Computer Science - Bioinformatics University of Ottawa

Overview

The Computer Science - Bioinformatics programme at the University of Ottawa provides a sophisticated framework for students to explore the intersection of biology and computational technology. This collaborative master’s degree is offered through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science, allowing students to benefit from the combined expertise of both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The curriculum is designed to address fundamental questions regarding the evolution, function, and structure of biological entities.

Why Computer Science - Bioinformatics at the University of Ottawa?

Students benefit from the university's location in Canada’s capital, situated near major national research hubs and industry partners. The programme is delivered by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, providing access to high-level facilities and a diverse research community. As a joint institute initiative, learners can include courses from both participating universities and select supervisors from either institution, fostering a rich, interdisciplinary academic environment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 10502 per semester
• National fee: CAD 3154 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of compulsory coursework, a seminar, and a research thesis. Modules may include:

• Bioinformatics
• Data Integration
• Knowledge Representation
• Network Security and Cryptography
• Software Quality Engineering
• Advanced Data Structures
• Machine Learning
• Algorithm Analysis and Design
• Natural Language Processing

Careers with Computer Science - Bioinformatics

Graduates are prepared for specialised roles in an emerging scientific discipline that is increasingly vital to human health and industrial innovation. The programme develops the interdisciplinary understanding required to work across different fields, making graduates suitable for positions in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and medical computing. By mastering computational approaches to biological data, alumni can pursue careers focused on solving complex problems in genomics, proteomics, and systems biology.