Moscow State University, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics: student reviews. Bioengineering What is Bioinformatics

With the development of technology, new specialties have appeared in many industries. Several innovative directions have also emerged in the field of biology. For example, bioengineering and bioinformatics. They are rightly called "sciences of the future". What they are doing is incredible. It seems that the magic is right in front of us.

At Moscow State University MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics has been operating for 16 years. All this time, it has been graduating certified bioengineers and bioinformatics who have completed practical training and are ready to work.

The faculties of bioengineering and bioinformatics at Moscow State University attract students with the latest technology, study methods, prospects and opportunities.

What is bioengineering

The newest branch of biology, which is closely related to technology, is bioengineering. It is fair to assume that the future belongs to him. This young science is just beginning a long and promising path of development. However, there is already a lot of progress. Bioengineers develop and then grow living organs and tissues that can last longer than transplant ones. They will also have a low risk of rejection by the body.

Bioengineering has now focused on the cellular and gene levels. This offers great promise and promise for medicine in general. For example, whole organs are grown on the basis of tissue cells, as mentioned above.

What is bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is a science that combines biology, mathematics, computer science. The industry is under development. The task of specialists in this field is the processing and analysis of data obtained in laboratories, as well as the correct structuring and work with this information.

Projects created by bioinformatics vary widely in scale. Now the most popular among them are genomic bioinformatics (or personalized genomics). With the help of the analysis, an individual optimal method of treatment, diet, physical activity, and special recommendations are developed for a person. Such a program allows you to create a drug taking into account the characteristics of a particular person.

The Faculties of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics at Moscow State University provide the knowledge necessary for further work.

Study at Moscow State University

The Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics at Moscow State University was founded in 2002. This is the first higher educational institution in Russia, where personnel training for work in these specialties has begun. In this direction, highly qualified specialists are trained who possess the latest knowledge in the field of biological sciences. They have the skills to change the subject according to the stated purpose. The training lasts six years.

The "foundation" of the faculty:

Bioengineering disciplines are taught.
Special attention to mathematics. It is being studied in an increased volume.

Specificity of the program

The Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics at Moscow State University has several distinctive features that help make education more effective and of better quality. A special program comprehensively develops specialists, teaches them to think, self-study and make important decisions.

Features of the educational system of the faculty:

An interdisciplinary approach is the basis of the training program. In other words, different information areas are used to solve the question posed. Such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics. To do this, the teachers of these faculties are attracted, including the staff of the N.I. A. N. Belozersky Moscow State University.
Tutors work. That is, mentors who are involved in organizing the conditions for the folding and implementation of the student's individual educational program.
Each student carries out scientific work. Three coursework in bioinformatics, biochemistry, bioengineering. In the last year - the final thesis. It is also possible to defend it in the form of a report at a conference in a foreign language.
An end-to-end rating system has been established. This encourages learners not to lower the bar.
Some attention is paid to the humanities and, of course, philosophy. For those who wish there is a special program for in-depth study of foreign languages; upon completion of the course, a confirmation certificate is issued. This opens up broad prospects for work outside of Russia.
Students of the faculty are obliged to undergo training practice.

Entrance exams

In order to enter the faculty, you need to pass entrance tests. This is the Unified State Exam and the work that is offered to be done directly at the Moscow State University. The scores of the entrance exams to the Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics at Moscow State University determine on what basis (budgetary or contractual) the training will take place. The USE scores take into account mathematics, chemistry, biology and Russian. In mathematics, an additional written entrance exam is conducted. The passing score for the budget exceeds 300.

Individual merit points are added to applicants. For example, participation in olympiads according to the profile, the presence of a certificate of secondary general education with honors, the presence of the golden sign of the TRP, sports achievements, and in some cases the mark received for the final essay are taken into account.

Documents are submitted in person, by mail or in digital form (for the latter option, contact information is indicated on the official website of the university).

