Graduate Program in Biomedical Informatics

Brochure (pdf file)     Executive Summary (pdf file)

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to pursue formal training in Biomedical Informatics but I do not know how to program a computer. What should I do?

Coding (i.e., computer programming) skills in a standard high-level language is an indispensable tool for biomedical informaticians. Although it is probably true that most biomedical informatics professionals will not do their own software development, the ability to program is crucial because (a) it facilitates a deeper understanding of the characteristics and function of important systems, algorithms and representations, (b) it enables quick prototyping of novel ideas, and (c) allows more efficient and effective interaction with scientific programmers and applications developers.

Moreover, knowledge of a programming language per se does not amount to significant programming ability. It is the deeper understanding of and the ability to efficiently implement (as well as to analyze and modify or expand) major data structures and algorithms that makes someone a good programmer.

Although there are programs of study in biomedical informatics that underemphasize (or in some cases do not require at all) sound coding abilities, we would not advise the prospective student to shy away from this important component of a professional biomedical informatician's training.

Since our program involves advanced study of general and special-algorithms at the graduate level, we require all students to have sufficient coding skills upon entrance in the program, so that they will be able to succeed in their courses.

What should I do to develop coding skills?

Take an undergraduate-level introductory course in computer programming. Then take an undergraduate-level data structures and algorithms course. Practice implementing complex algorithms and structures as much as possible, especially in the context of a real-life project (ideally, under the guidance of an experienced mentor).

I have an MS in a related field. Can I directly proceed to PhD candidacy?

Although an MS in a related field is certainly advantageous for a career in biomedical informatics, you will still need to take the special core courses, and complete the minimum 27 credits as required by university rules. Since any prior work you have done can be justification of a waiver for similar courses (subject to faculty approval), this will give you the opportunity to increase the depth and breadth of your education.

Why do you require that all students take a core course in Bioinformatics?

We believe that bioinformatics will change the face of medicine (just like antibiotics, or effective anesthesia changed medicine several decades ago). Consequently, the biomedical scientist of the future will have to have a solid foundation of the principles, issues, and methods of bioinformatics -- irrespective of particular focus.

Why do you require that all students get a MS before pursuing the PhD?

Research in this field proceeds in longer cycles than typical biomedical sciences. That is, instead of many small experiments that eventually converge to a common theme, the biomedical informatics researcher conducts methods, systems development and evaluations that last for several months or years. It is not uncommon for a PhD project to consist of development and evaluation of small portions only of a system. The requirement for a MS guarantees that PhD students will have the opportunity to complete at least two major cycles of research (a cycle being the sequence: hypothesis -> research design -> system design -> implementation -> evaluation -> report). Furthermore, PhD students under this model will not undertake their PhD thesis research without the benefit of substantial prior research experience.

What do you mean by "candidates should possess strong technical skills"?

Substantial familiarity with coding (see above), mathematical and statistical concepts (including probability, hypothesis testing, calculus).

What does "rigorous training" mean?

In the context of our program it means in depth, technical (as opposed to high-level), solidly grounded on theory, and intensive education.

What is the meaning of integration in Biomedical Informatics?

"Integration" in the context of interdisciplinary science means the effective linkage of scientific knowledge (methods and other results) from fields of science that do not have as broad communication channels among them as normally found within each individual discipline.

A first step towards integration in this context is acquiring knowledge in the individual disciplines.

A second step is learning how knowledge discovered in one field, was in the past applied in another field, or how knowledge from various fields was combined to solve problems at the intersection of fields.

The third and final step involves applying (as well as extending, modifying, and adapting) such cross-disciplinary knowledge to explore novel scientific hypotheses.

Acquiring knowledge about computer science, mathematical techniques, and biomedical science within the program corresponds to step #1 as delineated above. Studying the five core courses corresponds to step #2. And conducting original research putting to use skills developed in the first two steps, under the guidance of faculty experienced in interdisciplinary research, corresponds to step #3.

I want to study Biomedical Informatics because I like computers

Computers are invaluable tools in biomedical informatics. Although it is tempting to define biomedical informatics as the study of applications of computers in medicine, this is like saying that astronomy is the study of applications of telescopes in the sky!

In reality, just as the telescope is an important tool for studying the celestial bodies (the true focus of astronomy), the computer is an important tool for studying and devising methods for discovering, storing, retrieving, analyzing, synthesizing biomedical data, information and knowledge (the true focus of biomedical informatics).

To understand this even better consider that biomedical informatics includes exceptionally influential work that does not involve a computer at all. Such work includes the study of human clinical problem-solving, research on improving diagnosis and therapy, the analysis of clinicians' information needs, and methods that embody the evidence-based practice framework.

I know HTML and Java (or C++, or Perl, etc.). I also know Unix (or Windows, or MacOS, etc.). Do I really need to get a formal degree?

Yes! There is so much more to learn in biomedical informatics than platforms, languages, or the latest technology in vogue. In fact, methods from mathematics, computer science, information science, operations research, decision theory, statistics, research design are much more valuable and virtually indispensable throughout your professional career. A sound formal program of study will also teach you advanced learning skills, research skills, writing, presentation, and help develop many more professional qualities. Perhaps most importantly, it will give you a deep understanding of the solved and open problems in the field, how they relate to each other and the rest of biomedicine, and how you can become an independent and successful biomedical informatics professional.

2 years for a MS and 5 years for a PhD seem an awfully long period of time.

Leadership in a technically complex and interdisciplinary field such as biomedical informatics requires a broad and deep understanding of the intersecting disciplines (biomedicine, computer and information sciences) and the characteristics of their intersection. Our program does not aspire to simply enhance the informatics skills of students, or produce sub-specialists, but to provide them with the knowledge base and research skills required to become the future leaders in the field. The 5 core courses represent what is considered by our faculty to be a solid theoretical foundation of knowledge in biomedical informatics. Removal of any of this and any other material from the program curriculum just to expedite graduation would not serve our students in the long run nor would it help attracting the best students.