Where to study bioinformatics? MSU, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics: student reviews Bioengineering universities

If the past century left behind the name of the cosmic one, then the present times are characterized by the rapid development of new technologies, the introduction into everyday life of inventions that were not so long ago considered the inventions of science fiction writers. The era of new technologies is coming. Young people on the verge of a serious choice of profession are increasingly paying attention to promising specialties of the future. These are the specialties of "biotechnology". What exactly does this science study and what does a specialist who has chosen such a tempting occupation have to do?

Historical reference

The name of this science consists of the addition of three Greek words: "bio" - life, "tekne" - art, "logos" - science. The specialty "biotechnology" is simultaneously a promising new direction, and at the same time it can be called the most ancient branch of industrial production.

In reference books and dictionaries, biotechnology is defined as a science that studies the possibility of using natural chemical and biological processes and objects in industrial production and in everyday life. The fermentation processes used by ancient winemakers, bakers, chefs and healers are nothing more than practical applications of biotechnology. The first scientific justification for these processes was given in the 19th century by Louis Pasteur. The very term "biotechnology" was first used in 1917 by an engineer from Hungary Karl Ereki.

The specialties "biotechnology" and "bioengineering" were accelerated in development after a number of discoveries in microbiology and pharmacology. The commissioning of sealed equipment and bioreactors gave impetus to the creation of antimicrobial and antiviral drugs.

Science connection

Modern chemical technology and biotechnology (specialty) combine biological, chemical and technical sciences. Microbiology, genetics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and embryology become the basis for new research in this area. Engineering directions play a significant role: robotics, information technology.

Specialty - biotechnology: where to work?

More than twenty specializations and directions are hidden under the general names of the specialty "biotechnology". Graduates of universities with such a profession can be safely called broad-based specialists. During their studies, they receive knowledge in the field of medicine, chemistry, general biology, ecology, food technology. Biotechnologists are expected in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries, in food and nutritional supplements industries. Modernity is waiting for new developments of scientists in the field of genetic engineering, bionics, hybridization. The place of work of an engineer - biologist can be associated with enterprises for environmental protection, with work in the field of astronautics and robotics. Engineers, biochemists, biophysicists, ecologists, pharmacists, doctors - all these professions are united by the specialty "biotechnology". Each university graduate decides who to work by in accordance with his abilities and at the call of his heart. Labor duties of a technologist - biologist depend on the specifics of the industry in which he works.

Industrial biotechnology

This industry practices the use of particles of microorganisms, plants and animals for the production of valuable products necessary for human life. This group includes specialties "food biotechnology", "pharmaceuticals", perfumery industry. Industrial biotechnology works to create new enzymes, antibiotics, fertilizers, vaccines, etc. The main activity of a biotechnologist at such enterprises is the development of biological products and compliance with their production technologies.

Molecular Biotechnology

The specialty "molecular biotechnology" requires from a professional in-depth knowledge of both general biological and engineering directions, modern computer technologies. Specialists with this specificity become researchers in the field of nanotechnology, cell engineering, and medical diagnostics. Agricultural, pharmaceutical, biotechnological enterprises and analytical laboratories and certification centers are also waiting for them.

Biotechnologists - ecologists and energy specialists

The population of the planet is more and more concerned about the fact that the reserves of natural energy carriers, oil and gas, have their limits, the scale of their production will decrease over time. People whose specialty is biotechnology will help humanity solve the problem of energy supply. Who to work in this industry? A technologist for the processing of waste of various origins, specially grown biomass into energy carriers and substances that can replace synthetic substances of oil and gas. Biotechnologists create new methods of water purification, design treatment facilities and bioreactors, and work in the field of genetic engineering.

Specialty prospects

Who is a biotechnologist? The biotechnology profession is the profession of the future. Behind him is the fate of all mankind. It's not just a pretty slogan - it's the goal of bioengineering. The task of biologists-technologists is to create what now seems like a fairy tale and a fantastic dream. Some scientists even call the modern era the era of biology. So, over the past hundred years, biologists have turned from just researchers into creators. Disclosure of the molecular secrets of organisms, the nature of heredity made it possible to use these processes for practical economic purposes. This became the impetus for the development of a new direction - biological engineering.

