Introduction
Bioinformatics is the use of computers for the acquisition, management, and analysis of biological information. It exists at the intersection of molecular biology, computational biology, clinical medicine, database computing, the Internet and DNA sequence analysis. This is a new scientific discipline evolving from the interaction between biology and computer science. This was prompted by the explosion of information generated by the Human Genome Project. However, the Human Genome Project is only the most visible of a host of sequencing projects aimed at a variety of species, ranging from microorganisms to plants and animals, which will produce an enormous volume of data for the foreseeable future. As the time needed to store, annotate, and analyze this stream of information has grown, bioinformatics has emerged as a separate and very important field of investigation and application. There is expected to be a dramatic increase in demand for practitioners in this field, who are already in short supply.

Individual Course Enrollment
You may take individual courses without applying to the certificate program. However, if you later desire to apply for the certificate you must have met the individual course requirements. Enrollment is on a space-available basis.

Certificate in Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an emerging field, which is being driven in part by the Human Genome Project. The field involves the use of supercomputers, vast databases and complex software to analyze the enormous quantity of data that is generated.

Bioinformatics is one of the few growth technology fields with some experts estimating the need for over 20,000 new professionals over the next few years.

Application
Send application and a $40 non-refundable fee to Rich Caramella, Program Director, Division of Extended and Continuing Education, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542, or send a fax to 510.885.4817. For more information, call Rich Caramella at 510.881.2312 or e­mail rcaramel@csuhayward.edu.