For schoolchildren

If students in grades 9-11 want to improve their knowledge and prepare for admission to the Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow State University has special preparatory programs. For example, the faculty has had a group of genetic engineering and molecular biology for 15 years. For 10 years, there has been a biology circle for high school students. The faculty annually conducts the All-Russian correspondence Olympiad in specialized subjects.

If the past century left behind the name of the cosmic one, then the present times are characterized by the rapid development of new technologies, the introduction into everyday life of inventions that were not so long ago considered the inventions of science fiction writers. The era of new technologies is coming. Young people on the verge of a serious choice of profession are increasingly paying attention to promising specialties of the future. These are the specialties of "biotechnology". What exactly does this science study and what does a specialist who has chosen such a tempting occupation have to do?

History reference

The name of this science consists of the addition of three Greek words: "bio" - life, "tekne" - art, "logos" - science. The specialty "biotechnology" is simultaneously a new promising direction, and at the same time it can be called the oldest branch of industrial production.

In reference books and dictionaries, biotechnology is defined as a science that studies the possibility of using natural chemical and biological processes and objects in industrial production and in everyday life. The fermentation processes used by ancient winemakers, bakers, chefs and healers are nothing more than practical applications of biotechnology. The first scientific justification for these processes was given in the 19th century by Louis Pasteur. The very term "biotechnology" was first used in 1917 by an engineer from Hungary Karl Ereki.

The specialties "biotechnology" and "bioengineering" were accelerated in development after a number of discoveries in microbiology and pharmacology. The commissioning of sealed equipment and bioreactors gave impetus to the creation of antimicrobial and antiviral drugs.

Science connection

Modern chemical technology and biotechnology (specialty) combine biological, chemical and technical sciences. Microbiology, genetics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and embryology become the basis for new research in this area. Engineering directions play a significant role: robotics, information technology.

Specialty - biotechnology: where to work?

More than twenty specializations and directions are hidden under the general names of the specialty "biotechnology". Graduates of universities with such a profession can be safely called broad-based specialists. During their studies, they receive knowledge in the field of medicine, chemistry, general biology, ecology, food technology. Biotechnologists are expected in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries, in food and nutritional supplements industries. Modernity is waiting for new developments of scientists in the field of genetic engineering, bionics, hybridization. The place of work of an engineer - biologist can be associated with enterprises for environmental protection, with work in the field of astronautics and robotics. Engineers, biochemists, biophysicists, ecologists, pharmacists, doctors - all these professions are united by the specialty "biotechnology". Who to work, each graduate of the university decides in accordance with their abilities and at the call of the heart. Labor duties of a technologist - biologist depend on the specifics of the industry in which he works.

Industrial biotechnology

This industry practices the use of particles of microorganisms, plants and animals for the production of valuable products necessary for human life. This group includes specialties "food biotechnology", "pharmaceuticals", perfumery industry. Industrial biotechnology works to create new enzymes, antibiotics, fertilizers, vaccines, etc. The main activity of a biotechnologist at such enterprises is the development of biological products and compliance with their production technologies.

Molecular Biotechnology

The specialty "molecular biotechnology" requires from a professional in-depth knowledge of both general biological and engineering directions, modern computer technologies. Specialists with this specificity become researchers in the field of nanotechnology, cell engineering, and medical diagnostics. Agricultural, pharmaceutical, biotechnological enterprises and analytical laboratories and certification centers are also waiting for them.

Biotechnologists - ecologists and energy specialists

The world's population is more and more concerned about the fact that the reserves of natural energy carriers, oil and gas, have their limits, the scale of their production will decrease over time. People whose specialty is biotechnology will help humanity solve the problem of energy supply. Who to work in this industry? A technologist for the processing of waste of various origins, specially grown biomass into energy carriers and substances that can replace synthetic substances of oil and gas. Biotechnologists create new methods of water purification, design treatment facilities and bioreactors, and work in the field of genetic engineering.

