The University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics to prepare students to harness the power of big data, artificial intelligence, genomics and computational science to solve the world's greatest challenges.
As the first of its kind in Tennessee, and the only bioinformatics undergraduate program offered in the Southeastern Conference, the degree combines biological sciences, data analytics, agriculture, and environmental science. Graduates will enter rapidly growing careers with unique and highly technical skills in precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, gene identification and more.
"This program represents the future of agriculture and environmental stewardship," says David White, dean of the Herbert College of Agriculture. "Tomorrow's leaders will need to understand both biology and technology. They will use data to improve crop production, protect natural resources, combat emerging pests and diseases, strengthen food security and help feed a growing global population. Our bioinformatics program is designed to prepare students for exactly that future."
At the heart of this innovative program is real-world application and hands-on experience. Students will apply computational tools and advanced analytics to agricultural and environmental challenges. They will work with large-scale biological datasets, machine learning, genomics, artificial intelligence and predictive modeling while exploring applications ranging from crop improvement and livestock production to ecosystem conservation and environmental sustainability.
DeWayne Shoemaker, head of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, where the major will be housed, says, "This is more than a new major—it is an investment in the next generation of innovators who will use science and technology to improve lives, strengthen communities and create solutions for a rapidly changing world."
Under the instruction of expert UT faculty, students will gain the scientific knowledge and transferable skills to pursue impactful careers across a variety of industries: agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental consulting, government and more.
Launching the bioinformatics program advances Herbert’s mission to prepare the next generation of leaders to address grand challenges related to food security, environmental sustainability, and the future of the bioeconomy.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu .