Bioinformatics is an exciting, interdisciplinary field that merges biology, computer science, and statistics to analyze and interpret large-scale biological data. With the explosion of data from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome research, bioinformatics is essential to understanding the complexity of life—and improving it.
Why Bioinformatics Matters Today
The ease and affordability of collecting biological data have transformed biology into a data-driven science. Advances in high-throughput sequencing and open-access data repositories are fueling discoveries in:
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Personalized medicine and genomics
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Drug discovery and disease prevention
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Agricultural and food technology
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Environmental and microbial ecology
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Biotech innovation and synthetic biology
From identifying thousands of disease-causing genes after the Human Genome Project to mapping microbial ecosystems, bioinformatics tools are revolutionizing how we study and solve biological problems.
Program Overview: BSc in Bioinformatics
The Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics is a comprehensive, future-focused degree that prepares students to thrive in this fast-growing sector. This program emphasizes hands-on experience, applied learning, and real-world relevance through:
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Cutting-edge coursework in biology, computer science, and data analytics
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Computer lab-based instruction focused on data mining, coding, and visualization
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A mandatory eight-month paid co-op work term to gain real industry experience
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Training in the use of modern bioinformatics tools and databases
What You’ll Learn
Students in the BSc Bioinformatics program will develop a unique and valuable skill set:
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Analyze DNA, RNA, and protein sequences
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Work with genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data
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Use machine learning and data science tools for biological discovery
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Build computational pipelines and perform statistical modeling
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Create visualizations and reports for scientific communication
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Solve complex problems using integrated biological and computational thinking
Career Opportunities in Bioinformatics
Graduates of the program are equipped for high-demand roles in academia, research, healthcare, and industry, including:
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Bioinformatics Scientist or Analyst
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Computational Biologist
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Genomics or Proteomics Specialist
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Pharmaceutical or Biotech Researcher
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Data Scientist (Biological Focus)
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Biomedical Software Developer
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Agrigenomics or Environmental Bioinformatics Expert
A Degree That Powers the Future of Science
With strong foundations in both biology and computer science, this program prepares you to:
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Contribute to cutting-edge medical and biotech innovations
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Participate in multi-disciplinary scientific research
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Drive data-based decision making in healthcare, agriculture, and the environment
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Excel in graduate programs in bioinformatics, computational biology, or systems biology
- Academic Requirement: The applicant must have a minimum of 60% in each core subject and at least 50% in each additional subject in Grade 12.
- ELP Requirement: IELTS- Minimum overall score of 6.5 and minimum 6 in each module. Duolingo English Test- Minimum overall score of 110. TOEFL IBT- Minimum overall score of 80, 20 in W/R, 18 in S/L
- Special Requirement: No direct entry to this program, the students will have to complete the associate degree.
International Student Deposit
Starting Spring 2025, new international students must pay a $6,000 deposit. This deposit is non-refundable unless your initial Canadian study permit is refused by IRCC (refusal letter must be dated on or after your application). To request a refund, complete the International Student Deposit Approval Refund Request form:
Paying on Time
You must register and pay all fees and deposits by the published deadlines. If you miss the Phase I payment deadline, you will be dropped from your classes.
Phase II Registration
Any fees owed for Phase II (Late Registration) are due immediately. Late payments will incur penalties and interest.
Non-Payment Doesn’t Mean Withdrawal
Not paying or not attending doesn’t automatically drop your courses. You remain responsible for all fees until you officially withdraw.
Access & Collections
All outstanding fees and fines must be cleared before you can use College services. Unpaid accounts go to a collection agency.
Dropping Courses & Refunds
You may get full or partial refunds if you officially drop courses by the posted deadlines.
Appeals
If you have extenuating circumstances, submit an appeal with documentation to the Registrar’s Office.
Late Fees & NSF Cheques
Overdue accounts incur interest (1.8% per month) and a $10/month late fee. NSF (bounced) cheques carry a $25 charge. Future payments must be by cash, money order, or certified cheque.
Holds for Unpaid Balances
If you owe money (tuition, library fines, equipment fees, etc.), you cannot register for new courses or receive transcripts, diplomas, or letters until your account is paid in full.
Summer Semester 2025 (May–August)
Withdrawal Deadlines
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May 31 – Last day (before 21:00) to withdraw from May–Jun half-semester courses.
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June 28 – Last day (before 21:00) to withdraw from regular-semester courses.
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July 19 – Last day to withdraw from Jun–Aug half-semester courses (email registration@langara.ca before 21:00).
Refund Deadlines
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May 4 – Last day to drop regular and May–Jun half-semester courses (before 21:00) for a 100% tuition refund (less any non-refundable fees).
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May 7 – Last day to drop May–Jun half-semester courses (before 21:00) for a 70% tuition refund (less any non-refundable fees).
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[Date as published] – Last day to drop regular-semester courses (before 21:00) for a 70% tuition refund (less any non-refundable fees).
Fall Semester 2025 (September–December)
Withdrawal Deadlines
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September 27 – Last day (before 21:00) to withdraw from Sep–Oct half-semester courses.
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October 25 – Last day (before 21:00) to withdraw from regular-semester courses.
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November 15 – Last day to withdraw from Oct–Dec half-semester courses (email registration@langara.ca before 21:00).
Refund Deadlines
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[Date as published] – Last day to drop regular and Sep–Oct half-semester courses (before 21:00) for a 100% tuition refund (less any non-refundable fees).
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September 4 – Last day to drop Sep–Oct half-semester courses (before 21:00) for a 70% tuition refund (less any non-refundable fees).
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[Date as published] – Last day to drop regular-semester courses (before 21:00) for a 70% tuition refund (less any non-refundable fees).
- Application Fee: $155
- LOA Deposit: $6,000
- Annual Tuition Fee: $19,137
- Total Tuition Fee: $76,548
- Course Duration: 4 years
- Credentials: Bachelor
- Intake: September, January, May
- CV/Resume (Dates of education and experience must be mentioned in MM-YYYY format)
Example: Job from MM-YYYY --- to MM-YYYY
- Valid passport copy
- Academic documents (Bachelor transcripts and certificate + Senior secondary certificate/WAEC/12th)
- Medium of instructions letter
IF ONSHORE STUDENT
- Stamped copy of visa
- LOI
- Study permit
- Canadian Address:
- Canadian Contact No: