Certificate in Cheminformatics

Course Description:
Cheminformatics is a rapidly developing branch of Chemistry. The aim of this course is to equip graduates in chemistry and associated disciplines with specialised knowledge and skills. The skills taught in this course are appropriate for those planning to take up careers such as, Cheminformatics specialists in the chemical industry and related fields. This course not only covers the basics of Cheminformatics but also develops additional skills such as chemical data handling and analysis.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Cheminformatics
• Cheminformatics-The Rising Importance of Cheminformatics
• Uses of Cheminformatics
• Prospects of Cheminformatics
• Evolution of Cheminformatics
• Chemical Information System

Course Objective:
The objective of this course is to provide graduates of Chemistry and associated disciplines with knowledge and skill sets essential for pursuing a career as a Cheminformatics specialist.

The course provides comprehensive knowledge of this fast-growing field starting from the basic principles to its advanced application in the fields of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Drug Development and Material Science.

Course USP:
Theoretical knowledge of Cheminformatics, chemical information sources, mastery test and end-of-the-course evaluation test for certification.

Pre-requisites:
Any Graduate in Chemical Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology is eligible to join the course.

Target Market:
This course is launched for Chemical Science professionals and any graduate planning to take up a career in Chemical Science whether it be in management or the R&D sector.

Course Outcome:
There is a demand in the chemical, agrochemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology based companies of experts who have extensive knowledge of chemistry coupled with necessary computer skills to handle any data generated by researchers. The course is especially designed keeping in mind the nature of Cheminformatics and its practical applications, also its applicability in drug design, molecular simulation, database management etc. This course provides students with knowledge on how Cheminformatics can be applied in various fields. On successful completion of the course, a Certificate in Basics of Cheminformatics will be awarded.

Career Prospects:
Today, experts who are not only familiar with the traditional knowledge of chemistry but also have knowledge of the applied fields are in great demand. This course enables students to understand the role of Information Technology (IT) in chemical and pharmaceutical sciences, thus opening up novel job opportunities. The students gain skills that are specific to Cheminformatics as well as generic computing skills. The successful students are well-equipped to take up IT-related careers as well as careers in the area of Cheminformatics in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and biotechnology industries.

The expertise in Cheminformatics can also help obtain employment in the following sectors:

• Pharmaceutical / Chemical Industry Sector
• IT / Computing / Software Sector
• Hospital / Health Authorities
• Research Assignments

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Certificate in Bioinformatics

Course Description:
Bioinformatics involves multidisciplinary approach which includes computational, mathematical and statistical methods to study, organise, analyse and interpret biological information, at the molecular, genetic and genomic levels. Bioinformatics is the hottest buzzword in the field of science in which biology, computer science and information technology merge into a single discipline.
The ultimate goal of bioinformatics is to enable the discovery of new biological insights. The course is designed to create basic level of expertise in bioinformatics.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Bioinformatics
• Basics of Bioinformatics
• Sequence Alignment
• Algorithms for Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics and Business

Course Objective:

• To enhance and share knowledge in the emerging areas of bioinformatics
• To provide quality inputs in the area of bioinformatics, to working professionals and students

Other objectives are to provide:

• The concepts of computer science that relate to problems in biological sciences
• Commercial and academic perspectives on bioinformatics

Course USP:
Theoretical knowledge of bioinformatics, sequence alignment, algorithms, mastery test and end-of-the-course test for Certification.

Pre-requisites:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Sciences, Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Management, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Pharmacology, Marketing, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular biology and Medicine. Doctors, Computer professionals, R&D Scientist are also encouraged to apply for the course. Interested undergraduates in their final year may also apply.

Target Market:
This Course is intended for all professionals and students who wish to understand the basics of bioinformatics and its application.

Course Outcome:
On the successful completion of this course, a certificate in Basics of Bioinformatics will be awarded.

Career Prospects:
There is a big demand for Bioinformatics professionals in leading MNCs like Beecham, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Glaxo, Wellcome etc. Same is true for companies and government agencies involved in research work. Within 10 years, all new drug designs are set to be genomics-related. And hence there is huge demand for bioinformatics professionals. Pharmaceutical industry is a massive $300 billion industry, and is spending $30-40 billion a year in R&D. Such R&D efforts require tools to support; that is where Bioinformatics professionals need arises. There is an acute shortage of Bioinformatics and Molecular Modelling specialists. It is a golden opportunity for Bioinformatics professional because the international salaries range from USD 80,000/- to USD 2, 00,000/- p.a.

Bioinformatics is the new global wave. Companies and government in the business of developing drugs, agriculture, chemicals, hybrid plants, plastics, petroleum derivatives, and Information Technology are setting up Bioinformatics divisions.

India, being a forerunner in this knowledge economy, is expected to play a leading role in the Bioinformatics revolution. India has expert software professionals and qualified and experienced Biologists / Biotechnologists, but lacks a combination which is now known as Bioinformatics Professional. Prospective employers include Pharmaceutical companies in India / abroad, R&D organisation, Institutions, Government Organisations, Software Companies & Product Marketing Companies. There are great opportunities to work as Scientists, Researchers, Software Developers, Database Developers, Consultants, Trainers and Academicians.

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