI technologies in modern farming practices. Students will learn how machine learning algorithms can be applied to various agricultural challenges, including crop prediction, soil analysis, pest detection, yield optimization, and weather adaptation. The course combines theoretical foundations with hands-on projects using real-world agricultural datasets.
BAES 492 – Internship in Bioinformatics in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply bioinformatics tools and techniques to address challenges in agriculture and environmental sciences. Students will engage in hands-on projects that integrate biological data analysis, computational modeling, and problem-solving to optimize agricultural productivity and study environmental systems. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning, students will develop skills in programming, data visualization, and statistical analysis while exploring real-world applications in areas such as crop improvement, microbial interactions, and ecosystem management. This course prepares students for careers in bioinformatics, agriculture, and environmental research.
BAES 498* – Senior Capstone: Perspectives in Bioinformatics for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
This senior capstone course integrates bioinformatics knowledge and skills with applications in agriculture and environmental sciences. Students will undertake a semester-long research project that addresses real-world challenges in agriculture, environmental management, or related fields using computational and data-driven approaches.
Admissions and Aid
Learn more about admissions and aid by visiting the links below.