Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Turn biology into data science. Langara's BSc in Bioinformatics pairs lab-based learning with real genomic data and an eight-month paid co-op.
If you love biology, enjoy solving problems with technology, and want to build a career in one of science's fastest-growing fields, Langara's Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics is built for you.
Langara offers British Columbia's only Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics program, an interdisciplinary degree integrating biology, computing, and statistics while providing students with hands-on guidance and support from day one. It prepares you to navigate biology’s fastest-growing frontier where genomes, proteins, and microbes generate vast, complex datasets that demand specialized expertise.
Biology is now a data science with information that exceeds the processing capacity of traditional database software, and someone has to interpret it. That someone is a bioinformatician.
According to program coordinator Prashant Kumar, the need to integrate these disciplines was critical: “We had biologists who needed to go back and learn computer science, or computer scientists who had to learn a bit of biology. This was self-taught. Our Bioinformatics program addresses this gap by integrating the two fields from the start.”
Build the skills employers need
You’ll graduate with the skills to analyze and interpret complex biological data using computational, statistical, and data science tools to solve real-world problems in healthcare, biotechnology, and research.
Biology generates more data than ever before, and organizations need professionals who can turn that information into meaningful insights. Because biological data is among the most complex and diverse information scientists work with, learning to work with it builds analytical strength that applies far beyond the lab.
Throughout the program, you'll develop a versatile toolkit of in-demand skills including programming, data analysis, modelling, interpretation, visualization, and computational problem-solving. All these can be applied across a wide range of data-intensive industries.
In practice, that means working with DNA, RNA, and protein sequence data while using industry-standard bioinformatics tools, databases, and machine learning methods. As you interpret and visualize complex biological datasets, you'll gain the practical experience and confidence to apply your skills in healthcare, biotechnology, research, technology, finance, and other data-driven industries.
Why Langara?
Students choose Langara’s Bioinformatics program because it prioritizes practical learning through work integrated learning placements and capstone projects. Students don’t just study theory; they build experience through applied coursework and lab-based learning across the program.
“Our program stands out because of its applied, hands-on approach,” says Patricia Aroca-Ouellette, Dean of Regular Studies. “Students graduate with real-world experience, which is key to succeeding in this field.”
Key components include:
- A mandatory eight-month paid co-op in industry
- An industry-focused capstone project addressing real-world problems
- Working with real genomic and biological datasets in third- and fourth-year courses
- Applied computer-lab and project-based coursework throughout the program
Beyond the classroom, you’ll also build valuable connections within British Columbia’s and Canada’s life sciences sectors through organizations such as BioTalent Canada, BIOTECanada, Life Sciences BC, and the Vancouver Bioinformatics Users Group (VanBUG).
Career destinations
Langara’s baccalaureate Bioinformatics program emphasizes applied, career-focused learning, equipping students with practical skills for careers across biotechnology, healthcare, research, technology, government, and other data-driven sectors.
Graduates are prepared for careers as:
- Bioinformatics Analyst or Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Computational Biologist
- Biotechnology or pharmaceutical researcher
- Healthcare data analyst or software developer
Demand for this talent is apparent. WorkBC projects 1940 job openings in related fields in the province between 2025 and 2035, with average annual earnings of $81,431.
Students who choose to pursue an academic or research pathway are also well prepared for graduate studies in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, and related fields.
Bioinformatics is a fast-growing, high-demand field driven by advances in genomics and data science, and Langara’s degree is built to get you ready from the start.
Ready to take the first step toward a career in an emerging industry with abundant potential? Discover British Columbia's only Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and see where biology, computing, and data science can take you.