Specialty prospects

Who is a biotechnologist? The biotechnology profession is the profession of the future. Behind him is the fate of all mankind. It's not just a pretty slogan - it's the goal of bioengineering. The task of biologists-technologists is to create what now seems like a fairy tale and a fantastic dream. Some scientists even call the modern era the era of biology. So, over the past hundred years, biologists have turned from just researchers into creators. Disclosure of the molecular secrets of organisms, the nature of heredity made it possible to use these processes for practical economic purposes. This became the impetus for the development of a new direction - biological engineering.

What may surprise genetics in the near future?

Already, bioengineering has a significant impact on environmental protection, medicine, agriculture, the food industry, and in the nearest plans of biotechnologists - new methods and techniques. Those who plan to link their fate with the specialty "biotechnology", where to work, in what direction, can find out from the information below:

First of all, revolutionary changes can occur in agricultural production. It is possible to artificially create new plants with a higher protein content, which in turn will reduce the consumption of meat.
Plants, which will themselves release insect poisons and nitrates, will reduce soil contamination with fertilizers and chemicals.
Genetic engineering allows you to manage heredity and fight hereditary diseases.
Design biologists plan to artificially create organisms with predetermined qualities.

Bioengineering directions that will dramatically change the world

They are as follows:

Energy and fuel from plants, fungi, bacteria, as well as the use of sea energy for these purposes.
Genetically modified crops.
Waste-free production circle - processing of all types of waste.
The use of biomaterials for regenerative medicine.
New types of biological drugs and vaccines.
Restoration of the potential of fertile land and fresh water.
Research on the human genome and hereditary diseases.

Profession costs

Speaking about the advantages and prospects of biotechnology, one cannot fail to mention some of the disadvantages of science. We are talking about the moral aspects associated with the discoveries of genetic engineering. Many world-renowned scientists, religious leaders warn that it is necessary to use the possibilities of nanotechnology wisely and under special control. Genetically modified food can lead to irreparable changes in the human gene pool. Human cloning, the appearance of people born "in vitro" lead to new problems and, possibly, to human disasters.

Who can become a biotechnologist?

First of all, this is a person who loves nature, biology, is interested in the secrets of genetics. In addition, a biotechnologist needs creative thinking, logic, observation, patience, and curiosity. Such qualities as dedication, the ability to analyze and systematize, accuracy and broad erudition will be useful.

Since bioengineering presupposes a close relationship with other sciences, a future technologist needs equally good knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

Where are the professions taught?

Career guidance is defined, the applicant has chosen the profession of biotechnologist: where to study? The features of the specialty involve the corresponding faculties, depending on the chosen branch of the national economy. There are biotechnology faculties in almost all state universities in our country and abroad. Biotechnologists are trained by technical, agricultural, food, technological universities in various fields and specializations.

Biotechnology specialties offer the following:

Industrial biotechnology.
Ecobiotechnology and bioenergy.
Biotechnics and Engineering.
Bioinformatics.
Molecular Biotechnology.
Equipment for biotechnological industries.
Pharmaceutical biotechnology.
Chemical technologies of food additives and cosmetics.
Chemical technology and engineering.

The review was initiated by the EMC Moscow Research and Development Center for Big Data and Cloud Technologies (EMC Research Center).

About bioinformatics trends and what opportunities open up for specialists,.

Where to study bioinformatics?

Yuri Pekov

At the moment, the Russian genomics and bioinformatics market continues to be actively formed. The main research centers are still Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The ecosystem for schoolchildren is developing, but so far it is poorly represented: children from Moscow have somewhere to go to study, in the regions the situation is more complicated, there are simply no such places. At school, bioinformatics is not affected. In laboratories, students are not liked - there is too much responsibility, and the students themselves do not know who and why to go. There is no systematic additional education either.

Where to go for the student?

Festival of Science at Moscow State University. Is free;
Open days at HSE and Phystech. Is free;
Bioinformatics camp, about 30,000 rubles;
Elective "Bioinformatics for Schoolchildren" from the Moscow Center for Research and Development EMC for students in grades 8-11, research and design laboratory "Ilmarinen" , PetrSU, Petrozavodsk. Will start after the new year. Is free;
There was a School of Molecular and Theoretical Biology in Pushchino. Now her work has been suspended. Perhaps the school will open its doors again next year if funding can be raised. Is free.

Higher education in bioinformatics can be obtained at the following universities:

Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow State University, Moscow. There are budget and paid places (325,000 rubles per year);
Master in Data Analysis in Biology and Medicine at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow. There are budget and paid places (about 250,000 rubles per year);
Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow. There are budgetary and paid places (124,000 rubles per year as of 2011);
Master's program "Biomedical Sciences and Technologies", Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow. Some of my studies take place abroad. Free + scholarship paid;
Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine and Biology, Russian National Research Medical University named after Pirogov, Moscow. There are budget and paid places (150,000 rubles per year);
Department of Mathematical and Information Technologies SPbAU RAS, St. Petersburg. There are budgetary and paid places (10,000 rubles per semester for residents of the Russian Federation, 20,000 rubles per semester for residents of the CIS, 30,000 rubles per semester for foreign citizens);
Department of Applied Mathematics, Institute of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, SPbPU, St. Petersburg. There are budget and paid places (about 78,000 rubles per year);
Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics, UNN, Nizhny Novgorod. There are budget and paid places (85,000 rubles per year);
Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Cybernetics, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan. There are budget and paid places (from 78,000 to 110,000 rubles per year);
Department of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Institute of Priority Technologies VolSU, Volgograd. There are budgetary and paid places (78,400 rubles per year);
Specialty Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biology, Saratov State University. There are budget and paid places (68,400 rubles per year);
Department of Information Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, NSU, Novosibirsk. There are budget and paid places (100,000 rubles per year).

The number of programs in the field of basic and additional education in the field of bioinformatics is growing.

Runs:

New master's programs (for example, master's degree at Phystech);
Training centers (School of Bioinformatics, Moscow. 10,000 rubles per year; St. Petersburg. 10,000 rubles);
Short-term courses and schools in bioinformatics (Blastima training center, Moscow. From 15,000 to 30,000 rubles; events of the Institute of Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg and Moscow. Courses from 7,500 to 45,000 rubles; NGS electives at Moscow State University, Moscow. Free; summer CSHL schools, Moscow 30 000 rubles, there are scholarships; School of bioinformatics within the framework of the conference "Genomic sequencing", Moscow. Free; School at the conference "Molecular phylogenetics", Moscow. 3000 - 7000 rubles);
Online courses in Russian and English and training programs (

Biotechnology is the past, future and present of humanity. In her competence, not only the identification of new forms of medicinal plants and the discovery of new abilities of living organisms, but also genetic engineering is one of the most difficult and controversial areas of science. If you want to become a biotechnologist, then perhaps you are the one who clones a human. Because there are no scientific barriers to this, and ethical issues will certainly be resolved in the near future. Next, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the profession, tell you how to get it, how to build a career and achieve success.

Biotechnologist engineer - who is this

A biotechnologist is a specialist who studies biotechnology in general or in one of its varieties. Biotechnology is a science that studies the possibility of using biomaterials to solve certain technological problems, as well as to implement projects in the field of hybridization and genetic engineering. The core of the specialization is genetics, as well as key areas of biology and embryology. Biotechnology is also based on some applied disciplines, in particular on robotics.

The profession is respectable, well paid and quite ancient. One of the first biotechnologies, by the way, was brewing. Today, the work of scientists and practitioners is concentrated on solving problems in medicine, genetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industry and other industries that use their developments. Many discoveries are of a global nature and change not only the specifics and effectiveness of a particular direction, but also the life of mankind as a whole. A striking example is plant breeding and genetic modification and cloning.