What may surprise genetics in the near future?

Already, bioengineering has a significant impact on environmental protection, medicine, agriculture, food industry, and in the nearest plans of biotechnologists - new methods and techniques. Those who plan to link their fate with the specialty "biotechnology", where to work, in what direction, can find out from the information below:

• First of all, revolutionary changes can occur in agricultural production. It is possible to artificially create new plants with a higher protein content, which in turn will reduce the consumption of meat.
• Plants that release insect poisons and nitrates on their own will reduce soil contamination with fertilizers and chemicals.
• Genetic engineering allows you to manage heredity and fight hereditary diseases.
• Design biologists plan to artificially create organisms with predetermined qualities.

Bioengineering directions that will dramatically change the world

They are as follows:

• Energy and fuel from plants, fungi, bacteria, as well as the use of sea energy for these purposes.
• Genetically modified crops.
• Waste-free production circle - processing of all types of waste.
• The use of biomaterials for regenerative medicine.
• New types of biological drugs and vaccines.
• Restoration of the potential of fertile land and fresh water.
• Research on the human genome and hereditary diseases.

Profession costs

Speaking about the advantages and prospects of biotechnology, one cannot fail to mention some of the disadvantages of science. We are talking about the moral aspects associated with the discoveries of genetic engineering. Many world-renowned scientists, religious leaders warn that it is necessary to use the possibilities of nanotechnology wisely and under special control. Genetically modified food products can lead to irreparable changes in the gene pool of mankind. Human cloning, the appearance of people born "in vitro" lead to new problems and, possibly, to human disasters.

Who can become a biotechnologist?

First of all, this is a person who loves nature, biology, is interested in the secrets of genetics. In addition, a biotechnologist needs creative thinking, logic, observation, patience, and curiosity. Such qualities as purposefulness, the ability to analyze and systematize, accuracy and broad erudition will be useful.

Since bioengineering presupposes a close relationship with other sciences, a future technologist equally needs good knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

Where are the professions taught?

Career guidance is defined, the applicant has chosen the profession of biotechnologist: where to study? The features of the specialty involve the corresponding faculties, depending on the chosen branch of the national economy. There are biotechnology faculties in almost all state universities in our country and abroad. Biotechnologists are trained by technical, agricultural, food, technological universities in various fields and specializations.

Biotechnology specialties offer the following:

• Industrial biotechnology.
• Ecobiotechnology and bioenergy.
• Biotechnics and Engineering.
• Bioinformatics.
• Molecular Biotechnology.
• Equipment for biotechnological industries.
• Pharmaceutical biotechnology.
• Chemical technologies of food additives and cosmetics.
• Chemical technology and engineering.

The review was initiated by the EMC Moscow Research and Development Center for Big Data and Cloud Technologies (EMC Research Center).

About bioinformatics trends and what opportunities open up for specialists,.

Where to study bioinformatics?

At the moment, the Russian genomics and bioinformatics market continues to be actively formed. The main research centers are still Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The ecosystem for schoolchildren is developing, but so far it is poorly represented: children from Moscow have somewhere to go to study, in the regions the situation is more complicated, there are simply no such places. At school, bioinformatics is not affected. In laboratories, students are not liked - there is too much responsibility, and the students themselves do not know who and why to go. There is no systematic additional education either.

Where to go for the student?

• Festival of Science at Moscow State University. Is free;
• Open days at HSE and Phystech. Is free;
• Bioinformatics camp, about 30,000 rubles;
• Elective "Bioinformatics for Schoolchildren" from the Moscow Center for Research and Development EMC for students in grades 8-11, research and design laboratory "Ilmarinen" , PetrSU, Petrozavodsk. Will start after the new year. Is free;
• There was a School of Molecular and Theoretical Biology in Pushchino. Now her work has been suspended. Perhaps the school will open its doors again next year if funding can be raised. Is free.

Higher education in bioinformatics can be obtained at the following universities:

• Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow State University, Moscow. There are budget and paid places (325,000 rubles per year);
• Master in Data Analysis in Biology and Medicine at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow. There are budget and paid places (about 250,000 rubles per year);
• Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow. There are budgetary and paid places (124,000 rubles per year as of 2011);
• Master's program "Biomedical Sciences and Technologies", Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow. Some of my studies take place abroad. Free + scholarship paid;
• Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine and Biology, Russian National Research Medical University named after Pirogov, Moscow. There are budget and paid places (150,000 rubles per year);
• Department of Mathematical and Information Technologies SPbAU RAS, St. Petersburg. There are budgetary and paid places (10,000 rubles per semester for residents of the Russian Federation, 20,000 rubles per semester for residents of the CIS, 30,000 rubles per semester for foreign citizens);
• Department of Applied Mathematics, Institute of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, SPbPU, St. Petersburg. There are budget and paid places (about 78,000 rubles per year);
• Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics, UNN, Nizhny Novgorod. There are budget and paid places (85,000 rubles per year);
• Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Cybernetics, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan. There are budget and paid places (from 78,000 to 110,000 rubles per year);
• Department of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Institute of Priority Technologies VolSU, Volgograd. There are budgetary and paid places (78,400 rubles per year);
• Specialty Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biology, Saratov State University. There are budget and paid places (68,400 rubles per year);
• Department of Information Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, NSU, Novosibirsk. There are budget and paid places (100,000 rubles per year).

The number of programs in the field of basic and additional education in the field of bioinformatics is growing.

Runs:

1. New master's programs (for example, master's degree at Phystech);
2. Training centers (School of Bioinformatics, Moscow. 10,000 rubles per year; St. Petersburg. 10,000 rubles);
3. Short-term courses and schools in bioinformatics (Blastima training center, Moscow. From 15,000 to 30,000 rubles; events of the Institute of Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg and Moscow. Courses from 7,500 to 45,000 rubles; NGS electives at Moscow State University, Moscow. Free; summer CSHL schools, Moscow 30 000 rubles, there are scholarships; School of bioinformatics within the framework of the conference "Genomic sequencing", Moscow. Free; School at the conference "Molecular phylogenetics", Moscow. 3000 - 7000 rubles);
4. Online courses in Russian and English and training programs (

Bioengineer - a scientist specializing in targeted changes in the properties of a living organism. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in chemistry and biology (see choosing a profession by interest in school subjects).

Features of the profession

Bioengineering is one of the most modern areas of science that has arisen at the intersection of physical and chemical biology, biophysics, genetic engineering and computer technology.

Bioengineers deal with living systems and apply advanced technology to solve medical problems. They participate in the creation of instruments and equipment, in the development of new procedures based on interdisciplinary knowledge, in research aimed at obtaining new information for solving new problems.

Important!Bioengineering and genetic engineering are often confused. But these are by no means synonyms. Genetic engineering (altering the DNA of an organism) is just one of the branches of bioengineering.

Bioengineering (aka biomedical engineering) is a discipline aimed at deepening knowledge in the field of engineering, biology and medicine and promoting human health through interdisciplinary developments.

Bioengineering is based on the application of technical approaches to solving medical problems in order to improve health protection. This engineering discipline seeks to use knowledge and experience to find and solve problems in biology and medicine.

Among the important advances in bioengineering are the development of artificial joints, magnetic resonance imaging, pacemakers, arthroscopy, angioplasty, bioengineered skin prostheses, renal dialysis, and heart-lung machines.

In non-medical aspects, bioengineering is closely related to biotechnology.

Workplace

Bioengineer workplace - in scientific laboratories, research institutes.

Salary

Salary for 03/19/2020

Russia 300,000-500,000 ₽

Moscow 80,000—500,000 ₽

Important qualities

The future bioengineer needs a good intellect, an analytical inquiring mind and a penchant for natural sciences. It makes no sense to go into science counting on big incomes and quick glory.

In many countries of the world, biotechnology and bioengineering, in particular, are included in the list of the five highest priority scientific areas.

Bioengineers have created such essential medical devices as pacemakers and heart-lung machines, a computer model of a neural network that predicts platelet behavior during a stroke, artificial blood vessels and artificial joints, a vaccine against hepatitis B, insulin, magnetic resonance imaging, interferon, microorganisms for waste disposal and many other vital inventions.

In addition, the volume of world production of genetically modified food products doubles annually: potatoes, starch, soybeans, tomatoes, sugar beets, rapeseed, corn and cotton. According to forecasts of leading economists, by 2015 their share in the world market will be over 25%.

Abroad, the specialty of bioengineering belongs to the category of prestigious, therefore study groups are filled quickly and in order not to be late, it is necessary to apply for admission in advance - in the first days of the opening of the set. If admission to a university is based on exams, the passage of preparatory courses will be a big plus for admission.

This specialty is complex, interdisciplinary. In the course of training, students gain in-depth knowledge in the field of medicine, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering itself. Future bioengineers study the composition of cells, study biological processes in the cells of living organisms, learn to apply the methods of molecular chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics. Creation of new plant species with useful properties, genetic modification of living organisms, cloning, development of new types of drugs - all these are educational and then work tasks of future bioengineers.

A significant part of the educational process is made up of laboratory classes, in which students independently or under the supervision of a teacher conduct research in the fields of medicine, environmental protection or the food industry.

The specialty in bioengineering exists not only in technical universities, but also in medical faculties of universities under the name "Medical Cybernetics", "Medical Biophysics", "Medical Biochemistry". However, many foreign universities restrict the admission of foreigners to medical faculties, so it is better to enter technical universities or technical faculties where this specialty is available. Students preparing for admission to the bioengineering specialty need to have a good background in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology.

Major disciplines:

• Mathematical analysis
• Combinatorics
• Anatomical chemistry
• Cytogenetics

• Microbiology
• Bioinformatics
• Biochemistry
• Genetic Engineering

Employment Opportunities:

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Medical device manufacturing enterprises
• Medical laboratories and research centers
• Companies for the production of GM food, in particular the well-known companies Monsanto (USA), Agrevo (Germany), Novartis (Switzerland)

• Fur farms, poultry farms
• Agricultural firms
• Chemical plants
• Biotech companies such as bioplastics.

Biotechnology is the past, future and present of humanity. In her competence, not only the identification of new forms of medicinal plants and the discovery of new abilities of living organisms, but also genetic engineering is one of the most difficult and controversial areas of science. If you want to become a biotechnologist, then perhaps you are the one who clones a human. Because there are no scientific barriers to this, and ethical issues will certainly be resolved in the near future. Next, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the profession, tell you how to get it, how to build a career and achieve success.

Biotechnologist engineer - who is this

A biotechnologist is a specialist who studies biotechnology in general or in one of its varieties. Biotechnology is a science that studies the possibility of using biomaterials to solve certain technological problems, as well as to implement projects in the field of hybridization and genetic engineering. The core of the specialization is genetics, as well as key areas of biology and embryology. Biotechnology is also based on some applied disciplines, in particular on robotics.

The profession is respectable, well paid, and quite ancient. One of the first biotechnologies, by the way, was brewing. Today, the work of scientists and practitioners is concentrated on solving problems in medicine, genetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industry and other industries that use their developments. Many discoveries are of a global nature and change not only the specifics and effectiveness of a particular direction, but also the life of mankind as a whole. A striking example is plant breeding and genetic modification and cloning.

Types of biotechnology and the scope of duties of a specialist

The work instructions of a biotechnologist engineer depend not only on the specialization, but also on the specific place of work. A university teacher focuses on pedagogy, a breeder - on improving the qualities of plants, a genetic engineer - on the study of, say, mutations or the same cloning. The scope of responsibilities also depends on the type of biotechnology that the specialist is engaged in. Key areas:

• Bioengineering - is aimed, in particular, at solving medical problems and at improving the protection of human health.
• Biomedicine Is one of the theoretical branches of medicine that studies the human body, pathologies and methods of their treatment.
• Biopharmacology - works in the interests of pharmacology, studying the characteristics and properties of substances of biological origin.
• Bioinformatics - de facto it is the application of mathematical technologies and computer analysis in biology.
• Bionics - applied science based on the application of the features of living organisms and the principles of living nature in technology.
• Cloning - the implementation of asexual reproduction, obtaining organisms identical in the genome (remember the female sheep Dolly).
• Hybridization - creation of hybrids by combining genes of different cells into one.
• Genetic Engineering - is aimed at studying, copying and changing the genome, in particular, DNA transformation.