Types of biotechnology and the scope of duties of a specialist

The work instructions of a biotechnologist engineer depend not only on the specialization, but also on the specific place of work. A university teacher focuses on pedagogy, a breeder - on improving the qualities of plants, a genetic engineer - on the study of, say, mutations or the same cloning. The scope of responsibilities also depends on the type of biotechnology that the specialist is engaged in. Key areas:

Bioengineering - is aimed, in particular, at solving medical problems and at improving the protection of human health.
Biomedicine Is one of the theoretical branches of medicine that studies the human body, pathologies and methods of their treatment.
Biopharmacology - works in the interests of pharmacology, studying the characteristics and properties of substances of biological origin.
Bioinformatics - de facto it is the application of mathematical technologies and computer analysis in biology.
Bionics - applied science based on the application of the features of living organisms and principles of living nature in technology.
Cloning - the implementation of asexual reproduction, obtaining organisms identical in the genome (remember the female sheep Dolly).
Hybridization - creation of hybrids by combining genes of different cells into one.
Genetic Engineering - is aimed at studying, copying and altering the genome, in particular, DNA transformation.

The tasks of the biotechnologist include the study of the object, research and implementation of projects. The object usually depends on the direction of biotechnology in which the specialist works. Accordingly, the range of tasks changes depending on the place of work and the project on which the engineer or scientist is working.

Where to study to be a biotechnologist

Compulsory in the university and best of all in the state. The authority of the educational institution does not play a special role, the level of the department and the opportunities that the educational institution provides to students in the learning process are important.

You must have the opportunity to practice, contact the scientific community, you must have the necessary resources (laboratories, places to practice, and so on).

Try to learn as much as possible about the faculty of the chosen university. Especially evaluate the level of the teaching staff, in particular the practical achievements of the professors.

The TOP-5 best universities in Russia, where biotechnologists are taught, include:

Moscow State University Lomonosov.
Research University. Pirogov.
RUDN.
SPbSU.
Agrarian University. Timiryazev.

You can also get a profession according to an accelerated program in the framework of the first or second higher education. To do this, you must have a diploma of a graduate of a secondary specialized educational institution in a specialized specialty, or a higher education in any specialty. Several distance learning programs are also being implemented, but their effectiveness raises reasonable doubts among experts.

What personal qualities you need to have

First of all, it is perseverance. Behind the most important discoveries are years of hard, difficult and not very dynamic work in the laboratory or in the office. A scientist can spend a lot of time and energy on a project that ultimately fails. It is necessary to have iron nerves and determination, it is important to believe in your own strength even when everything turns against you.

At the same time, you need to have a developed intellect and logical thinking, to be open to continuous learning and advanced training. Another important personal quality of a potential biotechnologist is sociability. It is important to maintain contact with the scientific community and be able to work in a team, find a common language with project leaders and sponsors, and competently build communication with subordinates.

Where do biotechnologists work

Research centers... Here the work of a biotechnologist is aimed at implementing projects of global importance. This is serious research and practical development that is carried out by order of companies or in the name of science. Here, new abilities and properties of living organisms are revealed, the genome is studied, DNA is transformed, and so on.

The medicine... Biotechnology is inseparable from medicine. As part of the research of specialists, methods of treating many diseases were found, the features of genetics, human anatomy were studied, and methods of rehabilitation were created. The developments of biotechnologists are used in almost all areas of medicine - from plastic surgery to bone marrow transplantation.

Production... Pharmaceuticals, agricultural production, food industry - biotechnology is inseparable from the activities of companies that work with living organisms. Hybridization, genetic engineering, bionics and biopharmacology play special roles here.

Educational institutions... Often, specialists stay to work in the same universities where they received their education. They receive additional pedagogical education and become teachers, or develop their scientific potential. According to statistics, at least 30% of university graduates remain to work in universities, institutes and academies.

It is important to note that this is not a complete list of areas in which biotechnologists work. This is a demanded, relevant profession - vacancies are open for specialists in hundreds of enterprises, research companies and industries. It is simply impossible to cover all possible places of employment in an overview.

Pros and cons of the profession

The key advantage of the biotechnology specialty lies in its relevance - this area not only does not become obsolete, but also takes on new forms.

In particular, it integrates into robotics and the rapidly changing food production. Therefore, you do not have to worry about the profession becoming obsolete.

Others pros biotechnology profession:

Respectability and possible recognition.
Decent wages for qualified specialists.
Unlimited career prospects.
A huge variety of areas of work and areas for employment.
An opportunity to make discoveries that will change the life of humanity.

At the same time, it is important to note and limitations specialties. Thus, university graduates should not count on high salaries in the first 2-3 years of building a career. Moreover, this is a difficult, extremely demanding job. Too much depends on the place of work and even banal luck. If your manager is engaged, and the sponsor is frankly incompetent, problems with project implementation cannot be avoided.

The rapid development of biology has led to the widespread use of completely new practical approaches to solving problems of health care and agriculture, to develop fundamentally new technologies and materials in various industries. All over the world, there is a shortage of qualified personnel capable of fruitfully working in the field of bioengineering and bioinformatics, and our country is no exception.

The Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, created in 2002 at Moscow State University, trains highly qualified personnel for research institutes and universities, medical institutes and institutions, and industry (especially pharmaceutical and biotechnical industries).

These are specialists who possess the latest achievements of fundamental biological science and are capable of purposefully changing biological objects in accordance with the assigned tasks.

For the purpose of effective and optimal training of such specialists, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation has approved a new educational specialty "bioengineering and bioinformatics".

Distinctive features of the specialty are:

studying bioengineering disciplines: genetic engineering; bioengineering of microorganisms, plants and animals; cloning and cell transplantation; protein engineering; engineering enzymology;
a significant increase in the volume of teaching mathematics and, especially, computer science, both in the general course and within the framework of specialized courses in bioinformatics.

The educational system of the FBB has the following features:

the FBB curriculum is based on an interdisciplinary approach. Teaching activities are carried out by employees of the chemical, biological, mechanics and mathematics and physics faculties, as well as employees of the N.I. A.N. Belozersky Moscow State University. Students fully master the classical biology and classical mathematics inherent in university traditions. In addition to this, they study the most modern methods of bioengineering, genetic engineering, molecular biology, bioinformatics and mat. methods in biology;
the faculty introduced a system of tutors - scientists who personally supervise the research work of students. The scientific work of students is an important and mandatory part of the curriculum. Each student completes three coursework during the course of study - in bioinformatics, biochemistry and bioengineering, in the 6th year he performs his thesis. Practicing the defense of term papers in the form of a report at a conference in English;
an end-to-end rating system was introduced as an incentive for students to compete;
the faculty offers courses on "Russian language and culture of speech", "Psychology and pedagogy", "Philosophy", "Rhetoric", as well as language optional and special courses - "Referencing and translation", "Methodology of the specialty in English". An opportunity is provided for in-depth study of the English language (at the IV and V courses), if desired, students are prepared for passing international exams in English (with the subsequent receipt of international certificates). The opportunity to study the second and third foreign languages \u200b\u200b(French, German) is provided;
students of the faculty undergo the following educational practices: in the first year - biological practice (Zvenigorod biological station named after SP Skadovsky); in the second year - zoological practice (N.A. Pertsov White Sea Biological Station, Karelian coast of the Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea).

The use of new information technologies and computer technology in the educational process and scientific research is one of the most important priorities of the faculty.

The multimedia support of training sessions is widely used. Internet access is provided. An Internet portal for the bioinformatics course has been created. Organized their own workshops on biochemistry, molecular biology, cytogenetics.

Graduates of the Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics make up the contingent of the most demanded categories of young specialists.

The complexity and versatility of the education received, as well as the skills of research work, allowed the graduates of the faculty to find application of the knowledge gained in various fields. Most of the graduates decided to continue their education in the system of postgraduate education and became postgraduate students and applicants at the Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics of Moscow State University, Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology named after M.V. A.N. Belozersky, Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Institute of General Genetics, RAS, Center for Bioengineering, RAS, Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry. V.N. Orekhovich RAMS.