The tasks of the biotechnologist include the study of the object, research and implementation of projects. The facility usually depends on the direction of biotechnology in which the specialist works. Accordingly, the range of tasks varies depending on the place of work and the project that the engineer or scientist is working on.

Where to study to be a biotechnologist

Compulsory in the university and best of all in the state. The authority of the educational institution does not play a special role, the level of the department and the opportunities that the educational institution provides to students in the learning process are important.

You must have the opportunity to practice, contact the scientific community, you must have the necessary resources (laboratories, practice sites, and so on).

Try to learn as much as possible about the faculty of the chosen university. Especially assess the level of the teaching staff, in particular the practical achievements of the professors.

The TOP 5 best universities in Russia where biotechnologists are taught include:

1. Moscow State University Lomonosov.
2. Research University. Pirogov.
3. RUDN.
4. SPbSU.
5. Agrarian University. Timiryazev.

You can also get a profession according to an accelerated program in the framework of the first or second higher education. To do this, you must have a diploma of a graduate of a secondary specialized educational institution in a specialized specialty, or a higher education in any specialty. Several distance learning programs are also being implemented, but their effectiveness raises reasonable doubts among experts.

What personal qualities you need to have

First of all, it is perseverance. Behind the most important discoveries are years of hard, difficult and not very dynamic work in the laboratory or in the office. A scientist can spend a lot of time and energy on a project that ultimately fails. It is necessary to have iron nerves and determination, it is important to believe in yourself even when everything turns against you.

At the same time, you need to have a developed intellect and logical thinking, to be open to continuous learning and advanced training. Another important personal quality of a potential biotechnologist is sociability. It is important to maintain contact with the scientific community and be able to work in a team, find a common language with project leaders and sponsors, and competently build communication with subordinates.

Where do biotechnologists work

Research centers... Here the work of a biotechnologist is aimed at implementing projects of global importance. This is serious research and practical development that is carried out by order of companies or in the name of science. Here, new abilities and properties of living organisms are revealed, the genome is studied, DNA is transformed, and so on.

The medicine... Biotechnology is inseparable from medicine. As part of the research of specialists, methods of treating many diseases were found, the features of genetics, human anatomy were studied, and methods of rehabilitation were created. The developments of biotechnologists are used in almost all areas of medicine - from plastic surgery to bone marrow transplantation.

Production... Pharmaceuticals, agricultural production, food industry - biotechnology is inseparable from the activities of companies that work with living organisms. Hybridization, genetic engineering, bionics and biopharmacology play special roles here.

Educational institutions... Often, specialists stay to work in the same universities where they received their education. They receive additional pedagogical education and become teachers, or develop their scientific potential. According to statistics, at least 30% of university graduates remain to work in universities, institutes and academies.

It is important to note that this is not a complete list of areas in which biotechnologists work. This is a demanded, relevant profession - vacancies are open for specialists in hundreds of enterprises, research companies and industries. It is simply impossible to cover all possible places of employment in an overview.

Pros and cons of the profession

The key advantage of the biotechnology specialty lies in its relevance - this area not only does not become obsolete, but also takes on new forms.

In particular, it integrates into robotics and the rapidly changing food production. Therefore, you do not have to worry about the profession becoming obsolete.

Others pros biotechnology profession:

• Respectability and possible recognition.
• Decent wages for qualified specialists.
• Unlimited career prospects.
• A huge variety of areas of work and areas of employment.
• An opportunity to make discoveries that will change the life of humanity.

At the same time, it is important to note and limitations specialty. Thus, university graduates should not count on high salaries in the first 2-3 years of building a career. Moreover, this is a difficult, extremely demanding job. Too much depends on the place of work and even banal luck. If your manager is engaged, and the sponsor is frankly incompetent, problems with the implementation of the project cannot be avoided.